Check-In Shock: Why Hotels Put a Hold on Your Card (And How Long It Lasts)
You've just checked into your hotel after a long journey, handed over your credit card, and breathed a sigh of relief. Hours later, you check your bank account and freeze—there's a mysterious charge for hundreds of dollars more than your room rate.
Panic sets in. Did the hotel overcharge you? Is this fraud?
Relax. What you're seeing is a hotel credit card hold, also called a pre-authorization. It's not an actual charge, but rather a temporary freeze on your available credit that virtually every hotel implements. While this industry-standard practice protects hotels from unpaid bills and room damage, it can wreak havoc on your travel budget if you don't understand how it works.
This guide reveals everything you need to know about hotel credit card holds—why they exist, how much hotels actually hold, when your money gets released, and seven proven strategies to avoid getting blindsided at check-in.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Hotel Credit Card Hold?
- Why Do Hotels Place Holds on Your Card?
- How Much Do Hotels Hold?
- How Long Does a Hotel Hold Last?
- Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: The Critical Difference
- 7 Smart Strategies to Manage Hotel Holds
- What to Do If Your Hold Isn't Released
- Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Stress Less
What Is a Hotel Credit Card Hold?
A credit card hold is a request from the merchant to pre-authorize funds on your credit or debit card pending a final transaction. Think of it as the hotel temporarily reserving a portion of your available credit without actually charging you—yet.
A credit card hold, also known as a pre-authorization, is a temporary hold placed on a portion of your available credit limit by the hotel. It's not an actual charge, but rather a reservation of funds.
Here's how it works in practice:
Imagine your room costs $200 per night for three nights ($600 total). At check-in, the hotel places a hold for $750—your room cost plus an additional $150 buffer for incidentals. This $750 temporarily disappears from your available credit, but it hasn't been charged to your account. When you check out without using room service or damaging anything, the hotel charges only the actual $600 room rate, and the extra $150 hold gets released back to your available credit.
The key distinction: A hold reduces your available credit but doesn't appear as a transaction on your statement. It's essentially the hotel saying to your bank, "Reserve this money—we might need it."
Why Do Hotels Place Holds on Your Card?
Hotels aren't trying to trap your money—they're protecting themselves from three specific financial risks while simultaneously making your stay more convenient.
Protection Against Incidental Charges
Hotel incidentals are charges beyond the room rate and tax. At check-in, most hotels place a temporary hold to cover extras like parking, minibar, room service, laundry, and fees.
Without a hold, hotels would need to process a separate credit card transaction every time you ordered room service, grabbed a soda from the minibar, or used the hotel spa. The hold allows you to "charge to your room" seamlessly, with all expenses settling at checkout.
Security Deposit for Room Damage
There's another reason for a hold: It's a security deposit of sorts, in case you trash the room. "It's a way to [insure] against damage or loss," says Kari Luckett, a financial expert.
Hotels need assurance they can recover costs if you damage the television, stain the carpet, or smoke in a non-smoking room. The hold guarantees they have access to funds if your final bill exceeds what you originally paid.
Verification of Sufficient Funds
Verification of Funds: The hold allows the hotel to verify that your credit card is valid and has sufficient funds available. This helps prevent issues at checkout if your card were to be declined.
This protects both parties—the hotel confirms you can pay before providing services, and you avoid the embarrassment of a declined card at checkout after enjoying a multi-night stay.
Why luxury hotels hold more: The more expensive the room, the greater chance you'll experience a generous hold, she adds. "It's usually from five-star hotels and hotels that pack the room with food and drinks or offer room service or concierge."
How Much Do Hotels Hold?
There's no universal standard—hotel hold amounts vary dramatically based on property type, location, and length of stay.
Typical Hold Amounts
Each hotel will have its own specific hold amount, generally $50-$200, on top of your room rate (including taxes and fees).
A hotel credit card hold usually is the price of the room, plus tax, and an extra charge of $50 to $200 a day to cover incidentals like room service or mini-bar snacks. Most hotels hold $50 - $200 per night on your credit card for incidentals, on top of the room price.
Real-world examples:
- Budget hotel (Motel 6, Super 8): $50-75 per night for incidentals
- Mid-range hotel (Holiday Inn, Courtyard Marriott): $75-150 per night
- Luxury hotel (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton): $150-300+ per night
- Resort properties: Often 25-50% of your total reservation cost
Factors That Increase Hold Amounts
The cost of your room: Generally, the hold will at least cover the total cost of your room and applicable taxes. The hotel's policy on incidentals: Some hotels have a standard daily or per-stay amount they add to the hold to cover potential extras. This amount can range from a nominal fee to a more substantial sum. The length of your stay: Longer stays may result in larger holds. The type of hotel: Higher-end hotels with more amenities might have larger hold amounts.
Pro tip: Always call the hotel directly before arrival and ask: "What is your incidental hold amount?" This simple question prevents surprises and helps you budget appropriately.
How Long Does a Hotel Hold Last?
This is where travelers experience the most frustration—and where the process becomes unpredictable.
Standard Release Timeline
"Credit card holds are typically released within 24 hours of checking out," says Marriott spokesman John Wolf, who notes that holds are an industry-wide practice, common among hotels and car rental companies.
Generally, most hotel credit card holds will drop off within one to a few days after you check out. If you're still seeing the hold on your account after that, reach out to your credit card issuer to see if you can get it removed.
However, the reality is more complex. The time it takes for the hold to disappear from your credit card statement can vary depending on your bank or credit card issuer. It can typically take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days, but in some cases, it might take a little longer.
Why Holds Take So Long to Release
And while payment networks set limits, the issuers each have their own standards in place for how long a pre-authorized charge may stay pending on your account. So even after a hotel notifies a card issuer that a hold is no longer required pending an official charge, an issuer may still take a few days to remove the original pending charge.
The frustrating truth: Generally a credit card hold is processed by the card network itself (e.g. Visa or Mastercard) and not by the merchant. So the hotel itself likely does not have any control over how long the hotel credit card hold amount stays on your account.
The hotel releases the hold on their end immediately at checkout, but your bank controls when it actually shows up as available credit again. Different banks have wildly different processing speeds.
Banking Behind the Scenes
The hotel is asking your bank to post a charge against your account, in banking terms, it's called an "authorization request." The hotel then has about a week to make a deposit request, which is the actual transfer of money from your account.
This week-long window explains why some holds linger—the banking system allows hotels seven days to convert a pre-authorization into an actual charge.
Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: The Critical Difference
Using a debit card instead of a credit card at hotel check-in can create serious financial problems that most travelers don't anticipate.
Why Credit Cards Are Superior for Hotel Stays
With a credit card, the hold simply reduces your available credit limit without touching your actual money. If you have a $5,000 credit limit and the hotel places a $300 hold, you still have $4,700 available for other purchases. When you use a credit card, the hotel only places an authorization on your card instead of processing an actual charge. That authorization will hold funds from your credit card limit, but it will not actually charge the credit card. That way, when you check out, if you have not had any incidental charges, the hold will just come off of the credit card.
The Debit Card Trap
Some travelers do not have credit cards and must use debit, where holds can last up to 14 business days.
With a debit card, the hotel can't place a "hold"—they must actually charge your bank account and then refund you later. Now, if you use a debit card, the hotel has to actually charge you and then refund you at check out. We also issue the refund at check out, but depending on your bank, and especially if it's an international bank, it can take up to 10 days to see your money back in your account.
Real consequences:
- That $300 disappears from your checking account immediately
- Your rent payment might bounce if your account balance gets too low
- You could trigger overdraft fees on other transactions
- Even after the hotel processes your refund, your bank might take 7-14 days to return the money
- If you're staying at multiple hotels on a road trip, you could have $500-1,000 tied up in pending refunds
Consider Using a Debit Card (with Caution): While some hotels accept debit cards for holds, be aware that the held amount will be directly deducted from your bank balance and might take longer to be returned compared to a credit card hold. This could potentially lead to temporary cash flow issues.
Bottom line: Always use a credit card for hotel check-ins if you have one. Reserve your debit card for ATM withdrawals only.
7 Smart Strategies to Manage Hotel Holds
Armed with knowledge, you can minimize the impact of hotel holds and avoid unpleasant surprises.
1. Ask About Hold Amounts Before Booking
It's always a good idea to ask the front desk at check-in about the hotel's policy on credit card holds and the estimated amount. This can help avoid any surprises when you check your online banking or credit card statement.
Call the hotel directly and ask: "What is your incidental deposit policy? How much will you hold on my card?" Booking sites rarely disclose this information, but the hotel's front desk always knows.
2. Use the Same Card for Reservation and Check-In
To help ensure your hold is released as soon as possible, use the same credit card for the hold as you do for the room charge. Conversely, using two separate payment methods can take longer for the pending hold charge to be removed.
Using different cards for booking and check-in doubles the processing time because the system can't automatically match the pre-authorization with the final charge.
3. Avoid Room Charges When Possible
The less you use hotel services, the faster your checkout process—and the quicker your hold gets released.
- Skip the minibar (prices are typically 300% higher than convenience stores)
- Order delivery instead of room service (save 30-50% plus gratuity)
- Use your own streaming services instead of in-room movies
- Bring your own snacks and beverages
Every item you charge to your room adds complexity to your final bill and can delay hold release.
4. Monitor Your Available Credit During Your Trip
Reduced Available Credit: The hold temporarily reduces your available credit limit, which could be a concern if you have a low credit limit or plan to make significant purchases during your trip. Multiple Holds: If you're staying at multiple hotels during a trip, you might encounter several holds, further impacting your available credit. Delayed Release: Occasionally, the hold might take longer than expected to be released, which can temporarily tie up your funds.
Check your credit card balance daily during multi-hotel trips. If you're planning a road trip with hotel stays in five different cities, you could have five separate holds totaling $750-1,500 simultaneously reducing your available credit.
5. Request Written Confirmation of Hold Release
When you check out of a hotel or return a rental car, you can ask if the company can immediately remove the authorization hold after you pay the final bill. If they can't clear it right away, you can ask them for an estimated time when the hold will be removed.
At checkout, ask the front desk: "Can you confirm that the incidental hold has been released on your end?" Request they print documentation showing the hold was cancelled. If issues arise later, you'll have proof.
6. Bring Multiple Credit Cards
That is why it is important to carry multiple credit cards and some cash when you are traveling.
If one card is maxed out by holds, having a backup prevents you from being stranded without purchasing power. Consider:
- One card exclusively for hotel check-ins
- One card for dining and activities
- One emergency card with zero balance
This strategy compartmentalizes your spending and prevents a single large hold from crippling your entire trip budget.
7. Consider Elite Status or Prepaid Bookings
Some hotels reduce or eliminate incidental holds for:
- Loyalty program elite members (Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Diamond, etc.)
- Fully prepaid, non-refundable reservations
- Corporate accounts with established payment relationships
If you travel frequently, investing time in earning elite status can save you hundreds of dollars in tied-up funds throughout the year.
What to Do If Your Hold Isn't Released
Despite your best efforts, sometimes holds get stuck in the system. Here's your action plan.
Step 1: Wait the Standard Processing Time
Monitor Your Credit Card Statement: Keep an eye on your online banking or credit card statement to ensure the hold is released within a reasonable timeframe after checkout. If it's taking longer than expected, contact the hotel or your bank.
Give it 5-7 business days before panicking. Most holds release within this window even if the hotel promised 24 hours.
Step 2: Contact the Hotel First
If you're having trouble getting a hold to clear, you'll need to resolve it with the merchant.
Call the hotel's accounting department (not the front desk) and explain: "I checked out on [date] and the incidental hold of $X hasn't been released. Can you confirm it was cancelled on your end and provide documentation?"
Ask for:
- The date and time they released the hold
- A reference number or confirmation code
- The name of the employee you spoke with
Step 3: Dispute with Your Credit Card Issuer
If the hotel confirms they released the hold but it's still showing on your account after 10 business days, contact your credit card company's customer service.
Explain: "A hotel placed an authorization hold on [date] for $X. I checked out on [date] and the hotel confirmed they released the hold, but it's still reducing my available credit. Can you remove this pending authorization?"
Most issuers can manually remove stuck authorizations if the merchant confirms release.
Step 4: File a Formal Complaint
For persistent issues, escalate to:
- Hotel corporate headquarters (for chain properties)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe the hotel or bank violated regulations
- Your state's Attorney General consumer protection division
Document everything: dates, times, names, confirmation numbers, and amounts.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Stress Less
Hotel credit card holds are an unavoidable reality of modern travel, but they don't have to derail your budget or cause anxiety. By understanding why hotels implement holds, how much they typically freeze, and how long it takes for funds to become available again, you can plan accordingly and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Key takeaways:
✓ Holds are temporary reservations of funds, not actual charges
✓ Expect $50-200 per night on top of your room rate
✓ Credit cards are far superior to debit cards for hotel stays
✓ Holds typically release within 3-7 days but can take up to two weeks
✓ Using the same card for booking and check-in speeds up release
✓ Multiple hotels means multiple simultaneous holds—plan your credit accordingly
✓ Always ask about hold policies before booking
The next time you check into a hotel and hand over your card, you'll know exactly what to expect. That mysterious charge isn't fraud—it's just the hotel protecting their interests while you enjoy your stay. And when you check out having avoided the minibar and left the room in good condition, you'll watch that hold disappear back into your available credit, leaving you free to focus on what matters: the journey, the memories, and the experiences that make travel worthwhile.
Safe travels—and may your holds always release quickly.
Have you ever been surprised by a hotel credit card hold? Understanding these policies helps you travel with confidence and financial clarity, whether you're on a weekend getaway, business trip, or extended vacation.