Do You Really Need a Credit Card to Book and Check Into a Hotel?

When you’re planning a trip, this question might keep you up at night: Can you actually book and stay at a hotel without a credit card? The short answer is: it depends. While many hotels will work with you if you lack a credit card, others maintain strict policies that make it nearly impossible. Understanding your options — and knowing what hotels will accept — can mean the difference between a smooth check-in and a frustrating dead end.

Let’s break down the reality of hotel bookings in a world where not everyone carries plastic. According to recent data, roughly 83 million American adults don’t have a credit card. For these travelers, finding accommodations can feel like an unnecessary obstacle course. The good news? You have more options than you might think.

Why Hotels Put a Hold on Your Credit Card

Before we explore alternatives, it’s important to understand why hotels care about your credit card in the first place. When hotels demand credit card information at booking or check-in, they’re typically protecting themselves against two main risks.

First, there’s the cancellation problem. Most hotels have cancellation policies that charge you a fee if you back out after a certain window. Without a credit card on file, the hotel has no reliable way to collect that money. Second, hotels worry about damage and theft. They need assurance that if you damage the room or pocket some minibar snacks without paying, they can recoup those costs. A credit card on file — or more specifically, a hold on that card — gives them that security.

During your stay, hotels also use card holds to cover incidental charges. Grab a drink from the minibar? Order room service? All of those typically get billed to your card at checkout. The hotel wants to ensure the funds are actually available.

Which Hotel Chains Accept Alternatives to Credit Cards?

Here’s where things get interesting: many major hotel brands will actually accept payment methods other than credit cards, though policies vary by property and location.

Best Western is relatively flexible. While online reservations require a credit card, you can call their reservation line to book by phone. Many properties will let you pay with an alternate method at check-in — sometimes even by cash, though this varies by location.

Hilton allows you to provide a debit card number as a guarantee when booking directly through their website. You can then pay via debit or credit upon arrival.

Marriott takes a middle-ground approach. At check-in, you can use a debit card instead of a credit card. Your issuing bank will still place a hold for room charges, taxes, resort fees, and estimated incidentals, but the card type doesn’t have to be a credit card.

Motel 6 accepts debit and bank cards for payment, along with cash or traveler’s checks. Some properties might require a card at check-in, but not all. For large group bookings (10+ rooms), they do require advance payment via credit card, check, or wire transfer.

On the flip side, some major chains are stricter. Hyatt demands a credit card for all online reservations. Radisson only accepts credit cards — debit won’t work. Wyndham requires credit cards for online bookings.

One important caveat: card holds can linger. Both Radisson and Marriott warn that holds might not release for up to five business days after checkout, meaning your money could be tied up for a week.

Booking Without a Credit Card: Your Realistic Options

If your preferred hotel chain demands a credit card you don’t have, don’t panic. A few workarounds might help.

Call the property directly. Just because a website says “credit card required” doesn’t mean every property enforces it uniformly. A manager might be willing to make exceptions or find a solution. Policies can vary significantly by location.

Use a third-party booking site. Marriott might insist on a credit card when booking directly, but Expedia or Orbitz might let you book the same room through their platforms. Orbitz, for instance, accepts debit cards, PayPal, and Affirm (a service that lets you make partial payments through your bank account or by check). Just be aware that booking through third parties sometimes means higher rates and stricter cancellation policies.

Making It Work at Check-In Without Plastic

The real challenge often comes when you arrive at the front desk. Even if you successfully booked without a credit card, the hotel might still refuse to hand over your keys without one on file as a security deposit.

This is frustrating, but it’s not insurmountable. Many hotels will accept alternative forms of financial security. Some properties within major chains will make exceptions if you politely ask. Here are your realistic options:

Cash deposit upfront. Some hotels will accept a cash security deposit instead of a credit card hold. You’ll get the money back at checkout. The downside? Security deposits often run $200 or higher, sometimes over $1,000 at luxury properties. You might not want to — or be able to — travel with that much cash. However, there’s one advantage: cash releases immediately at checkout, whereas card holds can take days to clear.

Debit card hold. Many hotels will place a hold on your debit card just like a credit card. Watch out for spending limits on prepaid debit cards, and make sure your account has sufficient funds. A surprise hold could trigger overdraft fees.

Independent properties. Major hotel chains often have rigid policies, but locally-owned motels and bed-and-breakfasts typically have more flexibility. Small properties often don’t have the same corporate bureaucracy and might be willing to negotiate.

Vacation rentals. Airbnb and similar platforms often don’t require credit cards for payment or deposits. Airbnb accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal in most countries. The platform explicitly prohibits hosts from charging security deposits; instead, they inform guests that their payment method may be charged if damage occurs. Disputes are handled through Airbnb’s Resolution Center. Just don’t try paying in cash — that violates their terms of service.

The Bottom Line

Do you need a credit card to book a hotel? Often yes, but not always. The reality is that many hotels prefer credit cards because they offer the simplest security guarantee. That said, alternatives exist, and hotels recognize this increasingly diverse payment landscape.

Your best move is to call ahead. Before arriving at your destination, contact the hotel directly and ask what payment and deposit options they can work with. If they refuse to accommodate you, take your business elsewhere — there are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals that will.