Can You Pay For A Hotel With Cash?

When reserving a hotel room, you may be wondering about the best way to pay for it. 

Every hotel is different, and knowing which payment options are available before you book is useful. 

You can pay for a hotel with cash, but you may need a credit card to make the reservation. Most hotels require guests to have a credit card on file, but you can use cash to pay the balance when you check out.

Can You Book a Hotel With Cash?

You can’t book a hotel with cash, but not all hotels require online or pre-booked reservations.

You may be able to find a hotel that has a vacancy and simply walk in to get a room. 

If there are rooms available, you may be able to use cash to book and pay the full price at the same time. 

Some hotels may still require a credit card on file for incidentals or damages but will allow you to use cash to pay for the room.

How Do You Pay For a Hotel With Cash?

Before you pay for a hotel with cash, you will need to contact the hotel and make sure they accept it as a payment method. 

You will then need to visit the hotel in person and reserve the room you want. 

You will likely need to pay the full amount upfront, and you may also have to pay a deposit that you will get back when you check out. 

If you do not make a mess, cause any damage, or charge any incidentals to your room, you should get back the full amount of your deposit. 

Why Do Hotels Require Credit Cards?

Hotels keep credit cards on file to cover any additional costs, such as in-room expenses (like room service or the minibar) or damage to the property. 

They may put a hold on the card for the duration of your stay, or they may simply keep the card information just in case. 

If you book online or over the phone, a hotel will ask for a credit card to make the booking and guarantee your room.

Most hotels will not allow you to make a reservation without a credit card.

Can You Book a Hotel Without a Credit Card?

Some hotels may allow you to book a room without a credit card, but most will require one. 

If you book a hotel online, you will have to give them your credit card number, or you won’t be able to reserve the room. 

If you call a hotel for a reservation, they will also ask for your credit card information. If you cannot provide this information, the hotel may not hold the room for you. 

You may be able to book your hotel without a credit card if you book it in person. 

They may ask for other information to keep on file (such as your driver’s license or social security number) if you don’t have a credit card.

Read Also >> Do You Need a Credit Card to Get a Hotel Room?

Are There Any Advantages to Using a Credit Card Over Cash at a Hotel?

Using a credit card gives you more options for making your reservation – you’ll be able to book your room online or over the phone. 

If you use cash, you can only book your room in person at the hotel. 

When you use a credit card, you can also book the room through the hotel’s loyalty program, which means you can earn points each time you book and then use those points for rewards. 

It’s also just much more convenient to book a hotel and pay for it with a credit card.

Conclusion

Most hotels will allow guests to pay for their rooms in cash, but you’ll likely need a credit card to make the reservation.

If you don’t have a credit card, you may have to book the room in person, which may come with some strings attached.

Hotels willing to waive a credit card may ask you to provide extra identification, leave a deposit, and pay for the entire cost of your stay upfront.

Always double-check if a hotel will accept cash as a payment method or before you show up to make a reservation without a credit card.