Do You Really Need a Credit Card to Book a Hotel? Here's What You Should Know

Planning a trip without a credit card might seem impossible, especially when it comes to booking accommodations. But here’s the truth: while most major hotel chains prefer—or even demand—a credit card at booking, it’s not always an absolute requirement. The situation is more nuanced than you might think, and there are actually several workarounds worth knowing about.

Let’s explore why hotels are so fixated on credit cards, which chains are flexible, and what realistic options exist if you’re traveling without plastic.

Why Hotels Are So Demanding About Credit Cards

Hotels don’t require a credit card just to be difficult. There are two legitimate business reasons behind this policy:

Protecting against no-shows and cancellations. If you cancel after the hotel’s cancellation window closes, they’ll want to charge you anyway. A credit card on file makes this seamless. Without it, they lose leverage and money.

Covering potential damage and incidental charges. Hotels need assurance that if you damage the room or rack up minibar charges, they can actually collect payment. A security deposit hold on your credit card serves as insurance. This is the biggest reason most hotels refuse to budge on the credit card requirement at check-in.

The reality is, roughly 83 million American adults don’t have a credit card, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and U.S. Census Bureau. So this is a real problem for a significant portion of travelers. Yet hotels continue to enforce the policy across the board.

Which Major Hotel Chains Accept Alternative Payment Methods

Here’s where it gets interesting. Some major brands are more flexible than others:

More lenient chains:

Best Western will accept phone reservations without a credit card (call 800-564-2515). Many properties let you pay by alternate methods at check-in. Policies vary by location, so call ahead.

Hilton allows you to provide a debit card number as a guarantee when booking directly through their website. You can pay with either debit or credit.

Marriott accepts debit cards at check-in as an alternative to credit. Your bank will place a hold for the room, taxes, resort fees, and incidentals. Release times vary but typically take several business days.

Motel 6 varies by property, but many accept debit or bank cards at check-in alongside cash or traveler’s checks. For reservations with 10+ rooms, advance deposits via credit card, check, or wire transfer are required.

Less flexible chains:

Hyatt requires a credit card for all online reservations—no exceptions.

Radisson only accepts credit cards. Debit cards won’t work.

Wyndham demands a credit card for online bookings.

One important caveat: hold releases can take time. Radisson and Marriott warn that holds may take up to five business days to release after checkout, locking up your money longer than you’d expect.

Smart Workarounds If Your Hotel Demands a Credit Card

Book by phone. The fine print on a hotel website isn’t always the final word. Call the hotel directly and explain your situation. Property managers sometimes have flexibility that automated booking systems don’t allow. This is especially true for smaller properties or independent locations.

Use a third-party travel agency. Marriott might demand a credit card on their website, but platforms like Expedia or Orbitz might let you book the same room using a debit card, PayPal, or even Affirm (a “buy now, pay later” service that works with debit accounts). The tradeoff: you might pay higher rates or face stricter cancellation policies.

Call ahead to negotiate. Before arrival, contact the hotel and ask about credit card-free options. Many will work with you if you give them advance notice. The worst they can say is no—but silence usually means you should find somewhere else.

Checking In Without Plastic: Your Best Options

Even if you’ve successfully booked without a credit card, you might still face resistance at check-in. Here are practical alternatives:

Pay a cash security deposit upfront. Some hotels will accept a cash deposit instead of putting a hold on your card. The upside: your money releases immediately at checkout instead of being locked up for days. The downside: deposits often exceed $200, sometimes reaching $1,000 at upscale properties. You need to have that cash available and be comfortable carrying it.

Use a debit card hold. Many hotels will place a hold on a debit card similar to a credit card. Watch out for spending limits on your debit card—prepaid cards especially have daily or monthly caps that could be exceeded by a hotel deposit. Calculate beforehand to avoid overdraft fees.

Try a nonchain hotel. Independent motels and small bed-and-breakfasts don’t have corporate policies constraining their options. They’re often willing to negotiate if you ask directly and seem like a legitimate guest.

The Vacation Rental and Budget Hotel Alternative

If hotels aren’t cooperating, consider alternatives:

Vacation rentals like Airbnb don’t require credit cards for payment. Airbnb accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal in most countries. They explicitly ban hosts from charging security deposits; instead, payment methods may be charged if damage occurs, with Airbnb’s Resolution Center handling disputes. (Note: paying in cash violates Airbnb’s terms.)

Budget hotel chains like Motel 6 and Best Western are generally more accommodating to non-credit-card customers than luxury brands.

Local guesthouses and hostels often have more flexible payment policies than major chains.

The Bottom Line

Do you need a credit card to book a hotel? Technically, not always—but practically, it depends on where you want to stay. Major chains will usually require one, though some accept debit cards as a workaround. Your best strategy is to call ahead, explore third-party booking platforms, or consider alternative accommodation types. The key is planning in advance rather than arriving at the front desk and hoping for the best.