Can I use a prepaid credit card for 'free' hotel reservation online?
If so, how much money does it have to have?
Should I have it complete amount the same as hotel rooms amount or however small I want since it's a free reservation anyway?
It's my first time going on a certain country without knowing anybody leaving me a choice to book a hotel. And I plan to get a prepaid credit card to use for reservation.
P.S. It will be Taiwan
Best Answer
It's hard to write an answer that rules all. But from my experience, booking sites do not charge (or authorize) your card if it's a reservation that is either free or you will pay by alternative means (cash payment at the hotel).
Booking sites ask your card details anyway for two things:
- confirm your identity. To prevent any bad reservations (a competitor can book all rooms in a hotel, and the booking sites have to use the the competitor's hotel. Trust me there are hotels who do this right before the touristy season!).
- in case of a no-show, booking site has to compensate the hotel. This is usually first night's charge but it can vary from zero to the cost of entire reservation.
The truth is that authorizing card details is an expense to the booking site. Besides, failed card charge attempts can hurt the reputation of the merchant (in Card processor perspective). Practically, they just need a valid credit card to make sure the reservation is legit and they have a "last resort" to charge you if it's absolutely necessary.
Now, credit cards are validated using Luhn algorithm. I won't mention the booking site name here, but technically it's even possible to enter a card number that doesn't even work. Be a good lad and don't do this - but I just want to tell you that in most cases, they won't charge you anything. There is a whole PCI compliance policy to protect your card details. It's certainly safe to enter your card details. They are definitely more safe than giving your card to the waitress to charge for your dinner :)
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Can you use a prepaid card for hotels?
A prepaid credit card will be accepted for final payment at most hotels, motels and car rental companies. That being said, some motels may have a policy that requires a credit card at the time of reservation. These motels will put a hold on the estimated charge for your stay.How can I make a hotel reservation without paying?
We need a valid credit card to reserve a room. The name on the card must match the photo identification at check in. However, you can pay with a Visa gift card upon arrival at the hotel or at check out, but know the credit card with your name on it will be authorized for your stay if you choose to pay at check out.Prepaid Cards Explained For Beginners - Should You Consider It?
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