Invalid credit card on booking.com
I've booked 2 hotel rooms in Hong Kong just today and linked it to an empty debit card as I was expecting to pay only when I reach the hotel. However, I received an email saying that my credit card (I used a debit card) is invalid and I have to solve this problem within 24 hours.
There is no way that I can get some money into the card within that 24 hours limit. The rooms I booked were 'no cancellations' meaning I have to cover the full cost if I cancel the booking. Will they charge me any money if I can't solve the issues with my debit card?
Also I would like to ask, is the booking already confirmed or is it still waiting for the valid card? Can I just not do anything to it and wait for them to cancel the booking? Are they able to charge me if I do that?
Best Answer
I've done quite a few times what you did, including twice two months ago: book a hotel room with a card that's maxed out (resulting in the same as an empty debit card). There was never a problem: when I arrived I gave a card that actually worked, and we were in business. The hotel should not be trying to charge you if you are just booking a room to be paid later.
However, you wrote:
The rooms I booked were 'no cancellations' meaning I have to cover the full cost if I cancel the booking.
This sounds like a booking for rooms with a prepaid rate. I've had that happen to me (by accident) recently: the room rate was prepaid, and not refundable. I used a credit card that was maxed out, although I thought it had some credit left, and the reservation went through. However I received an email two hours later, informing me of the mishap, and asking me to fix the problem. They also mentioned the non-refundable rate, and that I had to pay, whatever happened. I had in the end to cancel the trip, being sick, and ignored the matter. That was the end of it.
If you are planning to use this reservation, you have basically two options: put some money on the card, or email the company and give them a another card, one that has money on it. If not, find another hotel to book rooms with. This one won't be your friend from now on... :-)
Pictures about "Invalid credit card on booking.com"
Why is my card declined on booking com?
Most hotels accepting non refundable bookings, will charge the total cost when you make the reservation. We often find that cards are declined because the guest has submitted incorrect details. - Usually the wrong expiry date.Can I pay booking com with credit card?
2. Under 'Guest payment options' you can select whether or not you accept credit or debit cards. 3. If you select 'Yes', you can choose which cards are accepted.Why is it saying my credit card information is invalid?
Some of the reasons you might see an "Invalid Card" error: The credit card has expired, reached its limit, or is not being authorized as a valid credit card. The credit card is not authorized for Internet transactions or has some other block in place. The credit card has not been activated yet.How do I update my credit card on booking com?
Just open the Property tab and click on Policies option. When it will be opened, find the box named "Guest payment options". There You can change credit cards acceptance and other information.Invalid Card Booking.com
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: energepic.com, Pixabay, Pixabay, Andrea Piacquadio