Is there an anonymized credit card for hotel stays?

Is there an anonymized credit card for hotel stays? - Person Paying Using Her Smartwatch

Is there a way to get an anonymized credit card for hotel stays? The reason I ask is that recently I have noticed hotels getting more and more invasive about my private life. This is no paranoid fantasy, it is reality. Hotels are actually digging through their guests trash and recording the information found on the guests "profile". I know that celebrities have assistants check in for them to avoid this kind of snooping, but I don't have an assistant to block for me. I have heard there are "prepaid" cards and stuff like that, but have not tried one. Do they work at hotels?



Best Answer

I have heard there are "prepaid" cards and stuff like that, but have not tried one. Do they work at hotels?

Pre-paid cards do work at hotels, but I am not sure how using one would help with anonymity. As @nate-eldredge noted in their comment, you need to provide some form of identification along with the method of payment when you check-in.

I guess the underlying question here is how do I minimize my "footprint" when staying at a hotel?

The very first thing you should do is subscribe to a VPN service (or use one that is offered by your workplace).

A VPN is a private network that provides a level of security and anonymity over a public network (such as the Internet). There are numerous services that offer this online; some offer lifetime subscriptions for a nominal upfront payment.

The point of this service is to make sure your online activity is not tracked, and if the public access network at the hotel is compromised (for example, someone is monitoring the activity on this network), your devices are somewhat protected as they are using a private encrypted channel when browsing the Internet.

Its not fail safe though; you should exercise responsible computing by making sure your operating system and applications are updated and you are well aware of any software installed on your device.

The next thing is hotel receipts or other paperwork. You can use a device like this:

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(Amazon Link)

To mask any sensitive data. There are many such devices available on the market. A search for identify theft stamp should give you some options.

Payment and the check-in process is the least of your worries when it comes to identity theft or privacy. As a cost of doing business you have to provide at least matching names on identification and payment. Even if you elect to pay by cash, the front desk will still ask for your identification (in some hotels, they still insist on blocking an amount on card for incidentals, even if you will be paying by cash).

Even if you were to stay at informal properties (like an airbnb, timeshare, etc.) you may still be subject to identify theft. Once can argue since these places are loosely regulated (if at all), you have even less guarantees of any privacy or recourse should something happen.

Unfortunately in today's digital age, the primary responsibility is yours when it comes to your identity and the protection of it. Data breaches happen all the time and in the end no matter what the PR machines of these compromised companies tell you, you are the first person to suffer should someone compromise your identity.




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Do motels ask for credit cards?

1 Nowadays, nearly all hotels require a credit card when booking\u2014and if not, they'll need one when you're checking in. A hotel takes a security deposit at check-in to cover any damage that may occur while you're staying in the room.

Can I put my name in but pay with another card at a hotel?

You can book a hotel room for someone else using your credit card, as long as you list that person as the guest when booking. The person whose hotel room you book with your credit card will need to provide photo ID when checking in, along with a credit card that has their name on it for incidentals.

What is credit card authorization form for hotel?

A credit card authorization form is a letter stating that you authorize a particular guest to stay in the room you reserved with your credit card. It typically includes applicable dates, billing information, and contact information.

Can I prepay for my hotel room?

A Prepay hotel room is charged at checkout and covers the entire cost of the hotel booking. However, as with all hotels, a credit card is still required upon check-in for any incidental charges such as room service.



Hotel Credit Card Authorizations | Hotel Check in Authorization




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