Hyatt’s hidden fee: get the lowdown on card charges

Are you planning a getaway with Hyatt and wondering about their payment policies? One of the most common questions travelers have is “does Hyatt charge your card right away?” This blog post will delve into the details of Hyatt’s payment process, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of when and how your card will be charged.

Payment Policy Overview

Hyatt’s payment policy varies depending on the booking method, the type of rate, and the hotel’s individual policies. In general, there are two main scenarios:

1. Prepayment

For certain rates, such as advance purchase or non-refundable rates, Hyatt may require payment in full at the time of booking. In this case, your credit card will be charged immediately for the entire stay.

2. Postpayment

For most other rates, including standard rates and flexible rates, Hyatt will typically not charge your card right away. Instead, your card will be authorized for the amount of the stay at the time of booking. The actual charge will occur upon checkout.

Authorization vs. Charge

It’s important to understand the difference between authorization and charge. When Hyatt authorizes your card, it reserves the funds needed to cover the stay. This does not result in an immediate charge to your account. The actual charge occurs when the hotel processes the payment upon checkout.

Credit Card Authorization Hold

In cases where your card is authorized but not charged, the authorization hold may show up on your credit card statement as a pending transaction. This hold typically expires within a few days, but the specific timeframe may vary depending on your bank.

Exceptions to the Policy

There may be certain situations where Hyatt’s payment policy differs from the general guidelines outlined above. For example:

• Some hotels may require a deposit at the time of booking, even for standard rates.
• For group bookings or special events, Hyatt may require prepayment or a different payment schedule.
• If you make a reservation through a third-party website, the payment policy may differ.

Payment Options

Hyatt accepts a variety of payment methods, including:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit cards (with PIN)
• Hyatt gift cards
• Cash (at select hotels)

Verifying Your Payment

To verify the status of your payment or to make changes, you can:

• Contact the hotel directly.
• Check your Hyatt account online.
• Review your credit card statement or online banking account.

Final Thoughts: Planning with Confidence

Understanding Hyatt’s payment process empowers you to make informed decisions about your booking. Whether you prefer to prepay or postpay, Hyatt’s flexible options allow you to plan your getaway with confidence. By adhering to the payment guidelines and being aware of potential exceptions, you can avoid unexpected charges and ensure a seamless travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Hyatt charge a deposit for all bookings?

No, Hyatt typically does not require a deposit for standard rates. However, some hotels or specific rates may require a deposit.

2. When will my card be charged if I book a non-refundable rate?

For non-refundable rates, your card will be charged immediately upon booking.

3. Can I use a debit card to book a Hyatt stay?

Yes, Hyatt accepts debit cards with a PIN. However, the hotel may require a deposit or authorization hold on your account.

4. How can I check the status of my payment?

You can contact the hotel directly, check your Hyatt account online, or review your credit card statement or online banking account.

5. What should I do if I need to make changes to my payment?

Contact the hotel as soon as possible to discuss payment options and any potential fees or penalties.