What To Know
- Planning a memorable vacation or a business trip often involves booking accommodations, and Marriott is a popular choice for many travelers.
- If you are using a gift certificate or Marriott Rewards points to cover the cost of your reservation, Marriott will not charge your credit card.
- If you are booking a Marriott reservation in a foreign currency, your credit card may charge you an additional fee for currency conversion.
Planning a memorable vacation or a business trip often involves booking accommodations, and Marriott is a popular choice for many travelers. However, one common question that arises is: does Marriott charge your credit card right away? Understanding the payment policies of your hotel can help you plan your finances accordingly. This comprehensive blog post will delve into this topic, providing you with all the necessary information to make informed decisions.
When Does Marriott Charge Your Credit Card?
Generally, Marriott charges your credit card at the time of booking for most reservations. This is a standard practice in the hospitality industry to secure your room and prevent no-shows. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, depending on the type of reservation and the payment method used.
Non-Refundable Reservations
For non-refundable reservations, Marriott charges your credit card immediately upon booking. This type of reservation does not allow for cancellations or changes, and the full amount is charged upfront.
Refundable Reservations
For refundable reservations, Marriott typically charges your credit card within 24 to 48 hours of booking. This gives you a grace period to cancel or modify your reservation without penalty. If you cancel within this time frame, the charge will be reversed.
Advance Purchase Rates
Marriott offers advance purchase rates that provide significant discounts on room rates. These rates require full payment at the time of booking and are non-refundable.
Gift Certificates and Marriott Rewards Points
If you are using a gift certificate or Marriott Rewards points to cover the cost of your reservation, Marriott will not charge your credit card. However, a credit card may be required to hold the reservation.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to the general rule of charging your credit card right away:
Group Bookings
For group bookings with multiple rooms, Marriott may require a deposit or full payment upon booking. The payment schedule will vary depending on the group size and the hotel’s policies.
Third-Party Bookings
If you book your Marriott reservation through a third-party website or travel agent, the payment policy may differ. Third-party providers may charge your credit card immediately or upon check-in.
Gift Cards or Marriott Rewards Points
As mentioned earlier, using gift cards or Marriott Rewards points to cover the cost of your reservation exempts you from immediate credit card charges.
How to Avoid Immediate Credit Card Charges
If you are concerned about being charged right away, there are a few steps you can take:
Check the Reservation Policy
Before booking, carefully review the reservation policy to understand when your credit card will be charged.
Choose Refundable Reservations
Opt for refundable reservations if you want the flexibility to cancel or modify your booking without penalty.
Consider Third-Party Bookings
Some third-party websites offer payment options that allow you to pay at the hotel or upon check-in.
What Happens When You Cancel a Reservation?
If you cancel a non-refundable reservation, the full amount charged to your credit card will not be refunded. For refundable reservations, you will receive a refund within 7 to 10 business days after canceling.
Additional Information
Authorization Holds
Marriott may place an authorization hold on your credit card for the estimated cost of your stay, including incidentals. This hold will be released upon check-out.
Currency Conversions
If you are booking a Marriott reservation in a foreign currency, your credit card may charge you an additional fee for currency conversion.
Payment Methods Accepted
Marriott accepts major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Certain hotels may also accept other forms of payment, such as cash or debit cards.
Wrapping Up
Understanding Marriott’s payment policies can help you plan your travel expenses effectively. Generally, Marriott charges your credit card right away for non-refundable reservations and within 24 to 48 hours for refundable reservations. However, there are exceptions and ways to avoid immediate charges. By considering the information provided in this blog post, you can make informed decisions and enjoy your Marriott stay without financial surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Marriott charge my credit card immediately for all reservations?
A: No, for refundable reservations, Marriott typically charges your credit card within 24 to 48 hours of booking.
Q: What happens if I cancel a refundable reservation?
A: You will receive a full refund within 7 to 10 business days after canceling.
Q: Can I avoid Marriott charging my credit card right away?
A: Yes, you can choose refundable reservations, consider third-party bookings, or use gift cards or Marriott Rewards points.
Q: Why does Marriott put an authorization hold on my credit card?
A: Marriott places an authorization hold for the estimated cost of your stay, including incidentals, which will be released upon check-out.
Q: What payment methods does Marriott accept?
A: Marriott accepts major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Certain hotels may also accept other forms of payment.
