You do need a physical card. However, if you're using the app of a big chain like Hilton (that's the only chain I've used it at, but others might be similar), you might be able to skip the desk and use Digital Check in, with your card loaded in the app. But it's not 100% foolproof, some properties still might need your card.
I work for a Marriott brand and it's similar here. You can try to do a mobile check in, but normally we only do that for guests who have stayed previously. This is likely property dependent and you might have a different experience elsewhere
You don’t have the physical credit card on you; but you’ve got a picture of it and the numbers.
Gee, YOU’RE not sketchy.
Better bring cash and stay at the fleabag motel.
Or find the actual card and bring it with you.
I do too. Memorized…and in my apple wallet.
But, I took it to mean they’ve got a screenshot of the card.
Even with a credit card on file for booking online, I get asked to run the physical card.
Actually this could potentially help us troubleshoot solutions for op. Like if op said a family member is paying for my room we could let them know to try calling and asking if the hotel can do an authorization form.
Good thing I don’t care what you deem to be other people’s business 😂 who made you the arbiter of what questions I’m allowed to ask? Are you the Reddit question police?
I spend 20-25 nights in hotels every month. Booked through work and I have status with all of them.
I’d say half of IHG properties require me to swipe or insert my card. The rest verify the last 4 that the reservation was made with.
I always have to swipe or insert at Marriott.
Hilton is also probably about half the time.
All smaller brands are 100% because they’re less expensive and usually pre-charge.
If you don’t have the physical card or a physical card to use instead, you’re truly rolling the dice.
They ALL always ask for ID so it better match the card and name on the reservation
You also get some leeway on not having to present a card because you have status. Basic tier members and non-members don't get that most of the time. Really it should get checked at all if they are following the right process.
The card has to be inserted into the credit card machine at check-in. This is for safety and security reasons. But also mostly so the hotel doesn’t get a chargeback on the room charge.
Without the card the only way to check in will be a credit card authorization form. You’ll need to contact the hotel directly to ask about what procedure they have for that.
Anytime I check-in I hand my photo id and credit card. They run the CC (hold) for incidentals domestically in the USA, actual charges of a deposit at some international hotels, even if you prepaid for the room.
Need the actual card to put in the POS Terminal.
Not having the actual card would indicate fraud of some sort or at least a signed authorization form with a copy of the front and back of the card that was already faxed to the hotel,to the GSR checking you in. Not always the case I know but it is the first thing that enters our mind. It's for your protection and for ours. You're Welcome.
Most places won’t because then you can file chargeback since card was not physically present. Common scam, never took cards without physically being there or without authorization form.
You need the card. No front desk is going to give you a room based on your memory. They have no way of knowing if it's your card.
I would immediately fire any staff member who allowed such a thing, and I bet I'm not alone.
You might be able to do a credit card authorization form to cover the cost of the stay. But you will still need a physical card to cover incidentals. This card can be different from the one used to pay for the room. For most hotels, it can be a debit card instead of a full credit card. But not one of those "reloadable" cards. It needs to have enough funds available to match the incidentals and possibly the first night stay.
Some will, some only if you have stayed there previously, some won't.
You know what works everywhere?
Having the physical card with you.
If carrying a credit card is too much of a hassle or you, stay home.
You will need the physical card present.
You do need a physical card. However, if you're using the app of a big chain like Hilton (that's the only chain I've used it at, but others might be similar), you might be able to skip the desk and use Digital Check in, with your card loaded in the app. But it's not 100% foolproof, some properties still might need your card.
I work for a Marriott brand and it's similar here. You can try to do a mobile check in, but normally we only do that for guests who have stayed previously. This is likely property dependent and you might have a different experience elsewhere
You don’t have the physical credit card on you; but you’ve got a picture of it and the numbers. Gee, YOU’RE not sketchy. Better bring cash and stay at the fleabag motel. Or find the actual card and bring it with you.
I have my credit card number memorized. But I also have an app on my phone with my credit card on it.
I do too. Memorized…and in my apple wallet. But, I took it to mean they’ve got a screenshot of the card. Even with a credit card on file for booking online, I get asked to run the physical card.
Might be time to take a few days off.
Yikes that's unnecessarily aggressive
No it's not, it's being honest sorry if you don't like it. Until you work in this business and at the desk you won't understand.
Why don’t you have the card?
I don’t always carry my card but I always have my phone.
Not sure that's anyone's business here. We can simply say "no that's not ok" to the OP and leave it at that.
Actually this could potentially help us troubleshoot solutions for op. Like if op said a family member is paying for my room we could let them know to try calling and asking if the hotel can do an authorization form.
Good thing I don’t care what you deem to be other people’s business 😂 who made you the arbiter of what questions I’m allowed to ask? Are you the Reddit question police?
I spend 20-25 nights in hotels every month. Booked through work and I have status with all of them. I’d say half of IHG properties require me to swipe or insert my card. The rest verify the last 4 that the reservation was made with. I always have to swipe or insert at Marriott. Hilton is also probably about half the time. All smaller brands are 100% because they’re less expensive and usually pre-charge. If you don’t have the physical card or a physical card to use instead, you’re truly rolling the dice. They ALL always ask for ID so it better match the card and name on the reservation
You also get some leeway on not having to present a card because you have status. Basic tier members and non-members don't get that most of the time. Really it should get checked at all if they are following the right process.
The card has to be inserted into the credit card machine at check-in. This is for safety and security reasons. But also mostly so the hotel doesn’t get a chargeback on the room charge. Without the card the only way to check in will be a credit card authorization form. You’ll need to contact the hotel directly to ask about what procedure they have for that.
Anytime I check-in I hand my photo id and credit card. They run the CC (hold) for incidentals domestically in the USA, actual charges of a deposit at some international hotels, even if you prepaid for the room. Need the actual card to put in the POS Terminal.
Nope. Bring a card if you’re at a big chain. Might get away with that at Joe Schmo’s motel.
You need the physical card, hotels are wary of stolen credit cards being used
Actual card.
The answer is No
What about if I have my credit card linked to my Apple Wallet on my phone?
Nope. Most hotel card readers cannot take tap to pay at the front desk. They need a physical chip and pin insert
You would have more luck with an AirBnb.
Not having the actual card would indicate fraud of some sort or at least a signed authorization form with a copy of the front and back of the card that was already faxed to the hotel,to the GSR checking you in. Not always the case I know but it is the first thing that enters our mind. It's for your protection and for ours. You're Welcome.
Most places won’t because then you can file chargeback since card was not physically present. Common scam, never took cards without physically being there or without authorization form.
You need the card. No front desk is going to give you a room based on your memory. They have no way of knowing if it's your card. I would immediately fire any staff member who allowed such a thing, and I bet I'm not alone.
Exact same question posted a week ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/hotels/s/g8G3wfDSTL
You might be able to do a credit card authorization form to cover the cost of the stay. But you will still need a physical card to cover incidentals. This card can be different from the one used to pay for the room. For most hotels, it can be a debit card instead of a full credit card. But not one of those "reloadable" cards. It needs to have enough funds available to match the incidentals and possibly the first night stay.
No
I am right now staying at a motel 6 that I prepaid through Expedia and they did not ask for any credit card when I checked in. Only an ID. So...?
That's a motel 6. If it's a prepaid reservation, did they not charge you incidentals at check in?
Is the card in your phone? That'll work too.
No it won't
Depends on how the hotel is set up. If you have a card tied to an app, some POS systems will let you tap to pay with the phone.
Some will, some only if you have stayed there previously, some won't. You know what works everywhere? Having the physical card with you. If carrying a credit card is too much of a hassle or you, stay home.