Hotel holding an amount on your card: pre-authorisation and deposit

At check-in they ask for your card and suddenly you see a held amount you didn't expect. It is a guarantee pre-authorisation, and understanding how it works avoids scares.

How it works

A hold, not necessarily a charge

The hotel blocks an amount as a guarantee for possible expenses. That amount reduces your available limit until it is released, and the timing depends on the hotel and your bank.

It may differ from the booking price

Some hotels hold a sum per night or a fixed amount. Ask how much and when it is released before handing over your card.

How to avoid problems

Check your available limit

If your card has little margin, the hold can leave you without credit during the trip. Ask your bank how it is reported and released.

Keep the receipts

Keep the check-in and check-out receipts. If the hold isn't released in the stated time, you have something to dispute with.

A simpler way to check your trip

To see which amounts on your bookings may carry additional charges, upload them to AuditorTravel: it compares amounts and flags with a traffic light (🟢 🟡 🔴) what deserves a second look.

You pay once per trip, it's not a subscription you have to remember to cancel.

👉 Check your booking for free at auditortravel.com.

AuditorTravel is an automated information tool; use it as a guide. The final decision is always yours.