After a long journey, it always feels nice to reach your hotel. But the relief of getting some rest can quickly fade if you start to doubt whether you can pay for your room. If you’re wondering, “Do hotels take cash?”, it’s not always clear, and the last thing you want is to be turned away because you don’t have the right payment.
At Remitly, we believe in making travel easier. Although it’s true that most hotels these days prefer payment through credit card, many travelers still want to pay in cash.
Hotel policies vary a lot, so in this article, we’re going to look at how you can pay cash for a hotel, potential challenges you may face, alternatives, and practical tips for those who want to pay this way.
The reality of cash payments at hotels
Do hotels take cash? The short answer is yes. Most major hotel chains do take cash, but there are almost always conditions, restrictions, and extra steps to bear in mind.
The hotel industry has shifted significantly toward digital payments in recent years, a move that was only accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Card payments are now the norm in most hotels.
Cash payments at hotels depend heavily on the specific brand, location, or even the individual property’s management policies. Large chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG usually allow you to pay with cash on checkout, but they may require a credit or debit card on file when you check in as a security measure.
Independent hotels have more flexibility. You may be able to pay entirely in cash at a small independent hotel, though they might also require a deposit up front to protect the room.
Some hotels and extended-stay properties refuse cash entirely.
Credit cards present advantages for hotel operators, which means they’re usually preferred to cash. Online bookings are a big part of that. It’s estimated that by 2026, 90% of all hotel bookings will be generated online, and credit and debit cards, along with other electronic forms of payment, make that easier.
Why hotels prefer card payments
There’s a general move toward electronic payments and away from cash in most industries. The advantages of credit and debit cards for hotels make this the preferred choice of payment. So while some hotels accept cash, it’s also true that hotels overwhelmingly prefer that you pay by card.
Here’s why:
- Security: For a hotel, handling cash introduces significant security concerns. Having cash on site increases the risk of theft, fraud, and internal loss. Having a lot of cash on hand also means hotels need safes, surveillance, strict reconciliation procedures, and secure cash pickups. Using digital payments reduces these costs and minimizes the number of staff who need access to physical money.
- Incidental charges: Paying by card allows the hotel to put a hold on your card. This covers them against possible damages, minibar usage, resort fees, and late checkout fees. Without these holds, a hotel might have to take a cash deposit and manually refund it when you check out. This makes checkout procedures more complicated, and it also requires hotel guests to carry more cash with them while traveling.
- Efficiency: Digital payments make accounting easier. They also speed up transactions at reception and reduce human error. As hotels move toward mobile check-in and digital room keys, card payments allow them to make the process more streamlined and less labor-intensive.
- Chargeback protection: Credit card companies offer a standardized resolution procedure if a guest disputes a charge. This can make it easier for the hotel to claim back any losses due to fraud, unpaid balances, or damage.
Which hotels accept cash payments?
If you’d like to pay for a hotel stay with cash, it’s worth bearing in mind that some hotels will be more likely to allow this than others. Let’s take a look at a few examples.
Budget and mid-range hotels
Smaller independent hotels and budget chains are often more likely to accept cash payments. Partly, that’s because they cater to guests who may not have the same access to credit.
For example, Motel 6 states that payment may be made with cash at most locations. Likewise, Red Roof Inns often accept cash at checkout, but they may require a card at check-in. Individual operators have different policies, so it’s always good to check in advance.
Often, you’ll have more luck getting an independent hotel to accept cash, as they tend to have more flexible policies. It’s still a good idea to email or call in advance to double check they’ll accept cash for your stay.
Luxury and chain hotels
Different hotel chains have different policies from one another. But also, different hotels within the same chain can have different policies according to management decisions.
For example, Marriott locations usually require a card at check-in, but may accept cash as payment on checkout, depending on the individual hotel’s policies. The same applies to Hilton properties, which require a credit or debit card for stays booked online and through their reservations line. Credit cards are needed to check in, even if you pay in advance for your stay, but they do point out that specific hotels accept different payment methods.
In general, luxury hotels tend to be a little more restrictive in the payment methods they accept. It makes sense; the more the rooms cost, the more cash the hotel would have to handle, and the more likely they are to insist on credit card payments.
No matter where you’re staying, the best thing to do is to confirm with the hotel before you arrive if you’re paying with cash. That way, you won’t show up with the wrong payment method.
The cash payment process: what to expect
If your hotel does accept cash, it’s important to understand that the check-in experience will be different from when you’re paying with a card. Typically, when using cash payments at hotels, the process begins with a front desk agent verifying your government-issued ID and confirming your reservation.
If you don’t provide a card for them to put a hold on, they may require a cash deposit that is significantly higher than a standard card authorization. This is intended to cover incidentals, damages, and no-show risk. You could pay $100 to $300 USD or even more, depending on the cost of your stay.
Some hotels may also request additional verification or even run background checks through third-party systems.
For customers paying with cash, a hotel may also place restrictions on the way you use certain services. That includes room service, minibar access, or charging meals to your room. When you check out, any unused portion of your deposit is refunded, but you should be aware that some properties will hold on to your refund until housekeeping can confirm the condition of your room.
Challenges you might face
Paying with cash comes with limitations at many hotels. High deposits, restricted room types, and reduced availability can all be issues. Plus, both check-in and check-out are often slower because of the additional ID checks and paperwork required.
Paying in cash can also complicate things for loyalty members. Upgrades, elite benefits, and digital check-in features may be unavailable for those paying in cash.
Tips for successful cash payments at hotels
If your hotel does take cash payments, here are some tips to make the process go more smoothly:
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID.
- Bring more cash than you need for just the room rate. Many hotels require a substantial cash deposit to cover incidentals or damage.
- Keep all receipts and document every payment.
- Ask how and when your deposit will be refunded before you leave the front desk, as this can vary from one hotel to another.
- Try to check in during daytime hours. This is when hotel managers are more likely to be around, so if there’s any confusion over the process, they should be able to straighten it out.
Smart alternatives to all-cash payments
There are lots of reasons why you might want to use cash to pay for a hotel stay. But given the disadvantages of paying in cash, it’s not a bad idea to consider your alternatives. If you don’t have a credit card or just don’t want to use it, consider these other options.
Prepaid cards
A prepaid credit card functions exactly like a regular one, except you preload it with the amount of money you want to spend. Most hotels treat these cards like a regular credit or debit card, meaning you can use them for check-in and incidental holds.
The only drawback is that you need to make sure you load enough money onto the credit card to cover not only the cost of your stay, but also the hold the hotel will place on your card.
Debit cards
Debit cards are also widely accepted by hotels. You should be aware, though, that holds can be higher on debit cards than they are on credit cards, and may tie up funds for several days after you check out.
Mixed payment methods
Many hotels will let you mix different payment options. This way, you could use a card for the initial booking and required deposit, but pay the final bill in cash at checkout.
Some hotels will also let you pay in advance by card with no incidental hold.
Another way to pay for your hotel stay is through points. If you’re a member of a hotel loyalty scheme, you may be able to book a stay using your loyalty points. However, even when you pay this way, many hotels will want to take a credit card at check-in for incidental expenses.
Paying cash at hotels
For travelers wondering, “Do hotels take cash?” the answer is yes—with some caveats. Often, the check-in and check-out processes will require more preparation than paying with a card. It’s also a good idea to contact your hotel ahead of time and make sure they’ll accept cash before you show up. You may also want to check the deposit amount and the refund policies before you book your stay.
Credit cards definitely provide one of the easiest ways to pay for a hotel stay, but they aren’t the only option. Mixed payment methods, including prepaid credit and debit cards, can also help you have a seamless transaction at the front desk. And cash payments remain possible, as long as you take the time to prepare.
However you choose to pay for your stay, we hope your next trip will be hassle-free and enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I book a hotel room online if I plan to pay with cash?
Sometimes. Some hotels and booking platforms allow you to book a room and pay on arrival, but others only allow online booking with a credit card.
How much cash deposit do hotels typically require?
You can expect to pay $50 to $200 USD or more per stay, depending on the property type, location, and length of stay. As a general rule, the more expensive the hotel, the more you’ll pay as a cash deposit. Typically, these deposits are refunded at checkout once the room has been inspected.
What happens when you don’t have enough cash for the deposit?
If you can’t pay the deposit, you may not be allowed to check in. However, some hotels allow alternatives. You could try using a debit or prepaid credit card for the hold, making a partial payment, or adjusting the length of your stay.
Do all hotel locations of the same chain have identical cash policies?
No. Rules around hotel cash policies vary from one location to another, even under the same brand. Franchise hotels often set their own policies, too.
Can I pay cash for extended stays or weekly rates?
Sometimes. Extended stay hotels may require weekly payments, large deposits, or a card for incidentals. Some local long-stay motels are more flexible, but you’ll need to talk to the hotel manager about their payment options.