A person signing for a hotel with a checking account

How To Pay for a Hotel Room with a Checking Account

Published on: October 4, 2023

In today's world, we often find ourselves looking for the best and safest way to pay for the things and experiences we choose. For instance, at a gas station, is it better to pay the clerk inside with cash or just swipe your debit card at the pump? You may think to swipe your card, but wait, what about those card skimmers?

Hotels typically ask for a credit card number for your reservation payment, but did you know that you can pay for your hotel room with a checking account right from the initial reservation? Let’s dive into further details on paying for a hotel with a checking account, along with the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Key Takeaways

Yes, you can pay for a hotel using your checking account, which may be an easy and convenient option.
To use your checking account for payment, you can provide the hotel with your account number and routing number if you don't have an associated debit card.
Using your checking account for hotel payments is debt-free, offers consistent cancellation rules, and is both easy and secure.
Be aware of varying hotel policies, lump sum payments, and the potential delay in refunds when using your checking account.

Can You Pay for a Hotel Using Your Checking Account?

Yes, though it seems less popular than using credit cards, you can pay for a hotel using your checking account. It may even be the easiest way to go about it.

If you don’t have a debit card associated with the checking account, you can provide the hotel clerk with your account number and routing number on a form.

Pros of Paying with Your Checking Account

Debt-Free Transactions. Paying your hotel bill with your checking account has a significant advantage in that it doesn't accumulate any debt. The funds are directly deducted from your checking account balance.
Cancellation Rules Remain Consistent. You can expect the same cancellation rules as you would for a reservation paid with a credit card.
Easy and Secure. Hotels employ secure gateways to safeguard sensitive information during the payment process, ensuring both convenience and safety.

Cons of Paying with Your Checking Account

Varying Hotel Policies. It's important to note that not all hotels accept checking account payments, and their policies can differ. To ensure this payment method is accepted, it's advisable to call the hotel in advance.
Lump Sum Payment. When you pay with your checking account, the entire hotel bill is deducted at once, except for incidental expenses incurred during your stay. In contrast, with a credit card, you have the flexibility to put the entire stay on your card and then make payments to settle the balance gradually.
Delayed Refunds. If you require a refund for any part of your bill, you'll need to wait for the funds to be directly deposited back into your checking account. This differs from a credit card refund, which can be used for other purposes more easily.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted by Hotels?

While most hotel chains will accept checking accounts for every aspect of your stay, there are some chains that may ask for a card. Use the chart below to get an idea of which payment method is acceptable and when.

Payment Type	Accepted for Reservations?	Accepted at Check-In?	Accepted at Check-Out?
Cash	No	Depends on the hotel chain	Yes
Debit Card	Yes	Yes	Yes
Prepaid Card	No	Yes	Yes
Credit Card	Yes	Yes	Yes
Checking Account	Depends on the hotel chain	Yes	Yes
Money Order	No	No	No
PayPal	Depends on the hotel chain or site.	Depends, call ahead.	Depends, call ahead.

Why Pay for a Hotel Room with a Checking Account?

Traditionally, many of us have opted to settle our hotel bills using credit cards. However, if you'd rather not go down that route, you're not alone in that preference.

A growing trend is shifting towards using checking account numbers for hotel payments, and it's worth noting that we're not talking about writing physical checks here. You can provide your account information to the hotel clerk to cover your stay and any additional expenses. This method is just as convenient as using a credit or debit card.

If you're concerned about increasing your credit balance further, using your checking account number is a viable alternative.

Your checking account information is securely stored for hotel payments, making it significantly more challenging for external parties to misuse it for unauthorized transactions compared to a debit card number, which can be more vulnerable.

In today's digital age, writing a physical check is often less efficient and practical for settling your hotel expenses, especially considering that many of us no longer carry physical checks.

In light of these considerations, paying for your hotel room with your checking account is not only secure but also highly convenient.

Discovering Which Hotels Accept Checking Account Payments

Most hotels list what payment methods they accept on their websites. It's easy to check online when you're looking for a hotel that accepts checking account numbers for payment.

You can also call the hotel and verify with a staff member whether checking account numbers are accepted. It's easier to start by looking online on the website and calling the hotel if you are unable to locate the information on your own.

One other option is to make your booking through a third party. Even if the hotel doesn't accept checking account number payments directly, you could still pay with a checking account through the third-party provider.

Hotels That Accept Checking Account Payments

We've put together a short list of hotel chains that we've been able to confirm accept checking account payments here:

Four Points by Sheraton
Candlewood Suites
Econo Lodge
Cobblestone Hotels & Suites
Cambria Hotel
Howard Johnson by Wyndham
Best Western Plus Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Quality Inn and Suites
Rodeway Inn
Clarion Inn
Copperleaf Boutique Hotel & Spa
Suburban Extended Stay Hotels
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham

What Are the Steps To Pay for a Hotel with Your Checking Account?

Step 1: Contact the Hotel

Start by reaching out to the hotel to confirm if they accept checking account payments. It's crucial to ensure that the hotel you plan to stay at accommodates this option.

Step 2: Understand the Hotel's Payment Policies

After verifying that the hotel accepts checking account payments, inquire about their specific payment policies. This includes information on any immediate deposits and the overall payment process. Be sure to clarify any uncertainties regarding payment procedures.

Step 3: Provide Your Checking Account Details

When making your reservation, you'll need to furnish the hotel representative with your checking account information. You may also be asked to provide the account holder's name and the name of your banking institution.

Step 4: Monitor the Payment Process

After your stay, the hotel clerk will inform you of the expected amount to be deducted from your checking account. Make a note of this figure and keep an eye on your account balance to ensure the withdrawal is accounted for. The time it takes for the withdrawal to clear varies depending on your bank but generally takes only a few business days.

That's a straightforward process. It's user-friendly and equally secure compared to using a credit card.

Discovering Which Hotels Accept Checking Account Payments

Most hotels list what payment methods they accept on their websites. It's easy to check online when you're looking for a hotel that accepts checking account numbers for payment.

Setting Up Your Checking Account Payment Information

Before you give the information for your account to the booking agent or hotel clerk, verify you have it written correctly. You need the correct routing number and your bank account number.

Make sure the funds needed are in your account before providing any of the information to the hotel clerk. The hotel may need to draw a deposit off your checking account. Make sure you account for any money used for room charges and incidentals.

Things to Keep in Mind When Paying with Your Checking Account Number

Payments made with your checking account number are usually processed swiftly. Maintain an adequate balance throughout your stay to cover all expenses. There's often no delay in withdrawals when the hotel processes a payment, so ensure your account has sufficient funds.
Banks have robust security measures in place to protect your banking information. Payments are conducted through secure gateways, shielding your sensitive data from cyber threats. Paying with your checking account number is a safe and secure option.
There's no need for paper checks when using your checking account number for payment. It's a more convenient and rapidly growing preferred method for travelers.

What Are Some Alternative Payment Methods Besides Cards?

PayPal or another online provider. Some buy-now-pay-later companies may let you pay for a hotel room or even providers like Chime are using virtual payments cards to help customers pay for hotels.
Rewards. Consider using rewards points if you have them, as they can offset your hotel expenses. Just ensure you have a valid payment method on file for any incidentals during your stay.
Cash. Cash is not accepted at all hotels, so it's advisable to check with the specific hotel as not all establishments across various industries accept cash payments.

A growing trend is toward providing your checking account number for your hotel bill. It's fast, easy, convenient, safe, and beneficial. If you're looking for a way to keep your debt down and stick to your budget, this is a good way to do that. Pay for your hotel with your checking account.

Paying for a Hotel Room with Cash

Yes, you can probably pay for a hotel in person with cash, but you won't be able to reserve the hotel in advance with cash. Furthermore, most hotels will require a card for incidentals. So, cash is really not a great option beyond paying the bill upon receipt.

Plus, carrying such a large sum of cash is not only inconvenient but can also be impractical, especially since many banks impose withdrawal limits.

10 Hotel Brands That Take Cash

If you are a cash-only person, we've put together a list of hotels that still take cash (probably with some restrictions). Of course, we recommend calling ahead to confirm because each hotel chain may have different rules in place for each franchise.

Extended Stay America
Drury Hotels
Radisson
Choice Hotels
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts
Red Roof Inn
Hyatt Hotels
Motel 6
Omni Hotels & Resorts