Navigating hotel charges can sometimes feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs, especially when it comes to those elusive credit card "holds." If you're wondering how long Marriott holds onto your credit card authorization, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down the process, explain why these holds exist, and give you clear steps on what to expect.
Unraveling the Mystery: How Long Does Marriott Hold Onto Your Credit Card?
Let's dive right in! The short answer is: it varies. While Marriott properties generally release the hold upon your checkout, the actual time it takes for the funds to become available in your account depends heavily on your issuing bank. It's not Marriott "holding onto" your money after you've settled your bill; rather, it's your bank's processing time for releasing the authorization.
However, Marriott's policy for when they initiate that release is quite consistent.
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| How Long Does Marriott Hold On Credit Card |
Step 1: Understanding the "Hold" – It's Not a Charge (Yet!)
Before we talk about release times, let's clarify what a credit card "hold" or "pre-authorization" actually is.
Imagine this: You're about to embark on a fantastic Marriott stay, perhaps at a luxurious St. Regis or a cozy Courtyard. As you check in, the front desk asks for your credit card. This isn't them charging you for your entire stay upfront, unless you've booked a prepaid rate.
Sub-heading: What is a Pre-Authorization?
A pre-authorization is essentially a temporary reservation of funds on your credit card. The hotel does this to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover:
Your room rate and applicable taxes.
Incidental charges (things like room service, mini-bar purchases, pay-per-view movies, or even potential damages to the room). The amount for incidentals can vary significantly by property, often ranging from $20 to $200 per night, in addition to your room rate.
Think of it like putting a temporary lock on a portion of your credit limit. This amount is unavailable for other purchases, but it hasn't actually been debited from your account.
Sub-heading: Why Do Hotels Do This?
Hotels use pre-authorizations as a security measure. It protects them from guests who might incur significant charges and then be unable to pay, or who might cause damage. It's a standard industry practice, not unique to Marriott.
Step 2: The Moment of Truth – Check-in and the Initial Hold
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
When you check into a Marriott property, the front desk will typically:
Authorize your credit card for the full room rate and taxes for your entire stay.
Add an estimated amount for incidentals per day for your entire stay.
So, if your room is $150/night for 3 nights, and the incidental hold is $50/night, they might authorize your card for: ($150 * 3 nights) + ($50 * 3 nights) = $450 + $150 = $600
This $600 will show up as a "pending" or "processing" transaction on your credit card statement or online banking. Your available credit will be reduced by this amount.
Sub-heading: Debit Cards vs. Credit Cards for Holds
It's crucial to understand the difference when using a debit card:
Credit Card: The hold simply reduces your available credit limit. You're not actually out of pocket.
Debit Card: The hold directly ties up funds in your checking account. This can be problematic if the hold amount is large, as it directly impacts your liquid cash. If you're concerned about available funds, using a credit card for the hold and then paying with a debit card at checkout (or a different credit card) can be a good strategy.
Step 3: Settling Your Bill – The Actual Charge at Checkout
When you check out from your Marriott stay, one of two things generally happens:
Sub-heading: Scenario A: Standard Rate Booking
If you booked a standard rate (where you pay at checkout), the hotel will:
Calculate your final bill (room, taxes, and any actual incidental charges you incurred).
Process the final charge for this amount to your credit card.
Instruct your bank to release the initial pre-authorization hold.
At this point, the "pending" hold should disappear, and the actual charge for your stay will appear on your statement as a completed transaction.
Sub-heading: Scenario B: Prepaid Rate Booking
If you booked a prepaid rate, you would have already been charged the room and tax amount when you made the reservation. At checkout, the hotel will:
Only charge you for any incidentals you incurred during your stay.
Instruct your bank to release the incidental hold that was placed at check-in.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Step 4: The Release Process – When Does the Money Become Available?
Here's where the "how long does Marriott hold on credit card" question gets its answer.
Marriott's official stance, as per their Digital Entry Terms of Use, is that the hold "will not be released by the issuing bank for up to five (5) business days after your departure."
However, this is a maximum estimate from Marriott's perspective, accounting for bank processing times. In reality:
Hotel's Action: Generally, the hotel sends the release instruction to your bank almost immediately after you check out and your final bill is settled. For many properties, this is part of their automated end-of-day processing.
Your Bank's Action: This is the key factor.
Credit Cards: For most major credit card issuers (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), you can expect the hold to drop off within 1-3 business days after the hotel releases it. Some might even be faster, within 24 hours. In rare cases, it could take up to 7 days, or even 30 days for Visa, depending on your specific bank's policies.
Debit Cards: Debit card holds tend to take longer to release, often 3-10 business days, and sometimes even more, as the funds are directly tied to your bank account. This is a common reason why using a credit card for hotel holds is generally recommended.
Sub-heading: Weekends and Holidays Matter
Remember that "business days" are crucial. If you check out on a Friday, the hold might not be fully processed until Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week, as banks typically don't process these releases over weekends or public holidays.
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Step 5: What If the Hold Lingers? Troubleshooting Steps
While most holds clear within a few business days, sometimes they take longer. If you find a hold on your Marriott stay lingering for an unusually long time (e.g., more than 5-7 business days for a credit card, or 10+ business days for a debit card), here's what you should do:
Sub-heading: First Contact: Your Bank
Call your credit card company or bank directly. Explain that you had a hotel pre-authorization hold from a Marriott property and that you have already checked out. Provide them with the dates of your stay and the amount of the hold.
Ask them for the exact status of the hold. They can usually see if the merchant (Marriott) has sent the release instruction.
Request that they manually remove the hold. While they might not always be able to do this immediately, sometimes they can expedite the process if the hotel has already sent the release.
Sub-heading: Second Contact: The Marriott Hotel
If your bank indicates that they haven't received a release instruction from the hotel, then it's time to contact the specific Marriott property where you stayed.
Call the hotel's front desk or accounting department. Explain the situation and provide your confirmation number and stay dates.
Request that they verify the hold has been released. They can usually confirm this on their end and, if necessary, re-send the release instruction.
Sub-heading: Keeping Records
Always keep a copy of your final hotel bill/receipt. This proves you've paid and can be helpful when discussing issues with your bank or the hotel.
Note down the names of people you speak to and the date/time of your calls. This is good practice for any customer service issue.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
In Summary: The Marriott Credit Card Hold Timeline
At Check-in: Marriott places a pre-authorization hold on your card for room & tax + estimated incidentals for your entire stay.
At Check-out: Marriott settles your final bill and instructs your bank to release the hold.
Post Check-out: Your bank then processes this release.
Credit Cards: Typically 1-5 business days (often faster, within 24-72 hours). Can be up to 7-30 days depending on the issuer.
Debit Cards: Typically 3-10 business days, sometimes longer.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about Marriott credit card holds, with quick answers:
How to find out the exact incidental hold amount for a specific Marriott hotel?
You can call the specific Marriott hotel directly and ask the front desk about their typical incidental hold amount per night. It varies by property.
How to avoid a large hold on my debit card at Marriott?
It's generally recommended to use a credit card for the pre-authorization hold to avoid tying up your checking account funds. You can then pay with your debit card or another method at checkout.
How to see if a Marriott pre-authorization hold has been released?
Check your online banking or credit card statement. The "pending" or "processing" transaction for the hold should disappear, and only the actual settled charge for your stay should remain.
How to dispute a Marriott credit card hold that hasn't been released?
First, contact your bank and then the hotel. If neither can resolve it, you may need to formally dispute the charge with your credit card issuer, providing them with your checkout receipt.
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to check into a Marriott without a credit card for incidentals?
Some Marriott properties may allow a cash deposit for incidentals, but this is less common and varies by hotel policy. It's always best to call the hotel in advance to inquire.
How to know if I'm booking a prepaid Marriott rate?
When booking on the Marriott website or app, the rate details will clearly state if it's a "prepaid," "advance purchase," or "non-refundable" rate, indicating that you will be charged at the time of booking.
How to get my incidental hold back faster from Marriott?
While the hotel releases the hold quickly, the speed of its return depends on your bank. There's little you can do to speed up your bank's processing time beyond calling them if it's taking unusually long.
How to differentiate between a charge and a hold on my statement?
A hold will typically show as "pending," "processing," or "authorized" and will not have been fully deducted from your available balance. A completed charge will show as "posted" or "completed" and will have reduced your balance.
How to manage my available credit when a hotel hold is in place?
Be aware that the hold amount reduces your available credit. Plan your spending accordingly to avoid exceeding your credit limit or incurring fees.
How to contact Marriott customer service about a billing issue?
You can contact Marriott's customer service via their website's "Contact Us" form, or call their general reservations line. For specific billing issues, it's often best to directly contact the hotel where you stayed.
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