Trotz Bezahlung: Hotel verlangt Kreditkarte beim Check-in – was dabei gilt

Even after a hotel room has been paid for, some establishments still require a credit card at check-in as a form of security. In certain cases, a specific amount may be pre-authorized on the card. Is this permissible? Yes, but it must have been transparently communicated prior to booking that a credit card will be required upon arrival, according to Karolina Wojtal, a lawyer from the European Consumer Center.

Typically, this information is found in the hotel's terms and conditions (T&C). The German Hotel Association (IHA) recommends hotels generally secure bookings by holding a credit card, either during the booking process or at the latest during check-in, as stated by Stefan Dinnendahl, deputy CEO. This practice serves as protection for hotels, such as in the event that services like the minibar are used and not paid for later, or if hotel furnishings are damaged.

If a sum is blocked onto the card, the hotel must clearly state the amount and the duration for which it is held, Wojtal explains. The blocked amount can be higher for a premium suite compared to a budget room and should be proportionate to the potential costs. Upon departure, this pre-authorized amount must be promptly released, she adds.

The 14-day limit for refunding the blocked amount was set. Refusing to provide a credit card when checked in, despite having already paid, might lead a hotel to deny overnight accommodation, although there is no clear legal ruling. If the credit card practice is stipulated in the contract terms, the hotel could potentially deny the guest's overnight stay if they refuse, according to Wojtal.

However, without prior notice, it is legally unclear whether the hotel could then withhold its services. In other countries, the legal landscape might differ even within the EU as there is no overarching framework in this area – national laws apply. After returning from a vacation, it's advisable to carefully review credit card statements and respond to any questionable charges by contacting the hotel and the bank.

In such cases, the consumer advocate advises first contacting the hotel to request an explanation for the charges and seeking clarification if unsatisfied. In some instances, the chargeback might be reversed, but the issuing bank or payment service provider ultimately determines the outcome.