How Much Does Hyatt Hold on a Credit Card?

Hyatt, like most hotels, places a hold (also known as an authorization) on your credit card to cover the anticipated cost of your stay, including room rate, taxes, and potential incidentals. The exact amount of the Hyatt credit card hold varies, but it generally includes the room rate for the duration of your stay, plus an additional amount to cover incidentals. Typically, this incidental hold ranges from $50 to $200 per night, depending on the specific Hyatt property and its policies. Therefore, the total credit card authorization can be significant, especially for longer stays.

Understanding Hyatt’s Credit Card Hold Policy

The credit card hold isn’t an actual charge; it’s a temporary reduction in your available credit limit. Once you check out and settle your bill, the hotel releases the hold, and the funds become available again. However, the release process isn’t instantaneous, and it can take a few business days for the funds to reappear in your account.

Factors that influence the Hyatt authorization hold include:

• Hotel Location and Brand: Luxury properties and hotels in major cities generally have higher incidental holds.
• Length of Stay: The longer your stay, the larger the hold, as it’s calculated per night.
• Room Type: Suites or upgraded rooms may attract a higher incidental hold.
• Hyatt’s Specific Policy: Each Hyatt hotel has its own specific policies regarding incidentals, so it’s always best to confirm beforehand.
• Payment Method: While debit cards are accepted, using a credit card is generally recommended, as holds on debit cards can sometimes take longer to be released.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hyatt Credit Card Holds

These FAQs will give you a deeper understanding of Hyatt’s credit card hold practices and how they might affect you.

1. Why Does Hyatt Put a Hold on My Credit Card?

Hyatt places a credit card hold to ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay, including the room rate, taxes, and any incidental expenses you might incur during your visit, such as meals, drinks, spa treatments, or in-room movies. This practice protects the hotel from potential financial loss if a guest fails to pay their bill.

2. How is the Hyatt Credit Card Hold Amount Calculated?

The hold amount is usually calculated by adding the total room rate (including taxes) for your entire stay to a per-night amount for incidentals. The incidental amount varies, but it commonly ranges from $50 to $200 per night. For example, if your room rate is $200 per night for a 3-night stay, and the incidental hold is $50 per night, the total hold would be $750 ($600 for the room and $150 for incidentals).

3. When Does Hyatt Place the Hold on My Credit Card?

The credit card hold is typically placed on your card at check-in. This allows the hotel to verify that you have sufficient credit available to cover your stay. In some cases, a smaller preliminary hold may be placed when you make the reservation to validate your credit card details.

4. How Long Does It Take for the Hyatt Credit Card Hold to Be Released?

The time it takes for the hold to be released varies depending on your bank and their processing times. Generally, it takes 3 to 10 business days for the funds to become available again. However, some banks may release the hold sooner. Contact your bank directly for specific information on their policies.

5. What Happens if I Don’t Use the Entire Incidental Amount?

If you don’t use the entire incidental amount held on your credit card, the unused portion will be released back to your account once you check out and your final bill is settled. You only pay for the actual charges you incurred during your stay.

6. Can I Avoid the Credit Card Hold at Hyatt?

It’s generally not possible to avoid a credit card hold entirely, as it’s a standard practice for hotels. However, you can minimize the amount held by pre-paying for your room in advance, either through a non-refundable rate or by using Hyatt points. Alternatively, you can inquire about paying for incidentals with cash as you incur them, though this may not be accepted by all hotels.

7. Does Hyatt Accept Debit Cards for the Credit Card Hold?

Yes, Hyatt accepts debit cards. However, using a debit card for the credit card hold can be problematic. When a hold is placed on a debit card, the funds are immediately deducted from your account balance, unlike a credit card, where the hold only reduces your available credit. Furthermore, it can take longer for debit card holds to be released compared to credit card holds. Therefore, using a credit card is generally recommended.

8. What Happens if My Credit Card is Declined for the Hold?

If your credit card is declined for the credit card hold, Hyatt may ask you to provide an alternative payment method, such as another credit card or cash. If you are unable to provide a valid payment method, the hotel may refuse to check you in.

9. Can I Use Multiple Credit Cards to Pay for My Stay and Incidentals?

Yes, you can typically use multiple credit cards to pay for your stay and incidentals at Hyatt. You can specify which card you want to use for each portion of your bill at checkout. However, the initial credit card hold will still need to be placed on a single card at check-in.

10. What Should I Do if the Credit Card Hold is Not Released After 10 Days?

If the credit card hold hasn’t been released after 10 business days, you should first contact your bank to inquire about the delay. If your bank is unable to resolve the issue, you should then contact the Hyatt hotel where you stayed. Provide them with your confirmation number, check-in and check-out dates, and a copy of your final bill. The hotel can then contact their payment processor to expedite the release of the hold.

11. Are Hyatt Credit Card Holds Different for Award Stays Using Points?

When using Hyatt points for an award stay, a credit card hold is still typically required to cover any potential incidental expenses. The hold amount is usually the same as it would be for a regular paid stay, based on the hotel’s policy and the length of your stay.

12. How Can I Find Out the Specific Incidental Hold Amount for My Hyatt Hotel?

The best way to find out the specific incidental hold amount for your Hyatt hotel is to contact the hotel directly. You can call the front desk or send them an email. Be sure to have your confirmation number and check-in/check-out dates handy. Alternatively, some hotels may disclose their incidental hold policy on their website or in the reservation confirmation email.