Visa and Mastercards

Do hotels accept prepaid VISA cards when reserving a room?

Everytime I stay at a hotel and use my debit/credit card to reserve a room they hold onto money for days and days even after the bill is paid. This has caused me to have overdrafts in my bank account a few times. I was wondering if I bought a prepaid VISA card and put like $30.00 on it if it would suffice when asked to hold a hotel room when reserving it? Does anyone know if it does, or has anyone tried this?

Public Comments

1. money is money
2. Yes !! I traveled for 2 weeks & had a pre-paid Visa card. Kept me from overspending & was honored just about everywhere enjoy your trip
3. yes they do
4. Hotels will need to put a hold on your card for whatever amount needed. I am sure $30.00 pre-pay would not suffice. It stinks, I know. I have been where you are at.
5. Money is money no matter what its on So yes they would mostly accept the prepaid card, but this also depends on the owner of the hotels decision, on the matter
6. You should call the hotel and ask. When you check into a room they put a hold on an amount greater than the cost of the room to be sure you can cover additional expenses. If that amount is not available then it may not go through. For example you have a prepaid card for $100 and check into a $100 room they are going to try to hold more than that. ✩
7. No, you will need more money on the card then that. You usually need at least one nights stay on your credit card for approval. They make an approval on your card but it should come off in a day and not actually be charged to your account...it should be in pending status for one day and then be removed. I'd also suggest paying in cash and giving them a credit card just for approval process.
8. depends on if they actually try to prepay the room or not. I know most hotels want at least one night paid up front. why don't you use you debit card to pay your entire stay in full then you don't have to worry about them freezing your money. remember you can use most debit cards (the one with the visa or MC logo) like credit cards but you are actually paying cash.