Security deposit in the USA

[bass_ke]

Good arvo folks, I'm just wondering what people's experiences are regarding deposits at hotels in the states?

Does it happen every night? How long are your refunds taking? How much are they taking?

I'm staying at all IHG properties on a mix of paid and reward nights and hold Plat ambassador status.

I only have a $1000 limit on my credit card so am wondering if I'll need to up this.

Thanks
Nate

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Good arvo folks, I'm just wondering what people's experiences are regarding deposits at hotels in the states?

Does it happen every night? How long are your refunds taking? How much are they taking?

I'm staying at all IHG properties on a mix of paid and reward nights and hold Plat ambassador status.

I only have a $1000 limit on my credit card so am wondering if I'll need to up this.

Thanks
Nate

Hi Nate

Generally hotels will take 1 night deposit as a hold on your card. In my experience it can take anywhere from 1-14 days for the hold to be released but depends on the hotel.
It's not a charge so there is nothing to be refunded. It's more of a release of the pre-auth hold.

I would be wanting more than a $1000 limit when travelling to USA, especially as restaurants will typically pre-auth bill+25% and adjust the actual charge to what you set the gratuity as.

 

[markis10]

IHG have a policy where elite status get pre checked in, which through Opera or Holidex results in just a $1 charge being preauthorised to your card. Some properties don't use those PMSs so you can get different results, I would look at having a cash deposit handy as an alternative to getting a bigger credit card limit if that is going to be difficult.

 

[bass_ke]

Thanks for the replies gents,

I might up my CC limit, I'm not a fan of big limits and generally tend to put the card in credit if I know I've big purchase coming up. A higher limit would definitely give some more breathing space for pre auths, El Monte RV also want $1000 pre authorised and state it may take them 8 weeks to return it, certainly annoying!

Sounds like IHG might treat me well. I've traveled a decent amount overseas, just never to North America so I thank you all for the responses to the basic questions!

Nate

 

[marks]

Get an Amex for travel. Amex don't have a limit per se, but it will cover the security deposit.
I actually use a corporate one for this and then pay with a different card when settling the bill.

Sounds like you might be doing several hotels. The security deposit might be held on your card for up to 7 days. So after a few hotels, it can easily wipe your limit out. Worth the annual fee just for this. And you won't need a massive limit on a credit card.

 

[Mal]

Not related to IHG, but for my U.S Hilton brand stays, they pre-auth for the full amount, plus a bit extra on arrival. This is usually how most hotels operate, although as noted there are exceptions at certain brands due to status.

I wouldn't travel with a 1K limit if I was frequently shifting hotels or using rental cars.