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Have you ever not booked a hotel because you didn't want to pay for everything on the spot? Or because you were waiting for the money to drop into your account? Well, now there's good news: Booking.com is releasing reservations with payment only at check-in in most of the accommodations listed on the platform. That's right. No card being charged first, no scares about advance payments, no limit being blocked.

How does payment work at check-in?

In practice, what changes is that you can book the hotel now and only pay when you get there. It's as simple as that. Booking.com indicates at the time of the search which accommodations offer this possibility - usually with the label "Pay at accommodation" or "No payment in advance".

This means

  • You book normally on the app or website.
  • You receive instant confirmation.
  • There is no charge at the time of booking.
  • The total amount is only paid on the day of check-in, directly with the hotel, hostel or guesthouse.

In some cases, payment can even be split on the spot or made in cash, depending on the establishment's policies.

Do you need a credit card?

Most of the time, yes. Booking still asks for a card valid only for secure your reservation. You won't be charged unless you cancel after the deadline or don't show up (no-show). In a few cases, you can book by debit card only, but this depends on the hotel.

It's important to remember that this card serves as a guarantee - but not as an advance charge. If you choose the "pay at check-in" option, trust me: you won't be charged before your trip.

Why is this advantageous?

1# Freedom of planning: you can book right now, secure that incredible room with a sea view and organize yourself financially calmly.

2# Avoid cancellation stressIf the unexpected happens, you can cancel (often free of charge) without losing any money.

3# Ideal for those without an immediate balanceThere's still time to save the money or wait for the salary to drop without giving up the reserve.

4# Improves control of travel expensesYou pay for everything in one go, directly at the hotel, and you avoid having your card swiped before you board.

What are the precautions when using this option?

Despite the ease, some points deserve attention:

  • Cancellation policy: not all options with payment on check-in have free cancellation. Read the terms before closing.
  • No-show chargesIf you don't show up and don't cancel by the deadline, Booking may charge you a fine. Be aware of the deadline.
  • Currency conversionIf the hotel is in another country, the price shown may be subject to exchange rate variations. Check the final billing currency.
  • Local taxes and feesIn some destinations, extra taxes (such as tourist tax) are paid on the spot and do not appear in the total price of the reservation.

How do you find hotels with this option?

On the Booking.com website or app, you can filter the results like this:

1# Access the site/app and do the normal destination search.
2# In the filter menu, select "Payment policies".
3# Check the "Pay at accommodation" or "No prepayment" option.
4# See the updated results with accommodations that allow payment at check-in.

Another tip is to keep an eye on the green icons next to the options. If it says "Pay at accommodation", you can book with peace of mind and only pay on arrival.

Does it work for all types of hosting?

Yes. The mode is available for:

  • Traditional hotels
  • Inns
  • Hostels
  • Resorts
  • Holiday apartments

What changes are the terms of each place. Some allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Others ask for 3 days' notice. So always read the booking details carefully before confirming.

Is there a price difference?

Not always. Some accommodations may offer discounts for early paymentBut this usually comes with the trade-off of not being able to cancel for free.

The tip is simple: if you want flexibility, go for "pay at check-in". If you're already sure and want to save even more, consider the advance fare.

But in many cases, the prices are practically the same. So it's more worthwhile securing the freedom to pay later.

What about cancellations?

One of the biggest advantages of paying at check-in is the flexibility to change plans without losing money. Most hostels that allow this form of payment also offer free cancellation until a certain date.

Booking tells you all this clearly before you finalize your booking. And to make sure you don't forget the deadline, the app itself sends you alerts letting you know that the cancellation period is coming to an end.

What if I want to pay first?

It's also possible. Even for reservations with payment at check-in, many hotels accept that you pay in advance, mainly by card or transfer. Just contact the hotel directly and arrange it.

But the difference is that you only pay if you want to - it's not something that's imposed when you book, like on other platforms.

Is it really worth it?

If you like to plan with freedom and avoid blocking your card, yes, it's worth it. The option of pay only at check-in gives you autonomy, allows you to change your mind and even reduces the financial stress before the trip.

What's more, you can keep your limit free and avoid surprises on your bill. And since Booking is already known for the huge amount of accommodation available, it's easy to find good options with this facility.

See also: Amazon Shopping hides coupons in little-used categories

May 24, 2025