When it comes to accepted payment methods at Marriott hotels, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer global or country-specific payment options, Marriott hotels accept most of them, providing convenience and flexibility for your stay.
However, not all payment methods are created equally.
If you’ve been following our tips on booking a Marriott hotel, you’re already maximizing your Marriott Bonvoy points. And finally, using the right payment method can further help you earn even more rewards.
Paying with a Credit Card at Marriott Hotels
Paying with a credit card is often the preferred method at Marriott hotels due to the range of benefits it offers. Especially the credit card reward points.
When deciding which credit card to use, consider the following pointers:
- Look for credit cards that have a partnership with Marriott, as they may offer additional perks such as discounts or bonus points.
- Some credit cards provide extra points specifically for hotel stays or overall travel-related expenses, allowing you to earn rewards faster.
- If you’re traveling internationally, consider a credit card that offers extra points on international expenses without high foreign transaction fees.
Travel expenses can be high, so using the right credit card can help you reach card milestones faster, meet spending requirements for annual fee waivers, or increase your eligibility for better cards or higher credit limits.
Take some time to do the math and decide which card is best for your travel plans. Ideally, before your travel starts.
Paying with Amex Cards at Marriott Hotels.
While most Marriott hotels accept American Express (Amex) cards without any issues, there may be certain hotels in specific regions where Amex is not yet available.
It’s always a good idea to have a backup Visa or MasterCard just in case. Anyway, most of us are experienced enough to not travel with only an Amex card in our wallet.
Are Debit Cards accepted at Marriott hotels?
Although credit cards offer numerous advantages, it’s important to note that Marriott hotels do accept debit cards as well.
Just make sure it’s a debit card and not an ATM only card. It should have a Visa or MasterCard logo, or similar. Typically, a pure ATM card won’t be accepted at Marriott hotels. Some Marriott hotels may have an ATM on property for such cases.
However, it’s advisable to call and check with the specific hotel you plan to stay at regarding their policy on accepting debit cards.
The risk of paying with Debit Cards at a hotel.
Debit cards are directly connected to bank accounts, making them more vulnerable to fraud and providing less comprehensive dispute resolution and safety measures compared to credit cards. The risk increases multifold outside your home country.
You should be aware of all the risks when using a debit card. It’s a good idea to have some sort of insurance to cover card or bank account frauds as well while traveling.
Paying with cash at Marriott Hotels.
Even if within the legal limits, paying with cash may not always be the best idea.
One of the primary reasons is that you miss out on credit card rewards. By paying with cash, you won’t earn any reward points or take advantage of promotional offers provided by your credit card company.
Additionally, using cash can pose risks such as lost invoices or issues like double charging. With credit cards (and other electronic payment methods), you always have an additional proof of payment and can easily resolve any disputes that may arise.
Country-Specific payment methods.
Many countries have their own locally designed payment methods based on QR code scanning, such as India’s UPI or Singapore’s SGQR.
However, these methods are generally limited to payments within your own country of residence (or bank account).
For example, at a Marriott hotel in Bangkok, you won’t be able to scan and pay using Indian UPI apps, and vice versa. For domestic travel, this shouldn’t be a problem.
If you’re traveling internationally, it’s safer to rely on more widely accepted forms of payment like credit cards.
Can you pay with Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies at Marriott hotels?
Currently, Marriott hotels do not officially accept Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency as a form of payment. While there may be a few specific hotels within the Marriott brand that accept cryptocurrencies, it is quite rare to come across them.
Furthermore, there are no prominent hotel booking websites that currently accept crypto as a means of payment. Expedia, which used to accept Bitcoin in the past, no longer supports this form of digital currency.
Using Marriott Gift Cards.
If you have a physical Marriott Gift Voucher or an e-gift card, there are a few things to keep in mind when using them. Avoid using online check-in as it may trigger a charge on your credit card immediately and prevent you from using the gift card. It’s recommended to pay upfront at check-in to simplify the process and avoid any unexpected charges on your credit card.
However, unless you receive gift cards as a gift or at a significant discount, they may not be the most advantageous payment method. Gift cards can sometimes be complex to use and may not offer the same benefits as credit cards.
When it comes to paying for your stay at a Marriott hotel, there are plenty of options available. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each payment method before making your decision. By choosing the right method, you can enhance your experience and earn additional rewards along the way.
