How to Dispute Hotel Charge on a Credit Card (2025 Guide)

How to Dispute Hotel Charge on a Credit Card (2025 Guide)

Dispute Hotel Charges on a Credit Card: Step-by-Step

1. Why hotel-related billing issues are more common in 2025

In 2025, with the rise of online travel bookings and contactless hotel check-ins, billing errors have increased. Many travelers report unauthorized charges appearing after checkout—ranging from extra minibar usage, cleaning fees, early check-in surcharges, to even fictitious room damage. In a recent survey by Consumer Reports US (April 2025), 1 in 7 hotel guests said they found suspicious charges on their bill within 7 days after checking out.

2. Common types of questionable hotel charges

  • Charges for services not used (e.g., spa, minibar)
  • Duplicate charges or billing for extra nights
  • Unauthorized room upgrades
  • Cleaning or smoking fines without evidence
  • Fraudulent charges after using third-party booking platforms (e.g., Booking.com)

3. What to do when you spot a suspicious charge

If you find a hotel charge on your credit card statement that you don’t recognize:

Step 1: Gather evidence
Take screenshots of your booking confirmation, checkout receipt, and the credit card charge in question. If you have any emails or conversations with hotel staff, save those too.

Step 2: Contact the hotel directly
Call or email the hotel’s billing department. Clearly explain the issue, provide your evidence, and ask for a correction or refund.

Step 3: Request a formal written reply
Ask the hotel to provide a written explanation for the charge. If they deny responsibility, request an official invoice breakdown showing when and why the charge occurred.

4. Initiating a dispute with your credit card company

If the hotel refuses to resolve the issue, file a chargeback request with your credit card issuer.

How to do it:

  • Log into your bank or credit card app
  • Locate the charge and choose “Dispute this transaction”
  • Upload the supporting documents
  • Explain in writing what happened and why the charge is invalid

Timeframe: Most issuers allow disputes within 60 days of the charge. Visa, Mastercard, and Amex all support digital chargeback submission as of 2025.

5. Case example: A $150 minibar charge that didn’t exist

Emma from Toronto stayed at a hotel in Miami in March 2025. Two days after checkout, she saw a $150 minibar charge on her Amex card. She had not used the minibar at all and had photo evidence showing it was sealed when she checked in and out. The hotel refused to refund, but Amex issued a full chargeback refund within 7 business days after reviewing her proof.

6. Key tips to protect yourself from hotel billing fraud

  • Take photos/videos of your room and minibar during check-in and check-out
  • Request a detailed invoice upon checkout
  • Avoid booking through suspicious third-party platforms
  • Use credit cards instead of debit cards (credit cards offer stronger dispute protection)

7. What if the hotel claims “terms and conditions” cover the charge?

Always ask for a copy of the specific clause. Vague “policy” statements are not enough. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), merchants must provide clear, pre-consent terms for post-stay billing. If they fail to do so, you may have legal ground for a chargeback.

8. Does disputing a charge hurt your credit score?

No. Filing a dispute with your card issuer does not affect your credit score, even if the dispute is denied. However, unpaid balances from denied disputes can affect your score if left unresolved.

Related Topics You Might Like

Help others stay safe — share this guide if you found it useful!

Have you ever been wrongly charged by a hotel? Drop your experience in the comments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *