Cash B & B Wants Credit Card
Mar 4, 2015, 9:18 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 11
Cash B & B Wants Credit Card
Have reservations at a small B & B In Bruges, Belgium. Cash Only B & B, but they still want a credit card. Their web site does not allow for reservations or payments. Must be done thru e-mail or phone. Concerned about giving out credit card info by e-mail or by phone. Suggestions. Thanks
Mar 4, 2015, 11:41 am
#2
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Sacramento, CA, US
Posts: 2,229
One possible approach is to send 2 emails back-to-back, with the first including all but the last 4 numbers of the card, and the second containing the last 4 numbers plus the expiration date. Or, call them up. Fraud is not a huge concern, as you wouldn't typically have to pay unauthorized charges.
1111-1111-1111-xxxx
xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-1111, exp. 11-11
1111-1111-1111-xxxx
xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-1111, exp. 11-11
Mar 4, 2015, 12:21 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,344
I use empty visa gift cards for this sort of situation. In the unlikely event that they actually try to authorise an amount on it, I give them another virtual card with $5 on it, or cancel the booking. I'd rather not stay somewhere that tries to charge my card in full (even if they don't end up taking the funds) and then still wants full payment in cash.
Mar 4, 2015, 2:47 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Posts: 2,731
Two issues here:
1) Why do they need it if they can't use it for payment, anyway?
2) Whether it's OK to provide the number via email or phone
No way would I send a credit card number via email. However, I would give it over the phone--that's what everyone used to do in the days before widespread Internet use. I would first ask during that call, though, why they needed the number.
1) Why do they need it if they can't use it for payment, anyway?
2) Whether it's OK to provide the number via email or phone
No way would I send a credit card number via email. However, I would give it over the phone--that's what everyone used to do in the days before widespread Internet use. I would first ask during that call, though, why they needed the number.
Mar 5, 2015, 2:35 am
#5
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I'm willing to send a credit card number to a secure fax machine but never by email. Of course phone is OK too.
Does the hotel charge the credit card for a no show? Use it to cover damages, or even stuff like unreported minibar consumption discovered after the guest has checked out?
Before giving a credit card number, I'd specifically ask the reason for this request. Ideally, I'd want the policy in writing. Otherwise, I'd consider cancelling the reservation and finding somewhere else to stay.
Does the hotel charge the credit card for a no show? Use it to cover damages, or even stuff like unreported minibar consumption discovered after the guest has checked out?
Before giving a credit card number, I'd specifically ask the reason for this request. Ideally, I'd want the policy in writing. Otherwise, I'd consider cancelling the reservation and finding somewhere else to stay.
Mar 5, 2015, 9:04 am
#6
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 344
.One thing though is if it's very reputable, has a lot of reviews on trip adviser, then they likely are not scammers trying to get your data
. Other comments about disposable debit cards with low balance are good ideas not only for this, but for loads of other situations where a credit is needed for "verification"
Mar 5, 2015, 8:50 pm
#7
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
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I'd agree with this since it's a "cash only" place, how would they even charge a credit card .
One thing though is if it's very reputable, has a lot of reviews on trip adviser, then they likely are not scammers trying to get your data. Other comments about disposable debit cards with low balance are good ideas not only for this, but for loads of other situations where a credit is needed for "verification"
.One thing though is if it's very reputable, has a lot of reviews on trip adviser, then they likely are not scammers trying to get your data
. Other comments about disposable debit cards with low balance are good ideas not only for this, but for loads of other situations where a credit is needed for "verification"
Mar 6, 2015, 2:33 am
#8
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
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I don't see it as that shady, to be honest. Small business wants to minimise costs so only accepts cash, but doesn't want you to go through the hassle of putting down a cash deposit (especially from abroad) and so will take a credit card number as security.
Yes, I'd want some assurance of trustworthiness before giving a credit card number, and I would definitely give it over the phone rather than by email.
Yes, I'd want some assurance of trustworthiness before giving a credit card number, and I would definitely give it over the phone rather than by email.
Mar 11, 2015, 7:30 am
#10
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