Add organization

    Can a hotel or car rental block money on your card?

    Pre-authorisations on payment cards in the EU.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    Yes, within limits. Your Europe explains that a trader, such as a hotel or a car rental firm, may ask to block an amount on your card to cover expected charges. You must be told about it and approve both the block and the exact amount. Once you make the real payment, your bank must release the blocked amount immediately. The same EU rules apply in Finland.

    Practical: communication, money, services

    Why

    1. Your Europe says you must approve the block and the exact amount.
    2. The bank must release the blocked amount immediately after the real payment.
    3. The page was last checked on 28 April 2026.

    Details

    A block reduces the money or credit you can use until it is released. Debit cards are affected the same way as credit cards.

    Tip

    Ask at check-in how large the block will be and when it ends, and check your account after you leave.

    What may differ

    How fast the release shows in your bank app depends on the bank and card scheme.

    Common misconception

    A hotel can block any amount it likes without asking.

    What actually happens

    EU rules require your approval of the block and its exact amount.

    People also ask

    • Can shops charge a card fee in Finland?
    • Does paying by credit card protect a purchase in Finland?
    • Should I pay in euros or my home currency?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Payment rules and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

    Practical: communication, money, services
    Help