Mumsnet Talk

I'm trying to make an advance booking for a hotel in London - they have requested a scan of both sides of my credit card in order to confirm the booking. Is this normal? I don't feel at all comfortable sending this information, but happy to be reassured if it's completely normal. Thank you...

I've never sent a scan. A card number should be enough surely, same as any advance booking?

I've never sent a scan either and I travel a lot for work. You should be able to give them the details over the phone or book online. They'll swipe it when you arrive but a scan sounds a bit odd.

Yes that's exactly what I thought I emailed them to say as much but they have replied still requesting the scan. I am inclined to find a different hotel, but it means I have to change things around which is really irritating.

Oh I would definitely be changing hotel. Its not worth the suspicion turning into reality is it?

No, I agree, it's all a bit odd. Thank you!

Very odd. I would change hotels.

I wouldn't like that at all. I already hate giving my card details over the phone.

I wouldn't do it either ...

Phone the number on the back of your credit card and ask them for their advice on this. They may tell you that a lot of hotels are doing this (although I've never heard of it) or they may tell you that sending a scan of the card would leave you open to fraud and advise you not to do it.

It's not ok. Tell them it's not PCI compliant (payment card industry). They should accept the card number. If its for pre payment you should be able to call & give the number over the phone.

can you book the hotel through booking .com or late room rather than with the hotel direct
if you google the name of the hotel and booking .com it should show if its listed or not

I used to be a PA & during this time booked a lot of hotels for other people. I was regulary asked to send a scan of the persons card that I was using. However they also sent a form that needed to be signed by the card owner. I can't remember the reasons, I think it was because I was using their card to make a booking & the hotel were taking precautions against fraud. Look at the booking info on their website and see if there's any mention of providing a card in advance. Are you paying in advance or departure?

Although I have been asked this countless times when at work, I've never been when using my card for a personal nature and wouldn't want to either.

Definitely not acceptable - which Hotel is it?

It is probably against card scheme (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) rules to do this and also its not PCI secure.