Paying with cash at a hotel is more common than most travelers realize — yet knowing which chains actually accept it can save you a stressful check-in experience. Whether you're avoiding credit card fees, traveling without a card, or simply prefer cash budgeting, SimpleFastLoans confirms that dozens of major US hotel chains welcome cash payments, often with a refundable deposit in lieu of a card hold. If you're planning your next trip on a tight budget, these 12 chains make it easy to book and pay without plastic. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Many major US hotel chains accept cash payments, including Motel 6, Best Western, Holiday Inn, and La Quinta. Most require a refundable cash deposit (typically $50–$200) at check-in instead of a credit card hold. Budget and independent properties are most cash-friendly, while luxury brands may still require a card on file.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel 6 | $40–$80/night | Ultra-budget travelers, no deposit required | Visit Site |
| Extended Stay America | $60–$110/night | Long-term stays, weekly/monthly rates | Visit Site |
| Red Roof Inn | $50–$90/night | Budget travelers, pet-friendly stays | Visit Site |
| Super 8 by Wyndham | $55–$95/night | Road trippers needing basic amenities | Visit Site |
| Best Western | $80–$150/night | Mid-range travelers wanting reliability | Visit Site |
| Quality Inn | $65–$120/night | Families on a budget | Visit Site |
| Holiday Inn | $100–$180/night | Business and family travelers | Visit Site |
| Omni Hotels & Resorts | $200–$400/night | Upscale travelers paying cash in full | Visit Site |
| Radisson Hotels | $90–$180/night | Mid-to-upper travelers, major cities | Visit Site |
| InTown Suites | $200–$350/week | Extended stays, weekly cash payments | Visit Site |
| Drury Hotels | $100–$170/night | Travelers wanting included meals & amenities | Visit Site |
| Shilo Inns | $70–$130/night | West Coast travelers, full-service amenities | Visit Site |
12 Top Hotels That Accept Cash in 2026
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Motel 6
Motel 6 is one of the most well-known budget hotel chains that accepts cash payments at check-in, making it a reliable option for travelers without a credit card. Most locations allow cash-paying guests, though a refundable cash deposit (typically $50–$100) is required in place of a card hold. Rooms generally run $40–$80 per night depending on location.
What to know:
- Cash deposit required at check-in (refunded at checkout)
- Valid government-issued ID required alongside cash payment
- Pet-friendly at most locations — no extra fee
Extended Stay America caters to long-term guests and frequently accommodates cash-paying travelers, particularly those booking weekly or monthly stays. Their front desks are accustomed to cash transactions, and the in-room kitchenettes make longer visits more practical. Nightly rates start around $60–$90, with weekly rates offering noticeable savings. According to Welcome Suites, extended-stay properties are among the most cash-friendly hotel categories.
Key perks:
- Weekly and monthly rates reduce overall cost
- In-room kitchen saves money on dining out
3. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn is a budget-friendly chain where many locations accept cash, making it a solid choice for road trippers or anyone planning affordable travel booking without relying on plastic. A cash deposit is typically collected at check-in and returned upon a clean checkout. Nightly rates usually fall between $45–$85, varying by region and season.
Notable details:
- Deposit amount varies by location — call ahead to confirm
- Pet-friendly policy at most properties (one pet stays free)
Super 8 by Wyndham is one of the most widely recognized budget chains that accepts cash payment at check-in, making it a reliable option for travelers without credit cards. Most locations require a cash deposit (typically $50–$100) to cover incidentals, so calling ahead to confirm your specific property's policy is recommended.
What to know:
- Nightly rates often start around $50–$80 depending on location
- Cash deposit held and returned upon checkout
- Over 2,000 U.S. locations for wide availability
5. Best Western
Best Western properties frequently accommodate guests paying with cash, though policies vary by individual franchise location. Mid-range pricing and consistent amenities make it a practical choice for road trippers or business travelers who prefer not to use a debit or credit card. Always verify the specific property's cash acceptance and deposit requirements before arrival.
Notable perks:
- Rates typically range $80–$150 per night
- Free breakfast included at many locations
- Incidental deposit usually $50–$100 cash
6. Quality Inn
Quality Inn, part of the Choice Hotels family, is a budget-friendly chain where many locations permit cash payments for guests who lack a credit card. According to Welcome Suites, Choice Hotels brands like Quality Inn are among the more accessible options for cash-paying travelers, with nightly rates that typically run $60–$110.
Key details:
- Cash deposit generally required at check-in
- Basic amenities included: Wi-Fi, breakfast at select locations
7. Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn, part of the IHG family, is one of the more accessible hotel chains for cash-paying guests. Many locations allow cash payments at check-in, though a credit card hold for incidentals is typically required. Budget-conscious travelers appreciate that rates are often affordable, making it easier to cover the full stay in cash upfront.
Key details:
- Cash accepted at most locations; incidental deposit required
- Rates typically range $80–$150/night depending on location
- IHG One Rewards members may have more flexibility
Omni Hotels offers a more upscale experience while still accommodating guests who prefer paying without a card. Their policy generally permits cash settlement of your final bill, though an authorization hold on a credit or debit card is standard at check-in for incidentals. It's a solid option for travelers wanting premium amenities while using cash for their actual room charges.
What to know:
- Nightly rates typically start around $150–$300+
- Incidental hold required at check-in even with cash payment
- Call ahead to confirm the specific property's cash policy
Radisson Hotels accepts cash payments at most of its properties, making it a solid option for travelers who prefer to pay without a credit card. While a credit card or cash deposit is typically required at check-in for incidentals, the nightly rate itself can be settled in cash. Radisson operates across budget and upscale tiers, giving cash-paying guests flexibility in location and price point.
What to know:
- Cash deposit for incidentals typically $50–$200 per night
- Policies vary by property — call ahead to confirm cash acceptance
- Rewards program available even for cash-paying guests
10. InTown Suites
InTown Suites is one of the most cash-friendly extended-stay hotel chains in the U.S., specifically catering to guests who need weekly or monthly accommodations without relying on credit. Many locations explicitly accept cash, making it a go-to for budget travelers, workers on job sites, or anyone in transition. Weekly rates are affordable, often ranging from $200–$400 depending on location.
Notable perks:
- Weekly rates with no long-term lease required
- In-room kitchenettes included to reduce food costs
- Cash accepted at most locations with valid ID
11. Drury Hotels
Drury Hotels accommodates cash payments at its properties across the Midwest and Southeast, appealing to guests who avoid credit cards for budgeting or privacy reasons. A refundable cash deposit is required at check-in to cover potential incidental charges, so bring extra beyond your room rate. Drury is well-regarded for including breakfast and evening snacks in the room price, adding solid value for cash-paying travelers watching their spending.
Key features:
- Free hot breakfast and evening "Kickback" included nightly
- Cash deposit typically required; refunded at checkout
- Valid government-issued ID required alongside cash payment
12. Shilo Inns
Shilo Inns is a regional hotel chain operating across the Western United States that accepts cash payments at check-in, making it a practical option for travelers who prefer not to use credit cards. Properties are typically mid-range with amenities like free breakfast, pools, and fitness centers at rates that work for budget-conscious guests.
What to know:
- Cash-paying guests usually provide a refundable deposit for incidentals
- Locations spread across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and California
- Rates generally range $80–$150/night depending on location and season
Final Words
Whether you need a no-frills roadside stop, a midrange retreat, or a full-service stay, paying cash keeps your budget in check and your privacy intact. If you're still holding plastic instead of bills, look into converting cards to cash before you book.