The next time you check into a hotel using a credit or debit card, remember that hotels block charges in advance on these cards — as much as twice the amount of your room rate per day.

If you use a Visa, Mastercard, Discover card, those blocked charges may zero out your credit limit and future charges may be denied.

If you use a debit card, that same amount will be immediately withdrawn from your checking account, and it will take a minimum of seven business days to get your funds back.

So never use a debit card.

Or do what I do: just use an American Express card when you check in. The hotel will block charges against that card, then ask to change cards when you check out, and pay the actual total with your Visa or Mastercard.