Follow these 3 steps. We give you the exact words to say, the email to send, and the script to use with your bank. No guesswork.
You need the hotel to send you a short email or letter confirming they will not collect the funds. This is called a void letter or merchant void confirmation. It's the key that unlocks your money.
Banks hold your money because the merchant might collect it. Once the merchant says "we won't charge this person," the bank has no reason to hold the funds. The void letter is proof.
If the front desk says they can't do it, ask: "Can I speak with your billing department or a manager?" Every hotel has the ability to send a void letter — some front desk agents just don't know the process.
Fill in your details and we'll generate a ready-to-send email requesting the merchant void letter.
Subject: Authorization Hold Void Confirmation Request — [Confirmation #]
Dear [Hotel Name] Billing Department,
My name is [Your Name]. I had a reservation at your property under confirmation number [Confirmation #] that was not fulfilled due to [Reason].
An authorization hold of approximately [Amount] was placed on my debit/credit card ending in [Last 4]. Since no charges will be collected, I am requesting a void confirmation letter — a brief email or written statement confirming that:
1. The authorization hold has been voided/released on your end
2. No charges will be collected for this reservation
My bank requires this documentation to release the funds immediately. Without it, I am told to wait 7-10 business days for the hold to expire.
Please send the confirmation to [Your Email].
Thank you for your prompt assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Without the void letter, your bank will tell you to wait 7-10 days. With it, they can release funds in minutes. The void letter is the entire shortcut.
Now that you have the hotel's void confirmation, you need to get it to your bank. You have two options: call them or forward the email. Calling is faster.
Option A: Call Your Bank (Fastest)If the first agent says no, use this: "I have written confirmation from the merchant that this authorization has been voided. Per Regulation E guidelines, can a supervisor review this for expedited release?" This tells them you know the rules.
In most cases, the bank agent can release the hold while you're on the phone. For email/secure message requests, expect 1-2 business days. Either way — much faster than the standard 7-10 day wait.
Almost done. Check your account to confirm the hold has been lifted and your available balance is restored.
Phone call method: Funds typically available within minutes to a few hours.
Email/message method: Usually 1-2 business days.
Without HoldBreak: 7-10 business days (sometimes longer).
Some banks are stubborn. If they won't release it even with the merchant void letter, you have options:
1. Ask for a supervisor — first-line agents often don't have the authority
2. File a complaint with the CFPB — go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Banks take CFPB complaints seriously and respond within days
3. Switch banks — some banks (especially large credit unions and online banks) are much better about releasing holds quickly
You just saved yourself 7-10 days of waiting. The process that banks and hotels don't want you to know — now you know it.
Save this page. Bookmark it. The next time any merchant puts a hold on your card — rental car, gas station, hotel — come back here and follow the same 3 steps. Void letter. Forward to bank. Done.