Most major travel sites accept checking account payments, but the method varies
The biggest travel booking sites—Expedia, Booking.com, Kayak, Orbitz, Priceline, and Hotwire—all take checking account payments. They do this through ACH transfers (also called electronic checks or eChecks), which pull money directly from your bank account. You enter your routing number and account number at checkout, the same way you would for a bill payment online.
The catch is that not every site offers ACH as a payment option on every page. Some sites show it only if you're paying from certain countries, or only for certain booking types. Expedia and Booking.com tend to show it most consistently. Smaller or niche travel sites—boutique hotel bookers, adventure tour operators, regional airlines—are less likely to offer it at all.
If a site doesn't show ACH at checkout, your options are limited: use a debit card instead (which draws from the same account but processes as a card payment), pay by phone with a customer service agent, or book through a different site.
Key Takeaways
- Expedia, Booking.com, Kayak, Orbitz, Priceline, and Hotwire all accept ACH (electronic check) payments from checking accounts at checkout.
- ACH payments pull directly from your checking account using your routing and account number, with no debit card required.
- Not every travel site shows ACH as an option—some only offer it for certain booking types or from certain countries.
- If ACH is not available, you can use a debit card tied to the same account, call the site's customer service to pay by phone, or book elsewhere.
- Smaller travel sites and niche operators rarely offer ACH; they typically accept only cards or PayPal.
How ACH payments work at travel booking sites
When you choose ACH at checkout, the site asks for your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. You may also need to confirm your name and address. The site then submits the transaction to your bank as an electronic check.
Processing takes longer than a card payment. Most travel sites show the charge within one to three business days, though some take up to five. The money leaves your account on the same timeline. Unlike a credit card, there is no dispute process if something goes wrong—you would need to contact your bank directly to reverse an ACH transaction, which is slower and less certain than a card chargeback.
Some sites require you to verify a small deposit (usually under $1) before your first ACH payment. They deposit it, you confirm the amount in your bank statement, and then the site unlocks ACH for future bookings. This step can add a few days to your first booking.
Which major sites show ACH at checkout
Expedia shows ACH consistently for flights, hotels, and packages in the United States. Look for "Electronic Check" or "ACH" in the payment method list. It appears for most bookings but occasionally disappears for certain hotel chains or international flights.
Booking.com offers ACH under "Bank Transfer" or "Direct Debit" depending on your country. It is available for hotels, flights, and car rentals. The option shows up reliably but sometimes only after you enter your email address.
Kayak accepts ACH for flight bookings but not always for hotels, since many hotel bookings are completed on the hotel's own site. Check the payment screen before you commit to a booking.
Orbitz, Priceline, and Hotwire accept ACH less consistently. These sites often default to card payments and may not show ACH unless you scroll or look for a "more payment options" link. Call customer service if you cannot find it—they can often process ACH payments over the phone even if the website does not show the option.
When ACH is not available and what to do instead
If a travel site does not show ACH at checkout, your first move is to look for a "more payment options" or "other ways to pay" link. Some sites hide ACH behind an extra click. If that does not work, call the site's customer service number and ask whether they accept ACH payments by phone. Many do, even if the website does not offer it online.
Your second option is to use a debit card instead. A debit card tied to your checking account draws from the same money, but it processes as a card transaction rather than an ACH transfer. The charge appears faster (usually within one day), and you have card dispute protections if something goes wrong. The downside is that some sites charge a higher fee for debit cards than for ACH, though this is rare for travel bookings.
If you want to avoid cards entirely, PayPal is accepted by most major travel sites and can be linked to your checking account. PayPal then handles the ACH transfer to your bank on its own schedule, so you do not enter your account number directly on the travel site.
Smaller travel sites and specialty bookings
Boutique hotel sites, adventure tour operators, regional airlines, and vacation rental platforms rarely offer ACH. Most accept only credit or debit cards, and some accept PayPal. A few accept bank transfers but require you to initiate the transfer yourself from your bank's website—they give you their bank details, you send the money, and they confirm receipt before holding your reservation.
If you are booking through a smaller site and want to avoid a card, ask customer service what payment methods they support. Some will process ACH by phone or email if you ask, even if it is not listed on the website. Others may offer a bank transfer option that you initiate yourself, which takes longer but keeps your account number off their system.
Security and account information when paying by ACH
Entering your routing and account number on a travel site carries the same risk as entering it anywhere else online. Reputable sites encrypt this information and do not store it after the transaction completes. However, if a site is hacked or mishandles data, someone could potentially use your account number to initiate unauthorized ACH transfers.
To reduce this risk, use ACH only on sites you trust and that use secure checkout (look for "https://" in the address bar and a lock icon). If you are uncomfortable sharing your account number, use a debit card or PayPal instead—both add a layer of protection between your account and the merchant.
If you notice an unauthorized ACH charge, contact your bank immediately. Banks can reverse ACH transactions, but the process is slower than disputing a card charge and is not may provide if more than a few days have passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ACH to pay for airline tickets on every travel site?
No. Expedia and Booking.com show ACH for most airline tickets, but Kayak, Orbitz, and Priceline do not always offer it online. Call customer service to ask if they accept ACH by phone, or use a debit card instead. Some airlines also sell tickets directly on their own websites and may accept ACH there even if the travel site does not.
Does ACH cost more than paying with a card?
Not for the customer. Travel sites do not charge you a fee for choosing ACH over a card. However, some sites charge a fee for using a debit card, and that fee is the same whether the debit card processes as a card or as an ACH transfer. Check the final price breakdown before you confirm your booking.
How long does an ACH payment take to show up in my bank account?
The charge usually appears within one to three business days. Some sites take up to five days. The money is deducted from your available balance immediately in most cases, even though it may not show as a posted transaction for a few days. Contact your bank if you do not see the charge within a week.
What if I want to cancel my booking after paying by ACH?
Cancellation policies are the same regardless of payment method. If the site offers a refund, they will send it back to your checking account via ACH, which takes three to five business days. If the site does not offer refunds, paying by ACH does not change that—you would need to dispute the charge with your bank instead, which is slower and less certain than a card dispute.
Can I use a checking account to pay for hotel bookings directly on hotel websites?
Most hotel websites accept only cards, not ACH. Some larger chains like Marriott and Hilton accept PayPal, which can be linked to your checking account. For smaller hotels, call the front desk directly and ask if they accept bank transfers or ACH payments—many do for direct bookings, even if the website does not show the option.