NYC Bans Hidden 'Junk Fees' at Hotels

New rule requires hotels to disclose all charges upfront, including credit card holds

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City has banned hidden 'junk fees' at hotels, requiring them to disclose all charges upfront, including resort fees, early check-in/late checkout fees, Wi-Fi fees, parking fees, and credit card holds. The new rule, which takes effect on February 21, 2026, aims to curb the surprise costs that often catch hotel guests off guard.

Why it matters

The new rule is part of an effort by NYC officials to protect consumers from deceptive hotel pricing practices, especially as the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup this summer. It marks the first time in the U.S. that hotels will be required to disclose credit card holds and advance deposits, which can significantly impact travelers' budgets.

The details

Under the new rule from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, hotels must include all itemized charges, including 'service' fees, in their advertised room rates. Hotels will also have to disclose credit card holds, including the hold amount, potential retention reasons, and refund timeline. The rule applies to any hotel or booking site that advertises to NYC customers, not just those physically located in the city.

  • The new rule takes effect on February 21, 2026.
  • NYC is hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who imposed the ban on hidden 'junk fees' at hotels.

Sam Levine

The commissioner of the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, who announced the new rule.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Under this rule, if you check out and suddenly there's a fee you didn't see before, that's illegal.”

— Sam Levine, Commissioner, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

“Implementing the strongest hotel consumer protections in the United States.”

— Sam Levine, Commissioner, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

What’s next

The new rule takes effect on February 21, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in New York City this summer.

The takeaway

New York City's ban on hidden 'junk fees' at hotels is a significant step in protecting consumers from deceptive pricing practices, setting a new standard for hotel transparency that could inspire similar measures in other cities and states.