Before credit cards became commonplace, the world revolved around cash. However, when the first universal credit card, launched in 1950 by Diner’s Club, became available, the concept of personal credit was quickly adopted.
Nowadays, nearly all hotels require a credit card when booking—and if not, they’ll need one when you’re checking in. A hotel takes a security deposit at check-in to cover any damage that may occur while you’re staying in the room. If it accepts cash for room payment when a guest books, it would be left unprotected if anything went awry.