Booking.com Charged My Card $71 After I Paid Cash at Hotel Check-In

I booked a stay under my name at Hanoi Solo Hostel in Hanoi for August 2–5, 2026, through Booking.com. Upon arrival at the hotel, I paid the entire accommodation fee in cash during check-in, and the payment method was clearly recorded as cash in the system.

However, on August 4, 2026—one day before my departure—I noticed an unauthorized charge of $71 on my Halkbank Paraf Platinum credit card under the description "Partners on Booking Amsterdam". When I spoke with the hotel management, they stated that they did not take this payment, that the amount was collected directly by Booking.com, and that I needed to contact Booking customer service.

After persistent efforts, I finally managed to reach Booking customer service. During our conversation, they confirmed that the transaction did not originate from the hotel but was charged by Booking partners. They requested that I email them supporting documents, including bank statements, account summaries, and a digital receipt. Although I gathered and submitted all the requested documents, I have received neither a response nor a refund.

Despite my Booking.com account clearly showing that the stay was paid in cash, why was my credit card charged again without my consent, and why is this transaction left unexplained? Why are we asked to save our credit card details in a system where they are not securely stored?

I demand an immediate full refund of the $71 collected without my knowledge or consent from my Halkbank Paraf Platinum credit card via "Partners on Booking Amsterdam," along with a clear, written explanation regarding the cause of this unauthorized charge.