This protects you as a consumer by limiting loss in the event that your card is stolen. (debt.org)
Most retreat hosts want to limit their loss of income due to last - minute cancellations and so they'll try to fill the cancelled spot with another guest. (travelinsurancereview.net)
Lastly, I want to mention one more important tool for preventing or limiting loss from online purchases: «disposable», one - time - use credit card numbers. (money.stackexchange.com)