The 8 Best Travel Merchant Account Providers in 2025

Running a travel business isn’t always smooth sailing (or flying). Between cancellations, chargebacks, currency conversions, and cross-border transactions, payment processing can quickly turn from routine to risky.

That’s why most banks flag travel as a high-risk industry — not because your business is unreliable, but because the transactions often are: large ticket sizes, long booking windows, and unpredictable refunds make the sector uniquely vulnerable to disputes.

It's important for travel agencies, tour operators, and booking platforms to have the right merchant account. Specialized payment processors understand the complexities of global transactions and offer solutions that protect your revenue stream, minimize chargebacks, and maintain compliance across borders. A reliable provider helps you process payments securely while ensuring customers feel confident booking through your business.

But not all providers are built for the demands of travel merchants. Low rates and fast approvals mean little if your account gets frozen before peak booking season, or if your provider can’t handle international currencies and chargeback mitigation.

Here’s a look at the eight best travel merchant account providers in 2025 and what makes each one worth considering. Choosing wisely could mean the difference between a smooth takeoff and a turbulent year for your business.

1. Adaptiv Payments: Best Overall for High-Risk Travel Businesses

Adaptiv Payments Logo

Credit: Adaptiv Payments

For travel merchants navigating unpredictable booking cycles and high refund volumes, Adaptiv Payments stands out as a steady partner. Built for high-risk industries, Adaptiv combines decades of travel industry expertise with personalized support to keep payments running smoothly across borders. From chargeback prevention to fast issue resolution, every detail is designed to protect your revenue and keep your business moving forward.

Key Features:

• Works with multiple acquiring banks, increasing approval odds for high-risk travel merchants
• Built-in chargeback protection and real-time fraud detection
• Fast approval and application process
• Multicurrency processing and international banking relationships to support global bookings
• High-volume and high-ticket processing
• Competitive rates with low processing fees
• Dedicated account representatives for personalized setup, compliance support, and scalability
• Fast, responsive service (most issues resolved within an hour, even after typical business hours)

Main Drawbacks:

• Tailored solutions may take slightly longer to set up than automated platforms
• Best suited for established or growing travel businesses rather than micro-merchants
• Slightly higher fees for ultra-small volume or very new start-ups

2. PaymentCloud: Best for Rapid Approval and Deployment

PaymentCloud Logo

Credit: PaymentCloud

For travel businesses that need to get up and running fast, PaymentCloud offers one of the quickest approval processes in the industry. Known for its high-risk merchant specialization and smooth onboarding (especially for e-commerce platforms), PaymentCloud supports everything from vacation rental platforms and adventure tour companies to charter services and destination event planners, helping them secure approvals even when traditional processors won’t.

Key Features:

• 98% approval rate (plus fast approvals, often within 24–48 hours for qualified merchants)
• Has a large network of acquiring bank partners, speeding up the underwriting process
• Offers flexible, customized pricing for travel merchants
• Supports alternative payment methods such as ACH, e-check, invoicing, etc.
• Multi-currency and global payment acceptance
• Works with a wide range of high-risk verticals, including travel and hospitality
• Integrates easily with most eCommerce platforms and CRMs
• Provides dedicated account managers to assist with the application process, setup, and risk monitoring
• Offers chargeback alerts and fraud protection tools through partner integrations

Main Drawbacks:

• Pricing transparency can vary depending on a travel merchant’s profile and transaction volume
• Some advanced fraud and chargeback features may come at an additional cost
• Customer service hours may be limited compared to full 24/7 processors

3. PayKings: Best for Niche or Specialty Travel Providers

PayKings Logo

Credit: PayKings

If your business doesn’t fit the typical travel mold, PayKings offers a flexible approach to payment processing that’s built to handle nuance. From boutique travel clubs and concierge services to cruise lines and B2B travel vendors, PayKings works with unique merchants that traditional processors often slap with a high-risk label and reject.

Key Features:

• Assigns dedicated account managers and an expert underwriting team that guides travel merchants through the process
• Offers chargeback mitigation tools, real-time risk monitoring, and 3D secure “frictionless” checkout
• Supports multi-currency and recurring billing for global or membership-based travel programs with over 20 financial institution partners
• Integrates with major payment gateways, CRMs, and booking platforms
• Compatibility with multiple payment options, including credit and debit cards, ACH, digital wallets, wire transfers, and more
• Provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live internet chat

Main Drawbacks:

• Application and approval timelines can be longer for merchants with a limited processing history
• Pricing is quote-based and varies widely depending on industry risk and volume
• Some users report inconsistent communication during onboarding or contract renewals

4. Soar Payments: Best for Quick Onboarding and Chargeback Protection

Soar Payments Logo

Credit: Soar Payments

In an industry where delays can derail revenue, Soar Payments excels in getting travel businesses off the ground fast and keeping them protected against fraud. Known for its clear communication and easy integrations, Soar Payments helps high-risk merchants, like those in travel, start processing payments quickly while staying compliant with complex industry regulations.

Key Features:

• Quick and easy onboarding with approval in as little as 24–72 hours for qualified merchants
• Emphasis on chargeback management, including early alerts and prevention tools
• Integrates with most major gateways, shopping carts, and CRMs
• Can handle multiple currencies and overseas transactions if connected with an appropriate acquiring bank
• Transparent pricing and accessible customer support
• Provides solutions for both card-present and online travel transactions

Main Drawbacks:

• Potential cancellation fees and hidden charges
• Limited support for international or offshore travel businesses
• Fewer customization options than larger high-risk processors
• Some customers note delays in refunds or account updates during high-volume periods

5. Durango Merchant Services: Best for “Hard-to-Place” Travel Merchants

Durango Payments Logo

Credit: Durango Payments

Some travel businesses struggle to find processors willing to take them on, especially those with high ticket sizes, new business models, or a history of chargebacks. That’s where Durango Merchant Services shines. With over two decades of experience in high-risk payment processing, Durango has built a strong reputation helping “hard-to-place” merchants secure accounts when others have turned them down.

Key Features:

• Personalized matchmaking with the best banking partner for your travel business profile
• Proven success placing merchants in challenging or ultra-high-risk travel niches
• Supports international and offshore accounts for global booking operations
• Offers secure gateways compatible with major travel CRMs and reservation platforms
• Dedicated account managers provide guidance throughout underwriting and beyond
• Strong focus on fraud prevention (customizable) and PCI compliance

Main Drawbacks:

• Approval timelines can be slower due to thorough underwriting for higher-risk merchants
• No flat-rate pricing (custom quotes vary widely based on risk profile, processing history, and transaction volume)
• Some users report fund withholding or delayed settlements during high-risk reviews

6. SMB Global Payments: Best for International Travel Businesses and Offshore Accounts

SMB Global Logo

Credit: SMB Global

For travel merchants that serve customers worldwide, SMB Global Payments specializes in cross-border and offshore payment solutions. If your business needs to accept foreign currencies, this provider can help route your payments through an appropriate overseas banking partner. Offering reasonable pricing and fair contract terms, SMB Global focuses exclusively on helping high-risk and international businesses secure reliable payment processing where standard U.S. acquirers fall short.

Key Features:

• No initial rolling reserve policy, which is especially helpful for new or small travel businesses that need every dollar to operate
• Designed for merchants processing payments in multiple currencies or operating internationally
• Access to a wide network of offshore acquiring banks that understand high-risk industries like travel
• Supports recurring billing and dynamic currency conversion for seamless global transactions
• Built-in fraud tools and chargeback alerts to protect revenue across borders
• Personalized account management with guidance through complex compliance requirements
• Offers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) so that customers can pay in their home currency while you still settle in yours (boosts potential conversions by removing exchange rate guesswork)
• Fast and easy onboarding process for most travel industry merchants

Main Drawbacks:

• Limited transparency around pricing and settlement timelines for international accounts
• Offshore accounts (or travel startups) can come with higher reserve requirements and processing fees
• Fewer integrations compared to larger, U.S.-based processors
• Customer support hours may be limited

7. High Risk Pay: Best for New or Struggling Travel Merchants

High Risk Pay Logo

Credit: High Risk Pay

Not every travel business has a spotless processing record. Whether you’re just getting started or recovering from account closures or excessive chargebacks, High Risk Pay helps merchants rebuild stability and start accepting payments again. Known for its willingness to underwrite challenging accounts, this provider offers a practical entry point for new or rebuilding travel businesses.

Key Features:

• Works with travel merchants who have been declined, terminated, or placed on the Member Alert to Control High-Risk (MATCH) list
• Easy portal for scheduling payments
• Ongoing chargeback support and assistance with PCI compliance
• No setup fees, fast approvals, and a simple flat-rate pricing structure
• Travel-friendly infrastructure built for surges (e.g., seasonal booking spikes, flash sales for tours)
• Uses AI tools to flag potentially fraudulent transactions and can even help recover lost sales by identifying disputes you can resolve with the customer proactively
• Provides solutions for startups with limited payment history or credit challenges
• Integrates with major online booking and eCommerce platforms
• Fast approval process (often within 24 to 72 hours for basic setups)

Main Drawbacks:

• May have a more limited number of global banking partners
• Less competitive rates for high-risk travel merchants
• Customer service reviews are mixed, with some users citing delayed responses to account issues

8. Corepay: Best for Mail-Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) Accounts and Advanced Fraud Protection

CorePay Logo

Credit: CorePay

For traditional travel agencies that rely on phone-based or manual bookings — like private adventure tours, charter operators, or concierge travel services — Corepay provides tailored MOTO (Mail Order/Telephone Order) solutions backed by advanced fraud prevention tools. With a strong focus on security and risk mitigation, Corepay helps high-risk travel merchants safely process payments without compromising on customer experience.

Key Features:

• Specializes in MOTO and recurring billing accounts for travel and hospitality (can manage card-not-present risk without a physical card swipe)
• Can typically approve merchant account applications within 24–72 hours
• Provides extensive anti-fraud and chargeback protection features
• Compatible with international currencies and multiple payment gateways
• Transparent fee structure and detailed transaction reporting
• Dedicated support for high-risk merchants needing custom compliance or risk review
• Educates merchants about the complexities of the travel industry
• Offers round-the-clock customer support

Main Drawbacks:

• Some merchants report sudden account freezes and closures due to Corepay’s stringent fraud prevention measures
• Customer service can be unresponsive during high-demand periods, according to users
• Fewer public details on pricing and integration compared to larger providers
• Corepay’s range of features can be a bit overwhelming and complex for smaller travel businesses

How to Choose the Right Travel Merchant Account Provider

Woman browsing a travel agency website on his laptop with coffee on table.

Credit: Adaptiv Payments

Choosing the right payment partner comes down to the basics of your business: Are you new or established? What does your chargeback history, transaction volume, and overall business model look like? Is your travel company open to international markets or only to U.S. residents? Do you have a strict onboarding timeline?

And here’s a big one: Have you struggled to get or stay approved elsewhere?

Answering the questions above will help you determine the best fit for your travel company. And trust us: It’s not just about who offers the lowest transaction fees or highlights “travel industry knowledge” in their marketing. You need a partner that can approve you, keep you live during peak seasons, and help you win the chargeback game across borders and booking models.

Here are the most important features to evaluate in a travel merchant account provider:

• High-Risk Support: Look for true high-risk underwriting (not just “we work with travel”) plus access to multiple acquiring banks to improve approval odds and provide backup if policies change.
• International Processing: You’ll want support for international banking relationships, cross-border payments, and settlement in multiple currencies so you can sell globally without encountering friction.
• Advanced Fraud & Chargeback Mitigation: The best providers use smart detection and proactive alerts to keep fraud and chargebacks under control.
• Longstanding Travel Industry Expertise: Experience with large ticket sizes, future-dated services, cancellations, and higher-than-average dispute ratios is a must. Bonus? A provider that offers guidance on soft caps and rolling reserves.
• Fast Onboarding & Account Stability: Efficient (thorough but quick) underwriting to get you live quickly, plus the ability to migrate you to another acquirer if a bank tightens its rules, so you avoid sudden freezes and costly downtime.
• Fair Processing Rates: Competitive, transparent pricing that reflects your travel business profile, with room to scale down costs as volumes and approval rates improve.
• White-Glove Service for Customers: A dedicated account representative who actually answers, helps you out during spikes, and can troubleshoot within hours (not days) when revenue is on the line.
• High Approval Rate: Look for a processor with a track record of placing moderate- to high-risk travel businesses, including “hard-to-place” models, and improving authorization rates over time.

FAQs About Travel Merchant Accounts

Final Thoughts

Running a travel business means expecting the unexpected. From global bookings to last-minute cancellations, your payment processor should be the one thing you don’t have to worry about.

Each processor on this list offers something valuable, but Adaptiv Payments leads the way with multi-bank flexibility, advanced fraud protection, and real human support that keeps your business running smoothly through every booking season.

Let’s make travel payments simpler, safer, and smarter. Reach out to Adaptiv Payments and see what a true partnership looks like.