Secure Travel Agency Payment Processing
If you operate a travel agency, booking site, or lodging company, you’ve likely felt the frustration of trying to find reliable travel agency merchant account. Traditional processors often view travel businesses as high-risk, making approval a challenge. That’s where Adaptiv Payments steps in. We handle all the regulations, allowing you to focus on your customers and start accepting debit card and credit card payments without a hitch. Our payment processing solutions are tailored just for travel businesses, meaning you’ll enjoy seamless, reliable online transactions from the moment you’re set up. At Adaptiv Payments we offer travel businesses these industry leading solutions:
✈️ Decades of travel payment processing experience
✨ Fast approval and application process
💸 The best processing rates
What is a Travel Merchant Account?
What your travel agency needs to know
In the world of payment processing, certain businesses are considered "high-risk" for an array of reasons. These reasons include higher chargeback rates, increased fraud rates, subscription-based billing, long fulfillment times, and more. Timeshares, tour operators, vacation rental platforms, and luxury travel specialists are just a few of the types of companies that can feel the negative effects of not having the appropriate merchant account for their industry. Travel merchant accounts are specialized payment processing accounts that accept payments for travel services and provide merchants with tools to minimize chargebacks and fraud.
Think of a dedicated travel merchant account as more than just another payments tool, it's like having a teammate who really gets how travel works. Imagine you’re booking a vacation months in advance or scrambling to secure a last-minute deal, our travel merchant accounts let you hold off on capturing payments, tweak how long authorizations remain valid, and fine-tune risk settings to match your business. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary declines and keeps the checkout experience smooth for your customers. The outcome is fewer complications and increased confidence for travelers booking with you. In travel, goodwill is everything and getting payments right can turn a first-time customer into someone who keeps coming back.
Travel Agencies are Considered High-Risk Businesses
Travel is often considered high-risk in the eyes of traditional payment processors. To make sense of this, here are some of the most common reasons that this is the case:
- Intangible, Delayed Delivery - When customers buy a hotel stay, airline ticket, or tour package months in advance, there's a long time between purchase and actual service. That delay makes it easier and more common for travelers to dispute or chargeback once the trip date arrives or circumstances change.
- High Cancellation & Refund Rates - It's common for travelers to cancel or change plans last minute.
- Seasonality & Cash Flow Variability-Many tour operators and agencies have peak seasons, think summer vacations or ski trips, followed by slow months. The uneven cash flow can lead to sudden spikes in transaction volume which processors do not like.
- Cross-Border Transactions & Currency Conversions - Selling international airfare or lodging means handling multiple currencies and cross-border payment rails. That increases fraud possibility and makes dispute resolution more complex, so processors charge higher rates or categorize travel as high risk.
- Refund Policies - The nature of travel makes refund policies a tough task to tackle. This contributes to higher chargebacks and less trust from banks.
As a travel merchant you need someone one your side. At Adaptiv Payments we handle all the high-risk stuff for you, so you can focus on growing your business and connecting with new customers.
Why Adaptiv Payments Is the Perfect Partner for Your High-Risk Travel Merchant Account
Adaptiv's travel experts are ready to helpCompetitive Rates & Low Processing Fees
We offer industry-leading rates for travel merchant accounts. This means more money that can go in your pocket or back into your business. We have no hidden fees or transaction fees so you know exactly where your money is going.
Payment Partnership
We are more than just your payment processor. At Adaptiv we partner with merchants and guide them to success. Out travel experts are here to help you at every turn. Sign up with Adaptiv today to start accepting credit card transactions and never worry about payment processing again.
Various Payment Methods & Payment Options
A travel payment gateway from Adaptiv provides multiple options for your customers to make payments. Your clients can pay with all major credit cards, including Visa, Discover, MasterCard and American Express. You can also take PIN-Debit, gift cards, EBT, e-check, and more.
High-Volume & High-Ticket Processing
If you operate a high-risk business that requires high-volume processing, our specialized merchant services are designed to meet your needs. We understand that high-risk businesses have specific problems, and we offer custom solutions that ensure stable and reliable payment processing.
Multiple Currencies
Our multicurrency and international processing solutions are crafted just for high-risk merchants looking to expand their global reach. We provide the flexibility to accept payments in many different currencies, making sure your customers have a seamless checkout experience, no matter where they are located.
Security & Fraud Prevention
Our payment systems ensure full PCI compliance, keeping your customer payment data safe. We also provide real-time advanced chargeback mitigation to protect you from lost income. Avoid fraud with our suspicious activity filters.
Travel and Transportation MCC Codes Explained
Think of Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) as simple labels that tell payment networks exactly what kind of travel business you run. Below is an rundown of the most common MCCs you’ll encounter in the travel industry.
- 3000: Airlines (Air Carriers)
- 3005: Air Courier
- 3006: Airports, Flying Fields, Airport Terminals
- 3011: Tourist Attractions & Exhibits
- 4111: Local/Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation
- 4112: Passenger Railways
- 4121: Taxicabs & Limousines
- 4131: Bus Lines (including Charters & Tours)
- 4141: Local/Suburban Transit (City/Subway/Metro systems)
- 4411: Cruise Lines
- 4722: Travel Agencies & Tour Operators
- 4723: Package Tours
- 4784: Tolls & Bridge Fees
- 7011: Hotels, Motels & Resorts
- 7012: Timeshares
- 7013: Campgrounds, Trailer Parks & Recreational Camps
- 7032: Sporting & Recreational Camps
- 7512: Automobile Rentals (Car Rental Agencies
- 7513: Truck Rental & Leasing Services
- 7523: Parking Lots & Garages (Public Parking)
More Reasons to Choose Adaptiv as The Best Travel Payment Processor
We make taking payments as a travel merchant easy because we understand the unique challenges of travel companies. See why we are the number one provider of online payments in travel agency payment processing:
Fast Application and Excellent Customer Service
Skip lengthy paperwork and approval delays. With Adaptiv, you can fill out a streamlined application in minutes. Our underwriters review your information quickly, so you’ll be up and running, and accepting bookings, in no time.
Multi-Currency Solutions
Sell globally without friction with Adaptiv travel merchant services. We offer built-in support for dozens of currencies, letting you display prices in your customer’s local currency and settle in your preferred home currency. This removes confusion at checkout and extends your reach to international travelers.
Expert Travel Team
Business owners shouldn't need to worry about high-risk payment processing and with us you’re never on your own. Our dedicated travel industry specialists understand the nuances of cruise bookings, tour packages, and airfare transactions. When questions arise, whether it’s handling chargebacks or optimizing your gateway settings, our team is just a call or chat away.
Virtual Terminal & Mobile Payment Support
Imagine having the freedom to take a travel booking anytime, anywhere; no website or complex integrations and setup needed. Adaptiv’s High-Risk Travel Virtual Terminal gives you that ability. Simply log in through your browser, enter in your guest’s card details, and you’re all set even if it’s a last-minute reservation and on-the-go with. We offer the ability to pay from various mobile devices to make your life easier. You can hold off on accepting funds until the trip is confirmed, and thanks to built-in multi-currency support and variable hold times, you’ll see fewer declined payments and face less fraud risk. This virtual terminal is designed with travel merchants in mind and whether you’re a tour operator, vacation rental host, or travel agency, our team knows exactly how to keep your bookings operating efficiently.
High-risk industries are tough to navigate but with Adaptiv we understand your business needs and you're in good hands!
What Our Travel and Transport Clients Say About Our Credit Card Processing Solutions
See why so many people choose Adaptiv as their credit card processing company."Got us up in running fast, couldn't recommend more."
Chance Almalfi
Abrod LLC
"Application process was quick and easy, paul is a great rep there!"
Lucas Kivett
Worldwide Innovations Inc.
"Great provider for anyone looking for a stable payment processing account"
Katie Renwall
The Melting Pot
Apply for Your Travel Merchant Account
Low or high, your risk level won't stop you from getting a fast and easy approval in the travel industry. We accept and provide for a number of industries and various business models as their sole merchant services provider.
Travel Merchant Account FAQs
What is a travel merchant account, and why is it considered high-risk?
A travel merchant account enables you to provide a hassle-free experience for customers seeking vacation packages and tours. You can offer local payment methods or allow clients to book in their preferred currency, all with lower processing costs.
The travel sector is considered a high-risk industry for a few reasons:
- There are frequent chargebacks as travelers cancel their vacations, resulting in lost revenue.
- The delay between purchase and fulfillment increases the risk of chargebacks and other payment challenges, such as failed bank transfers.
- Travel packages are typically high-value transactions, resulting in higher payment processing costs.
- Natural disasters, political instability, and economic downturns can significantly impact travel agents and customers worldwide, resulting in substantial lost revenue.
- With travel credit card processing, customers may forget to transfer funds, leading to declined payments.
Adaptiv Payments offers the best travel merchant account available on the market. We are a dedicated high-risk merchant account vendor working in industries that other payment processing businesses won’t touch.
There are significant advantages to choosing us over other high-risk processors. With our payment solutions, you’ll enjoy lower fees, competitive pricing, and faster payments. Additionally, we provide customized chargeback solutions and 24/7 expert support for a fantastic customer experience.
Can a travel agency accept credit card payments legally and securely?
Yes, travel agents and vacation companies can accept credit cards. However, because these are high-risk accounts, you need tailored solutions designed specifically for the travel industry. Traditional payment processors may not work with these companies because of the high risk of fraud and chargebacks.
How do I get approved for a high-risk travel merchant account?
To get approved for a travel merchant account, you will need to provide proof of business operations and income. Documents we may request include:
- Articles of incorporation
- Business license
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Tax returns
- Business bank account statements from all revenue streams
- Payment types accepted
When you contact us, we’ll discuss our payment solutions, explain the authorization rates and fees, and then work with you to build a customized payment strategy based on your customer’s specific needs.
What are the fees for a travel merchant account?
As one of the leading companies for high-risk merchant payment solutions, we provide some of the lowest payment fees on the market. When you contact us to discuss our travel payment processing, we’ll explain our fee structure. Payment fees we may charge include:
- Setup and application fees
- Interchange fees
- Monthly maintenance fees
For travel merchant accounts, we may charge conversion fees. There may also be retrieval fees if we need to request documentation for a specific transaction.
What types of travel businesses qualify for a merchant account?
We provide a seamless payment experience for nearly any business in the travel sector, including:
- Travel agents
- Tour guides
- Tour agencies
- Vacation package vendors
- Hotels, motels, and resorts
- Airlines and transportation companies
- Car rental companies
- Reservation companies
- Travel clubs and memberships
- Online booking platforms
- Travel insurance agencies
- Travel marketing firms
With a travel merchant account from Adaptiv Payments, you can manage the entire process of accepting payments from one simple dashboard. We help you optimize payment performance by mitigating chargebacks, which reduces your lost revenue and encourages faster business growth.
What MCC codes apply to travel and transportation businesses?
As the travel industry encompasses a broad range of services, there are numerous MCC codes for this sector that are designated by credit card companies. These include the following.
Airlines and Air Carriers
- Airlines, such as JetBlue: 3000-3299
- Air Carriers and airlines not otherwise specified: 4511
- Airports, terminals, and flying fields: 4582
Car Rental Agencies
- Specific car rental agencies, like Alamo: 3351-3441
- Car rental companies not otherwise specified: 7512
Lodging and Hospitality
- Specific hotels, motels, and resorts: 3500-3999
- Lodging not otherwise specified: 7011
- Timeshares: 7012
- Sport and recreational camps: 7032
- Campgrounds and trailer parks: 7033
Transportation Services
- Railroads, commuter transit, taxis, limousines, buses, couriers, warehousing, cruises, boats, marinas, and others: 4000-4799
Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
- Travel agencies and tour operators: 4722
- Package tours (Germany only): 4723
- Travel telemarketing: 4761
How long does it take to set up a travel merchant account?
You can typically have your travel merchant account set up within 2-3 weeks. This timeline includes submitting your application, reviewing your business details, underwriting the account, and integrating the account with your current payment processing setup.
Our team will keep you updated on the entire process, from start to finish, including when your account will be available and how to track your payments.
How can I reduce chargebacks for my travel business?
Reducing chargebacks on your travel merchant account is crucial, as high chargeback rates can result in bank account terminations and lower customer satisfaction. Follow these steps to improve your chargeback rates.
- Develop a clear and transparent cancellation policy.
- Send order confirmations and reminder emails to ensure customers haven’t forgotten about their booking.
- Enable real-time chargeback monitoring to promptly reach out to customers and negotiate a solution.
- Deliver a superior customer experience and consistently respond to customer needs.
- Use secure payment gateways, such as those that require inputting AVS or CVV.
- Enable 3D Secure 2.0 to mitigate fraud.
- Offer alternative payment methods beyond credit cards for those who would prefer to pay by debit or cash.
- Analyze chargeback data to identify trends and workshop solutions.
- Track IP addresses and locations to identify suspicious payments.
These tools can make a significant difference in successful travel payment processing. Adaptiv offers these benefits for all travel merchant accounts, creating a one-stop shop for everything a travel company needs.