5 Essential Payment System Features Every Hotel Should Have in 2025

What makes integrated payment systems a game-changer for hotels? Unlike generic solutions that force clunky workarounds, these are designed to handle the real-world complexities of hotel operations. No one-size-fits-all approach—just smooth, efficient payments that keep revenue flowing and guests checking out with ease.

Here are the top five must-have integrated payment features in 2025—because keeping up with modern payments shouldn’t be a hassle.

5 savvy integrated payment features for hotels 

1. Chargeback & Disputes Dashboard

Few things are as frustrating as chargebacks. A guest enjoys their stay, swipes their card, and checks out—then a month later, a dispute pops up claiming the transaction was unauthorized. Without a way to track and manage these disputes, hotels can lose thousands in revenue with little recourse. That’s why a built-in Chargeback & Disputes Dashboard in your PMS is a must-have.

This way, you can:

• Monitor disputes in real-time so you can act fast before revenue slips away.
• Take control of chargebacks instead of leaving them to a payment provider.
• Get instant notifications when a dispute is filed, allowing you to respond with solid evidence.

When hotels have full visibility over chargebacks, they can fight unfair disputes, reduce revenue loss, and protect their bottom line—without the hassle of waiting on external processors.

2. Contactless & Mobile Payments

Did you know that 90% of U.S. consumers are already using contactless payments? This shift is only expected to grow in 2025, with guests demanding quick, secure, and touch-free payment options while staying at your hotel.

By offering contactless payments, you’re not only meeting guest expectations but also driving revenue. Faster, smoother transactions make it easier for guests to say yes to upgrades, spa packages, or dining experiences—ultimately boosting your hotel’s sales.

Key benefits:

• Faster, more convenient transactions
• Reduced wait times at reception and restaurants
• Enhanced hygiene and safety
• Higher guest satisfaction and better reviews

Hotels that integrate contactless and mobile payments into their booking engines, front desk terminals, and POS systems will see faster transactions, fewer errors, and a smoother guest experience.

3. Virtual Wallet

Do you host weddings or accommodate corporate travelers? Then, you’ve likely dealt with the headache of managing large pre-payments that need to be tracked, refunded, or reallocated across various services. The Virtual Wallet is designed to solve these issues by offering a seamless way to handle deposits, prepayments, and guest expenses—without confusion or hassle.

Why your hotel needs it:

• Boosts financial flexibility—Instead of locking deposits into a single reservation, the Virtual Wallet stores funds that can be used across multiple stays, services, or add-ons. Think of a corporate agreement where a company books multiple business visits throughout the year. This flexibility ensures funds are always in play and can be applied as needed, reducing the need for separate transactions.
• Enhances guest experience – No more repeated payment authorizations. Guests can check in, dine, and book services using their preloaded wallet balance, creating a smoother, more enjoyable stay. They’ll appreciate the ease of paying without having to pull out their credit card every time.
• Easier refunds and reallocations – If a booking is canceled, there’s no need for complicated refund processes. Funds in the Virtual Wallet can be easily shifted to future stays, security deposits, or services, saving time and ensuring the money stays in-house.

4. Online Check-In/Out Payments

First impressions matter. Guests don’t want to waste time at the front desk—they want to check in, drop their bags, and get to relaxing. The same goes for check-out, where waiting in line is hardly a stress-free end to their stay.

A 2020 survey found that 80% of travelers prefer to check in before they arrive at the hotel. Offering online check-in and check-out payments lets your guests do just that, eliminating the hassle of front desk delays and giving them a smoother, quicker experience from start to finish.

How it benefits your hotel:

• No more front desk bottlenecks—let guests pay deposits and room charges online before arrival so they can head straight to their rooms.
• Smoother departures – Guests can settle their bills from their phone, making check-out as seamless as their stay.
• Fewer payment disputes – Automated invoices ensure accuracy, so no one leaves wondering if they were overcharged.
• Happier guests, better reviews – A quick, hassle-free start and finish to a stay creates a lasting positive impression.

By integrating online check-in/out payments, hotels increase operational efficiency while delivering a premium guest experience that feels effortless.

5. 3D Secure Authentication

When it comes to online payments, trust is everything. 3D Secure is the most trusted authentication protocol in the industry, giving guests peace of mind while protecting your revenue. Hotels need a solid line of defense, and in 2025, 3D Secure (3DS) authentication is non-negotiable.

How 3D Secure Protects Your Hotel: 

• Automatically authenticates guests through two-factor verification, biometric data, or SMS codes—ensuring a smoother booking experience without unnecessary friction.
• Reduces chargebacks and fraudulent claims by ensuring guests approve payments.
• Enhances security compliance with PCI DSS and tokenization for safer transactions.

Good to know

3D Secure payments make it harder for guests to dispute or win chargebacks, as cardholders must actively acknowledge and authorize the purchase at the time of payment.