Contents
BUYERS GUIDE
Channel Management Software for Hoteliers & Hosts
BUYERS GUIDE
Choosing the Right Booking Engine
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I did what most new hoteliers do—I underestimated the importance of payments.
It’s easy to see why. Payments are a core part of your operation, and in the rush to get a card machine and start taking bookings, you often settle for the first option that “works.” But here’s the hard truth: that approach can lead to costly and time-intensive mistakes that are tough to fix later.
5 things I wish I knew about hotel payments as a new hotelier
- Payment processing fees
It’s important to get full transparency on fees—whether you’re on a blended rate or interchange++ pricing. Without this clarity, you can’t accurately calculate the true cost per transaction, making it difficult to budget.
- Chargeback risks
Chargebacks are costly and often caused by "friendly fraud," where guests dispute legitimate charges. Learning how to prevent disputes and maintain clear documentation is crucial.
- 3D secure authentication
With 50% of hotels reporting a rise in payment fraud in 2024, 3D Secure authentication is more important than ever. This added layer of security reduces fraud and enhances guest confidence, creating a more trustworthy booking experience.
- The importance of integrated systems
A seamless connection between your PMS and payment processor saves hours of reconciliation time and minimizes errors, especially during busy periods. It also enables you to seamlessly incorporate payments into your unique guest journey.
Learn more about the benefits of integrated payments.
- Virtual Credit Cards (VCCs)
VCCs make OTA payments easier, but they come with some hassle—like keeping track of activation deadlines and manual charging. Knowing how to manage them effectively can save you and your team a lot of valuable time.
Taking the time to get payments right early on can save you a lot of stress down the road and keep your business running smoothly.
