Why underwriters look closely at travel
Paid now, delivered later
Bookings are paid months before travel. If a supplier fails or a trip is cancelled, the processor is exposed until then.
Cancellations
Weather, illness and supplier changes lead to cancellation disputes.
Seller of travel laws
Several states, including California, Florida, Hawaii and Washington, require sellers of travel to register.
A payment setup that fits
How we usually set up travel agencies and tour operators. Your consultant tailors it to how you actually sell.
- 1
Deposits and balances
Take deposits at booking and balances closer to travel to reduce exposure.
- 2
Supplier-direct where possible
Have airlines and hotels charge the traveller directly when you can.
- 3
Clear cancellation terms
Accepted at booking and repeated in the confirmation.
What you’ll need to apply
Have these ready and your application moves faster. Your consultant confirms the exact list for the processor you’re matched with.
- Government ID for every owner with 25% or more
- Voided business check or bank letter
- Recent business bank statements
- Recent processing statements, if you have taken cards before
- Articles of incorporation and EIN letter
- A website with clear pricing, refund, cancellation and contact details
- Seller of travel registrations where required
- IATA, ARC or CLIA accreditation, if you have it
- Main supplier agreements
- Booking and cancellation terms
Why applications get declined, and how to avoid it
- Full payment taken far in advance with no protection
- Missing seller of travel registrations
- Cancellation terms not accepted at booking
We review your website, policies and statements against these before anything is submitted.
Keeping the account healthy after approval
Getting approved is half the job. These habits keep your account in good standing, and our platform tracks the numbers behind them for you.
- Take deposits, not full payment, as early as you can
- Send itineraries and terms with every confirmation
- Track bookings by travel date so you know what’s still to be delivered
Travel: common questions
Why do processors look closely at travel?
Because customers pay long before they travel, and the processor is exposed if trips don’t happen. Deposit-based models and clear cancellation terms make approval easier.
Do we need seller of travel registration?
If you sell to residents of states that require it, yes. California, Florida, Hawaii and Washington are the best known.
Can we take payments for airlines and hotels?
Yes, though it raises your exposure. Supplier-direct charging keeps your account lighter.
What happens after I’m approved?
We keep working with you. Our platform gives you one view of every account, and we review your chargebacks, approval rate, fraud tools and fees with you so the account stays healthy and gets cheaper over time.