12 Best Hotel Credit Card Processing
Following a comprehensive assessment, I've curated a list of the top 12 hotel credit card processing solutions designed to overcome your payment difficulties. Let's explore!
- Clearly Payments - Best for robust hospitality-oriented solutions
- Stripe - Best for its powerful API and seamless integrations
- Braintree - Best for a versatile payment gateway with multicurrency options
- Heartland - Best for extensive support and integrated hospitality services
- RoomKeyPMS - Best for integrated property management and payment processing
- Tidal Commerce - Best for tailored hotel and hospitality payment solutions
- Dharma Merchant Services - Best for its ethical approach and cost-effective processing
- SiteMinder Pay - Best for seamless integration with booking systems
- Sertifi - Best for securing online transactions and reducing fraud
- Elavon - Best for its global reach and comprehensive travel industry solutions
- Adyen - Best for its innovative, customer-centric payment solutions
- Plooto - Best for streamlined accounts payable and receivable management
As a hospitality professional, I understand the pivotal role that a solid hotel payment processing system plays in your operations. These systems, often integrated with Property Management Systems (PMS) and booking engines, facilitate all transactions, including credit card payments from Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and major credit cards and contactless payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay.
A good system keeps your front desk running smoothly and ensures that your preferred payment method is always available, streamlining payment information flow and automating the processing of refunds and chargebacks.
Dealing with processing fees can be a headache, but having a hotel credit card processor that directly connects to your bank account, is integrated with online booking platforms like Booking.com, and ensures secure credit card transactions is an absolute game changer.
For the modern hotelier, the right hotel credit card processing software can transform your operations by speeding up transactions at the front desk, managing rentals efficiently, and introducing tokenization for superior security.
The tool I want you to discover precisely does that. This system is an all-encompassing solution for handling all your payment processing needs. This system will not only alleviate the pressure of handling payment information and processing fees but also provide a more seamless experience for your customers, making it the preferred payment method for everyone involved.
What is a Hotel Credit Card Processing?
Hotel credit card processing refers to the system through which hotels and hospitality entities handle transactions made by guests using credit cards. It involves using specialized software, hardware, or service providers to authorize, process, and manage these payments.
Hotel owners, managers, and staff use these systems to simplify and streamline the payment process, ensuring a seamless and efficient transaction experience for their guests.
It's used for various transactional needs, such as room booking payments, in-room purchases, dining, and other services the hotel offers. By ensuring a swift and secure payment process, these systems play a crucial role in maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction in the hotel industry.
12 Best Hotel Credit Card Processing Overview
1. Clearly Payments - Best for robust hospitality-oriented solutions
Clearly Payments is a dedicated payment processor designed with a strong focus on the hospitality industry. Its robust suite of tools allows hoteliers to handle a wide range of transactions, tying in well with its positioning as the best choice for robust hospitality-oriented solutions.
Why I Picked Clearly Payments:
I selected Clearly Payments for its comprehensive approach to payment processing in the hospitality sector. Its capabilities to handle various types of transactions make it ideal for the industry's complex and varied needs. It's "best for robust hospitality-oriented solutions" because it delivers a well-rounded service package designed with the specific requirements of hotels and similar businesses in mind.
Standout features & integrations:
Clearly Payments offers advanced payment technology that supports various forms of payments, including EMV chip, swipe, tap, and mobile payments. This diversity is further enriched by the ability to handle recurring payments and secure online transactions. Its integration capabilities are also noteworthy; it seamlessly integrates with various hotel management systems and POS software, making handling payments more efficient.
Pricing:
From $15/user/month (billed annually)
- Advanced payment technology
- Ability to handle various payment types
- Strong integration capabilities
Cons:
- Limited presence outside North America
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- Higher tiers can be pricey for small businesses
2. Stripe - Best for its powerful API and seamless integrations
As a leading payment processor, Stripe offers a powerful, customizable API that's known for facilitating easy integrations. The platform's capacity to blend into various business software landscapes is why it has earned the 'best for its powerful API and seamless integrations' recognition.
Why I Picked Stripe:
When selecting Stripe, I was particularly drawn to its powerful and developer-friendly API allowing extensive customization. It stands apart in the sea of payment processing solutions because of its adaptability to different software environments. I consider it "best for its powerful API and seamless integrations" due to its capacity to merge with diverse operational systems, providing hoteliers with a cohesive payment processing experience.
Standout features & integrations:
Stripe excels with its range of advanced features, including flexible billing periods, automated financial reports, and fraud protection. Its strong suit lies in its capacity to integrate with a vast array of platforms, from accounting software like QuickBooks to hotel management systems such as Cloudbeds, enhancing the user experience through comprehensive functionality.
Pricing:
Stripe operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model with 2.9% + 30¢ per successful card charge.
Pros:
- Powerful and flexible API
- Vast array of integrations
- Advanced feature set
Cons:
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model might not suit all businesses
- Higher costs for international payments
- Can be complex for non-technical users
3. Braintree - Best for a versatile payment gateway with multicurrency options
Braintree, a PayPal service, provides a flexible payment gateway that supports numerous payment methods and currencies. Its versatility and broad currency support make it the best choice for a versatile payment gateway with multicurrency options.
Why I Picked Braintree:
In choosing Braintree, its versatility and multicurrency support stood out, making it an ideal solution for hotels with international guests. Its distinction comes from the ability to handle a plethora of payment methods, including popular mobile wallets and credit cards. I consider it "best for a versatile payment gateway with multicurrency options" as it simplifies transactions for guests, regardless of their country of origin.
Standout features & integrations:
Braintree shines with its range of features, from recurring billing to data portability. Its capacity to handle multiple currencies and payment methods is noteworthy. In terms of integrations, it pairs well with various business tools, including Magento for eCommerce, and Zoho for CRM, making it an adaptable addition to a hotel's tech stack.
Pricing:
Braintree operates on a transaction fee basis, with a standard rate of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Pros:
- Versatile payment gateway
- Supports multiple currencies
- Wide range of integrations
Cons:
- Requires some technical understanding to utilize fully
- Not the cheapest option for small transaction volumes
- Transaction approval process can be time-consuming
4. Heartland - Best for extensive support and integrated hospitality services
Heartland is known for its commitment to providing reliable credit card processing and integrated hospitality services, making it a one-stop shop for the hotel industry. Its extensive support and sector-specific solutions position it as the best choice for integrated hospitality services.
Why I Picked Heartland:
I picked Heartland due to its extensive customer support and its focus on providing services specifically tailored to the hospitality industry. Its standout feature is integrating payment processing with other hospitality-specific solutions, like payroll and customer engagement. I find it "best for the extensive support and integrated hospitality services" because it provides a comprehensive solution designed to cater to the nuanced needs of the hotel industry.
Standout features & integrations:
Heartland stands out with features like secure payments, tip reporting, and its dedicated hospitality suite, including payroll, customer engagement, and analytics tools. Regarding integrations, Heartland integrates with various hospitality software, from property management systems to reservation and booking platforms, making it a seamless addition to any hotel operation.
Pricing:
Heartland's pricing is custom and needs to be obtained directly from the company.
Pros:
- Excellent customer support
- Integrated suite of hospitality services
- Tailored for the hotel industry
Cons:
- Pricing is not transparent
- Can be expensive for smaller hotels
- Not all features may be useful for every hotel
5. RoomKeyPMS - Best for integrated property management and payment processing
RoomKeyPMS is a comprehensive tool that combines property management and payment processing into a single, efficient platform. The service simplifies managing hospitality operations, making it the best option for those seeking integrated functionality.
Why I Picked RoomKeyPMS:
I chose RoomKeyPMS due to its excellent integration of property management and payment processing features. It stands out because it effectively eliminates the need for multiple systems, streamlining management tasks. This comprehensive approach makes it easy to see why I consider it "Best for integrated property management and payment processing".
Standout features & integrations:
RoomKeyPMS offers robust property management features, including booking management, guest communication, and revenue management. It also integrates seamlessly with leading OTAs, POS systems, and revenue management software, ensuring a well-connected and efficient hospitality operation.
Pricing:
The pricing for RoomKeyPMS is upon request, making it important for businesses to contact the company directly to obtain specific pricing information tailored to their needs.
Pros:
- Comprehensive property management and payment processing
- Seamless integrations with leading systems
- Robust functionality that simplifies management tasks
Cons:
- Lack of transparent pricing
- Can be complex for smaller operations
- Might require additional training due to its comprehensive features
6. Tidal Commerce - Best for tailored hotel and hospitality payment solutions
Tidal Commerce provides payment solutions tailored to the needs of the hotel and hospitality industry. It offers flexibility, customization, and an understanding of the unique payment processing challenges hotels face, justifying its position as the best tool for tailored hotel and hospitality payment solutions.
Why I Picked Tidal Commerce:
I picked Tidal Commerce because of its commitment to creating payment solutions that suit the unique needs of hotels and hospitality services. It distinguishes itself through its tailored approach and versatility, making it an excellent choice. These qualities make me believe Tidal Commerce is "Best for tailored hotel and hospitality payment solutions.”
Standout features & integrations:
Tidal Commerce boasts features like mobile payments, online payments, and point-of-sale systems that work well in a hotel setting. They also integrate with popular hospitality software, ensuring smooth transactions and a streamlined management system.
Pricing:
Pricing information for Tidal Commerce is available upon request. Potential users should contact the company directly for a custom quote.
Pros:
- Provides tailored solutions for hotels and hospitality services
- Offers mobile and online payments
- Integrates with popular hospitality software
Cons:
- No transparent pricing
- May be less suited for other industries
- A tailored solution might require more setup time
7. Dharma Merchant Services - Best for its ethical approach and cost-effective processing
Dharma Merchant Services is a payment processing company known for its ethical business practices and affordable rates. It provides a range of services, including credit card processing and merchant services, designed to meet the needs of various businesses. These features, combined with its ethical approach and cost-effective processing, make it an excellent choice for companies looking for an ethical and budget-friendly payment processing solution.
Why I Picked Dharma Merchant Services:
I chose Dharma Merchant Services due to its unique focus on ethical business practices and affordability. Its transparent pricing and commitment to social responsibility set it apart from other payment processors. This focus on both ethics and cost-effectiveness makes Dharma Merchant Services the best for businesses looking for an ethically conscious and cost-effective payment processing solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Dharma Merchant Services offers several standout features, including next-day funding, online reporting, and zero-setup fees for its payment processing services. It integrates with a range of e-commerce platforms and point-of-sale systems, providing versatile payment solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing:
The pricing for Dharma Merchant Services starts from $20/month, with an additional per-transaction fee of 0.15% + $0.07.
Pros:
- Ethical business practices
- Transparent and affordable pricing
- Broad range of integrations
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-risk merchants
- Additional fees may apply for certain services
- Does not provide a mobile app for payment processing
8. SiteMinder Pay - Best for seamless integration with booking systems
SiteMinder Pay is a payment processing solution specifically designed for hotels and other businesses in the hospitality industry. It offers an easy-to-use, secure platform that seamlessly integrates with booking systems, making it an ideal tool for businesses that need a simple and effective way to manage payments. The reason it stands out is its robust integration with various booking systems, making it best for businesses requiring a seamless payment process.
Why I Picked SiteMinder Pay:
In evaluating different options, SiteMinder Pay emerged as a compelling choice due to its comprehensive integration capabilities. It's not just a payment processing tool; it's a solution that enhances the efficiency of the entire booking process. Given these unique features, I determined that SiteMinder Pay is best for businesses that want seamless integration with booking systems.
Standout features & integrations:
SiteMinder Pay offers a wide range of features, including secure card storage, streamlined check-in/check-out processes, and multi-currency support. More importantly, it integrates seamlessly with a variety of booking systems, including SiteMinder's own property management system, which ensures a smooth booking and payment process for both businesses and customers.
Pricing:
Pricing for SiteMinder Pay starts from $50/user/month. However, prices can vary depending on the specific needs and size of your business.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with booking systems
- Secure card storage feature
- Multi-currency support
Cons:
- Can be pricey for smaller businesses
- Learning curve for some users
- Limited customization options
9. Sertifi - Best for securing online transactions and reducing fraud
Sertifi is a digital agreement platform designed to streamline business processes while bolstering security. It combines payment processing and document signing, which helps reduce fraud and increase operational efficiency. Its emphasis on security and the prevention of fraudulent transactions is what makes it particularly suitable for businesses requiring enhanced online transaction security.
Why I Picked Sertifi:
After careful evaluation, I picked Sertifi for its robust security measures and unique combination of payment processing and document signing features. This fusion not only streamlines operations but also plays a vital role in reducing fraud. For these reasons, I believe Sertifi stands out as the best for businesses aiming to secure their online transactions and minimize fraudulent activities.
Standout features & integrations:
Sertifi provides several key features, including PCI-compliant payment capture, digital signature capabilities, and flexible API integrations. It offers the ability to request payments within eContracts, contributing to its effectiveness in reducing fraud. It also integrates well with various platforms, such as Salesforce, Zuora, and Oracle, further expanding its utility and ease of use.
Pricing:
Pricing for Sertifi starts at $20/user/month (billed annually). Note that there may be additional costs based on the specific features and integrations your business requires.
Pros:
- Strong emphasis on security
- Integrated digital signature and payment capture features
- Wide range of integrations
Cons:
- Pricing could be high for small businesses
- Annual billing may not suit all businesses
- Some features may require a learning curve
10. Elavon - Best for its global reach and comprehensive travel industry solutions
Elavon is a well-established payment processing platform known for its extensive global reach and comprehensive solutions tailored to the travel industry. It offers secure payment solutions, mobile-ready setups, and data-driven insights that allow businesses to make more informed decisions. Its extensive global reach and depth of solutions for the travel industry position it as a perfect fit for businesses that operate internationally.
Why I Picked Elavon:
I selected Elavon because of its worldwide footprint and focus on the travel industry. The ability to provide seamless payment solutions across borders is not a common feature among many platforms. Therefore, this international capacity, combined with its industry-specific offerings, makes Elavon stand out. That's why I regard it as the best for businesses seeking a payment processor with a global reach and comprehensive solutions for the travel industry.
Standout features & integrations:
Elavon's standout features include secure and PCI-compliant payment processing, mobile readiness, and advanced data analytics. These features combined enable businesses to securely accept payments, adapt to on-the-go situations, and make decisions grounded in data. In terms of integrations, Elavon can be connected with a host of third-party applications, including but not limited to CRM systems, accounting software, and eCommerce platforms, providing businesses with an integrated financial management ecosystem.
Pricing:
Elavon's pricing starts at $20/user/month (billed annually). The company also has custom pricing plans available for businesses with specific needs. Note that additional fees might apply depending on your particular use case.
Pros:
- Wide global reach
- Tailored solutions for the travel industry
- Advanced data analytics
Cons:
- Pricing may be higher for small businesses
- Annual billing might not fit all businesses
- Some third-party integrations might require additional cost
11. Adyen - Best for its innovative, customer-centric payment solutions
Adyen is a comprehensive payment platform that offers a suite of innovative, customer-centric payment solutions. It handles transactions for both online and in-person purchases, provides multi-currency support, and offers data insights to help optimize customer experiences. Its focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions makes it an ideal choice for businesses that want to prioritize their customers' payment experience.
Why I Picked Adyen:
I picked Adyen for this list because of its commitment to innovation and its customer-centric approach to payment processing. This dual focus is rare, making it a distinctive choice. In my judgment, Adyen is the best for those looking for a platform that keeps up with payment technology trends and places the customer experience at the forefront.
Standout features & integrations:
Adyen offers many essential features, including multi-channel payments (online, in-app, POS), global payment reach with multi-currency support, and data-driven insights to optimize customer experiences. When it comes to integrations, Adyen works well with various eCommerce platforms, CRM systems, and financial software, among others, allowing businesses to create a fully integrated payment processing system.
Pricing:
Adyen's pricing structure is transaction-based. While exact costs vary depending on the transaction type and volume, online credit card processing begins from 0.6% + $0.12 per transaction. Note that additional costs may apply based on your usage.
Pros:
- Innovative, customer-centric approach to payments
- Comprehensive feature set including global and multi-channel payments
- Data insights for optimizing customer experiences
Cons:
- No flat-rate pricing, costs can vary depending on transaction type and volume
- The platform may have a learning curve for some users
- Setup can be complex compared to other platforms
12. Plooto - Best for streamlined accounts payable and receivable management
Plooto is a comprehensive financial management platform designed to simplify the process of managing accounts payable and receivable. It offers automated payment processes, reconciliation features, and more to help businesses manage their financial operations. Plooto's specific focus on managing both accounts payable and receivable gives it a unique edge in this area.
Why I Picked Plooto:
In choosing tools for this list, I selected Plooto because it offers a balanced mix of payment and financial management features. Its ability to streamline the management of both accounts payable and receivable distinguishes it from other platforms. Based on my assessment, Plooto stands out as the best choice for businesses looking for a well-rounded tool to manage their financial operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Plooto provides automated payment processes, electronic fund transfers, pre-authorized debits, and robust reporting capabilities to help businesses manage their finances effectively. It integrates with major accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, providing seamless data synchronization and reducing manual entry.
Pricing:
Plooto's pricing starts at $25/month per user. This includes access to all features but does not cover per-transaction fees.
Pros:
- Comprehensive features for managing accounts payable and receivable
- Integrations with major accounting software
- Automated processes to streamline operations
Cons:
- Per-transaction fees are in addition to the monthly cost
- May have features unnecessary for small businesses
- The platform's full potential is best utilized with other software integrations, meaning standalone use may be less effective
Other Hotel Credit Card Processing
Below is a list of additional hotel credit card processing that we shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Ecommpay - Good for integrated payment solutions catering to the hospitality industry
- Global Payments - Good for comprehensive hospitality software integrations
- Motus - Good for hotel and hospitality-specific credit card processing
- Finical - Good for personalized hospitality merchant services
- MPI - Good for a range of mercantile services for hotel businesses
- Podium - Good for customer interaction management in the hospitality sector
Selection Criteria for Hotel Credit Card Processing
When choosing a hotel credit card processing tool, several factors are crucial. I've evaluated dozens of these tools, and in this case, I was really looking for tools that ensure secure transactions, support for various payment methods, and easy integration with existing systems.
Core Functionality
- Secure Transaction Processing: The tool should have robust security measures in place to safeguard against fraud and data breaches.
- Multi-currency Support: To accommodate international guests, the tool should handle transactions in various currencies.
- PCI Compliance: This is a standard requirement to ensure the security of card transactions.
Key Features
- Integration with Reservation Systems: To ensure seamless operations, especially with merchant accounts, the tool should be able to integrate with your existing reservation and booking systems.
- Reporting and Analytics: Insightful reports can help you monitor your business's financial performance and identify potential issues.
- Mobile Payments: The rise in digital wallets makes it necessary for the tool to support debit card and mobile payment options.
Usability
- Intuitive Interface: The tool should have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to handle transactions and access various features without extensive training.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial to resolve any issues quickly and avoid disrupting your operations.
- Easy Setup: A tool with a straightforward setup process saves time and reduces the need for technical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the people's most common questions about hotel credit card processing tools.
What are the benefits of using hotel credit card processing tools?
Using a hotel credit card processing tool can bring multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Security: These tools come equipped with robust security measures to protect sensitive credit card information and prevent fraudulent transactions.
- Improved Efficiency: Automated payment systems can significantly reduce manual labor, leading to more efficient operations.
- Better Guest Experience: Fast and secure payment processing can enhance the overall guest experience at your hotel.
- Integration Capabilities: These tools often integrate with other hotel management software, providing a seamless operational flow.
- Global Reach: Multi-currency support allows you to serve guests from around the world easily.
How much do hotel credit card processing tools cost?
The cost of hotel credit card processing tools can vary widely, depending on the complexity of the tool, transaction volume, and specific features required. Generally, the pricing model involves a monthly subscription fee and a transaction fee, which is a small percentage of the total transaction value.
What is the typical range of pricing?
The typical pricing range for these tools is anywhere from $20 to $100 per month, with transaction fees ranging from 1% to 3% of the total transaction value.
What are the cheapest and most expensive software options?
Among the tools we've discussed, Plooto is one of the more affordable options, with pricing starting at $25/user/month. On the higher end of the spectrum, Adyen doesn't disclose pricing publicly but is known for being a more premium solution.
Are there any free hotel credit card processing tool options?
There aren't typically free hotel credit card processing tools available due to the costs associated with processing transactions and maintaining secure systems. However, some providers may offer a free trial period for you to evaluate their services.
Summary
In summary, choosing the right hotel credit card processing tool hinges on understanding your specific needs and how each tool can address them. From global reach to integrated fraud protection, the various options on the market offer diverse features that can enhance the efficiency and security of your operations.
Key Takeaways:
- Define Your Needs: Before choosing a processing tool, identify the key requirements for your hotel. This can involve aspects like transaction volume, the need for multi-currency support, or specific integration capabilities.
- Consider the Total Cost: Apart from the initial pricing, consider transaction fees and any additional costs like setup fees or charges for additional features.
- Assess Usability and Support: The interface should be user-friendly, and the provider should offer adequate customer support to assist with any issues that arise. Checking reviews and ratings can give you a good idea of a tool's usability and the quality of customer service.
What do you think?
While we have tried to compile an extensive list, the world of hotel credit card processing is dynamic and new tools are introduced regularly. So, if you use a processing tool that you believe should be on this list, please let us know. We always appreciate learning from our readers and their firsthand experiences.