A merchant account is a type of bank account that allows a company to accept client credit card payments. It functions as a go-between for the customer’s bank and the firm, transferring funds from the customer’s account to the business’s account.
A merchant account is vital for a hotel business since it allows you to accept card payments from guests. It also lets you process refunds and chargebacks, which may be required if a guest cancels their reservation or has a problem with your company. We have curated a list of the best merchant accounts for lodging below.
Best Merchant Accounts for Lodging
- Payment Cloud
- Host Merchant Services
- eMerchantBroker
- Worldpay
- Clover
- National Processing
Payment Cloud
It is based in Woodland Hills, is a merchant account service that serves a variety of business types, including some considered high-risk. The company provides several payment processing solutions, including POS systems, mobile phone swipers, an internet payment gateway, and a virtual terminal.
PaymentCloud’s virtual terminal is powered by Authorize.Net, ensuring the security of hotel guests’ sensitive payment information. Furthermore, the company’s extensive POS systems enable hotels to handle bookings, track vacancies, and process charges and other transactions for services like restaurants and spas.
The dedicated account representative supplied to all the new merchants for the duration of their accounts is one of PaymentCloud’s distinguishing features. The company also has a fantastic reputation, with no bad customer forums complaints. PaymentCloud offers custom rates for each merchant based on their processing history and business type. The company is a solid choice for hotels searching for dependable and customizable merchant account solutions.
Host Merchant Services
Host Merchant Services, situated in Newark, Delaware, offers merchant accounts to various businesses, including hotels. The company provides payment processing solutions, including point-of-sale systems, online marketing tools, a virtual terminal, a payment gateway, mobile credit card processing, and merchant cash advances. Host Merchant Services can also offer specialist e-commerce solutions to businesses wishing to expand their online presence.
Host Merchant Services has a strong reputation, with nothing but favorable remarks in public forums. Many reviewers praise the company’s outstanding customer service. Host’s pricing policy is clear, with interchange-plus pricing and no early termination penalties, allowing merchants to quit service without consequence.
eMerchantBroker
eMerchantBroker is a merchant account provider in Los Angeles, California, specializing in high-risk solutions. As a result, nearly every form of organization can benefit from their services.
The company provides various payment processing solutions to assist merchants in resolving disputes, including an online payment gateway, ACH processing, a chargeback management system. Smaller lodging businesses can profit from these services because they save time and money.
eMerchantBroker provides tailored pricing for every merchant and has a low complaint rate compared to the size of its merchant portfolio.
Worldpay
As a hotel employee, you must be able to receive payments not only at the front desk but also online and by phone. Worldpay, situated in the United Kingdom, is a merchant account provider that may assist you in giving more payment alternatives to your guests while offering customizable pricing plans.
Worldpay has extensive experience in the hospitality business and is a preferred partner of major hotel brands such as Radisson and Park Inn. Worldpay, on the other hand, is not limited to large hotel chains. The company in the United Kingdom serves over 300,000 clients of all sizes.
Clover
Clover provides more than simply ordinary payment processing as a merchant account provider. Its minimal fees and efficient credit card processing can aid your company’s growth. Furthermore, the company now offers dynamic EPOS solutions tailored explicitly for cafes.
Clover is a fantastic choice if you want to boost your counter with a modern EPOS system. The company makes it easy to switch from your current provider and even covers up to $180 in costs.
National Processing
National Processing is a merchant account provider that provides a variety of payment processing options to small businesses such as hotels and other lodging providers. The company can assist you in determining the best virtual terminal or POS system for your requirements.
National Processing has two pricing options: interchange-plus or “zero-fee,” both with competitive rates. The company has a good reputation, with only one complaint in three years, which isn’t a significant issue.
What to Consider When Choosing a Merchant Account
When choosing a merchant account for your lodging business, there are several factors to consider:
Transaction Fees
The transaction fee is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a merchant account. For each transaction, this is a percentage of the payment processing company’s sales price. A lower transaction fee can save you money in the long run, mainly if your company processes many transactions.
Payment Options
Another factor to consider is the merchant account’s variety of payment options. Some merchant accounts only allow you to accept debit or credit card payments. Simultaneously, others will enable you to accept payments via alternative methods, such as mobile payments or e-checks.
Integration with Existing Systems
It is critical to select a merchant account that can easily integrate with your existing systems, such as your property management software or point-of-sale system. This can help to simplify your payment process and reduce the possibility of errors.
Customer Service and Support
When it comes to merchant accounts, good customer service and support are essential. If you have any problems with your account, you must have a team of support staff on hand to help you resolve them.
Compatibility
If you use property management software to manage bookings and other aspects of your business, you should choose a merchant account provider that is compatible with this software. This will make it easier to process payments and keep track of financial transactions.
Conclusion
A merchant account is a must-have for any lodging establishment that wants to accept credit card payments from guests. It enables you to process refunds, chargebacks, and other financial transactions smoothly.
Consider the following factors when choosing a merchant account provider. Both Host Merchant Services and Payment Cloud are excellent options for the lodging industry.
Setting up a merchant account is a simple process. Still, before going live, you should select a payment processing company with excellent customer service and support and thoroughly test your payment processing system.
