6 Best Credit Card Processing Companies for Hotels in 2024

For a seamless guest experience, it’s essential for your hospitality business to have an up-to-date payment system that can accommodate the latest payment preferences. Contactless check-in/check-out is on the rise, but to be able to offer it to every customer, you’ll need an efficient credit card processor that can accept online payments in addition to standard card-present transactions.

However, taking online bookings makes you more susceptible to fraudulent charges, so you’ll need a payment processor with strong security and risk monitoring features. On top of this, you’ll want a credit card processor that’s easy to use and offers competitive rates. Unfortunately, too many services come with hidden fees and less-than-stellar security records, which could be even more complicated if you’re considered a high-risk merchant.

Based on my extensive research, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) emerged as the best option for most hotels. Thanks to its flexible approach, you can build a custom plan and negotiate the best deal for your business. In combination with its e-commerce integrations and 24/7 chargeback management support, LMS provides an all-in-one payment solution for hotels. I also found five other options that might work better, depending on the type of hotel you run.

What We Look For in the Best Credit Card Processing Companies for Hotels

In addition to being easy to use, a credit card processor should have specific features to help improve the guest experience and make your job easier, such as the ability to support different payment methods and handle chargebacks. Here’s what I focused on when compiling my list:

• Competitive and diverse pricing models. All the credit card processors on my list offer competitive prices and may even be willing to negotiate based on your needs. I also included processors with various pricing structures such as interchange-plus, tiered, and membership to help you find the best fit for your hotel.
• Strong security. A credit card processor should ensure all transactions are protected from fraud and guests’ data is protected from breach. All payment solutions on this list are PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant at minimum, and many have additional security features such as risk monitoring, end-to-end encryption, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance, chargeback management, and more.
• Modern equipment. I made sure to only include credit card processors with the most up-to-date, secure hardware that lets you accept a variety of payment methods. Some may even offer a free POS terminal under certain conditions.
• Value-added features for hotels. These processors offer a range of tools to manage your hotel, like a business dashboard, accounting integrations, and chargeback management assistance. They also supply a payment gateway for online bookings and a virtual terminal for over-the-phone payment collection. Additionally, they offer value-added features for hotels, such as payment scheduling and loyalty programs.
• Customer support. Having access to efficient customer support is a must when it comes to credit card processing, so all payment solutions on my list have responsive sales and technical support.

1. Leaders Merchant Services: Lowest Rates for Most Hotels

Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) lets you tailor a plan to your needs and negotiate your rates. This approach ensures you’re only paying for the features you need, which is particularly convenient for small hotels that don’t need many extras. It’s also a great option for established hotels that want to switch processors because LMS promises to meet or beat your rates. You’ll receive a $200 gift card if it fails to at least match your current processing fees.

LMS offers great flexibility by allowing your guests to pay however they want. In addition to processing all major credit/debit cards, LMS can process payments from Google, Apple, and Samsung Pay – and even PayPal and Venmo with, if you buy a Clover POS device. While there are month-to-month terms, if you commit to a long-term contract, LMS will give you a Clover device, significantly reducing your equipment expenses.

LMS provides 24/7 technical support, with an entire team dedicated to helping you dispute chargebacks. What’s more, its monthly fee of around $9.00 and per-transaction fees of ~2% + 0¢ are among the lowest in the industry.

Features and Benefits

• Fast onboarding. With LMS, you can start accepting credit card payments as soon as the same day you apply for a merchant account
• LMS funding. If you’re just starting out or need a cash injection, LMS provides merchant cash advances, which you can pay back through a small commission on your future sales.
• Hospitality integrationsPersonalized accounts. LMS offers services tailored to your industry, so you can benefit from hospitality-oriented features like gift cards and loyalty programs. If you use QuickBooks for accounting, you can access the Instant Accept feature, which lets you process any payment (card-present and mobile) in real time without launching QuickBooks.
• Authorize.net integration. For an additional monthly fee, you can integrate the popular Authorize.net payment gateway to your website and accept online payments, or use its virtual terminal to take payments over the phone.

See our in-depth Leaders Merchant Services review for more details.

2. Paysafe: Extensive Support for Processing International Payments at Any Volume

Paysafe supports global processing in 120+ markets and 40+ currencies at competitive rates. Its online plan rates start at $16.00/month and 0.99% + 25¢ (debit cards)/transaction, which is ideal for hotels processing high-value tickets for online reservations. Its interchange rates are lower, about $7.95/month and 0.30% + ¢10/transaction. Paysafe also gives you access to the popular Authorize.net payment gateway and virtual terminal at a discounted rate.

Paysafe integrates with Vindicia, an advanced subscription management platform that can help you recover up to 50% of failed recurring payments. If your hotel is work-friendly, you can target digital nomads with a hotel subscription program. Digital nomads, in particular, like to travel when rates are lower. This means you can keep your hotel fully booked even during slow seasons. Alternatively, you can offer hotel memberships to turn one-time visitors into regulars.

While chargebacks are inevitable in the hotel industry, high chargeback fees don’t have to be. Paysafe’s chargeback management program, Encytro Advantage, can help you mitigate unpredictable chargeback costs. Instead of paying per chargeback, it allows you to submit claims for reimbursement (up to $250 per chargeback) and some other costs for a flat fee of $29.95 per month per location.

Features and Benefits

• Free mobile card reader. Paysafe provides a free EMV mobile card reader that is compatible with Android devices. This reader pairs with the Paysafe Mobile Pay app and can process both chip and magnetic stripe cards. It is particularly useful for hotels without a traditional reception desk, allowing convenient payment collection anywhere on the property.
• MobilePay app. Paysafe’s MobilePay app enables on-the-go business management, letting you handle transactions, track sales, and manage finances outside of your hotel office.
• 250+ payment methods. Paysafe supports over 250 payment methods, including international options like PayPal and Alipay and local ones like Venmo and Boleto Bancario.
• Next-level security. Paysafe ensures next-level security with a dedicated risk-management team and offers an Enhanced Security package, an insurance policy against data breaches, on top of standard security features.

Read our in-depth Paysafe review to learn how it can help your hotel.

3. Stax: The Best Option for High-Volume Hospitality Businesses

Stax charges a flat monthly fee starting at $99.00 with no percentage-based markup. Provided your US-based hospitality business brings in more than $8,000 monthly in credit card transactions, you could save up to 40% with Stax. Its pricing model suits businesses processing high-volume/high-value transactions but it can prove expensive for those with low card volume.

Stax lets you create a custom shopping cart you can add to your website, making it easy to accept payments for online reservations. You can also integrate third-party apps like Mailchimp to help you reach more customers via email campaigns and HubSpot to track payments and send receipts. Despite offering such a large set of tools, Stax’s software is easy to set up and use.

All three of Stax’s pricing plans (Grow, Pro, and Ultimate) include dashboard and analytics software, and ACH processing. Regardless of your plan, you’ll pay 0% + 10¢ (in-person) per transaction, with 0% markup on interchange rates. If you want more advanced features, such as the ability to schedule payments, you’ll need to upgrade to the Ultimate plan, which costs $199.00.

Features and Benefits

•  Free terminal. As a Stax merchant, you’ll get a complimentary Dejavoo terminal to process in-person payments. Unlike some processors that lock you in a long-term contract, you can enjoy this gift while using Stax’s services on a month-to-month basis with no cancellation fees.
• Discounted payment gateway. Through Stax, you can access the trusted Authorize.net payment gateway for online bookings at a significantly lower than its original price. Paired with the free terminal, you can significantly reduce upfront costs while getting everything you need to process online and in-person payments.
• Process all types of payments. Stax’s payment terminals accept several types of in-person transactions (swiped, keyed in, and contactless). You can also install Stax’s mobile app on your phone or tablet to use your own device as a terminal, which is quite handy for smaller hospitality businesses.
• Accounting integrations. Stax integrates with apps like QuickBooks and Xero to make accounting administration easy. With QuickBooks’ integration, all your data is automatically synced so you won’t have to worry about reconciling payments.

Want to learn more? Read our expert Stax review.

4. Sekure Payment Experts: Best for Hotels That Take MOTO Payments

If guests prefer calling to reserve their stay, Sekure Payment Experts offers multiple options for collecting Mail-Order/Telephone-Order (MOTO) payments. It’s not a traditional processor, but it leverages a network of partners to connect you with the best payment solutions for your business. You can access a free virtual terminal with advanced features like recurring billing, payment scheduling, and customization options.

Sekure also offers the Payanywhere Virtual Terminal to manually enter transactions, whether they come via phone, mail, email, text, fax, or in person. If your site also takes bookings, Authorize.net, available through Sekure at a discounted price, provides a trusted gateway for online payments and a virtual terminal for processing MOTO transactions and refunds.

You can start small with Sekure and have room to scale. Multiple pricing options are available, including an Interchange-plus plan with no monthly fees and average transaction fees of 2.99% + 19¢ (in-person & online). Small hotels might benefit from the predictable Simplified Pricing plan, charging a flat fee of 3.5% + 19¢ (in-person & online) for all transactions. While Sekure’s transaction fees are a bit higher, it might be worth considering, given that it integrates with various payment solutions, including hospitality and hotel POS software, at discounted rates.

Features and Benefits

• Zero-cost processing. For a flat monthly fee of $39.95, Sekure’s Edge program allows you to pass transaction fees to card-paying customers. With higher average transactions in the hotel industry, you can significantly cut processing costs by offsetting transaction fees to your guests.
• Integrations with multiple online solutions. The system integrates seamlessly with various payment gateways like PayFlow Pro for advanced payment customizations and Cybersource for international payments. It also supports popular e-commerce platforms and shopping carts, simplifying online retail operations.

• High-risk merchant accounts. Thanks to its extensive partner network, Sekure can connect you with a suitable high-risk processor for your business that offers fair rates. Sekure also integrates with the NMI payment gateway, which offers advanced security for high-risk transactions.

• Free POS equipment. Your assigned payment expert will help you choose equipment based on your hotel’s specific needs. For example, if your hotel doesn’t have a traditional reception desk, you can use the free Payanywhere mobile app to accept EMV chip and magstripe cards. You can also process contactless payments with the free Bluetooth card reader.

Read our detailed Sekure Payment Experts review for more info.

5. Square: Best for Small to Medium Hotels That Get a Lot of Online Bookings

Square suits small to medium hotels that rely primarily on online bookings. It offers a free website with social media integrations with its website-building tool, Square Online. While lacking a dedicated hotel reservations tool, you can hire official Square partners to build a custom booking app and website that seamlessly integrates with Square’s payment platform.

You can use Square’s payment gateway and virtual terminal to accept card-not-present payments. Note that manually entered transactions via Square’s Virtual Terminal incur higher fees compared to some competitors like Leaders Merchant Services.

Square’s pricing is straightforward, starting with no monthly fees and transaction fees of 2.5% + 10¢. Despite higher fees for card-not-present payments, Square’s predictable flat-rate pricing model is beneficial for budgeting and financial planning. You also get next-day payouts even on the free plan.

Features and Benefits

• Book now, pay later options. Square helps you offer installment payments through its partnership with Afterpay, a buy now pay later (BNPL) payment method that can boost your online bookings. This feature is available for free with all Square e-commerce products.
• Free and discounted card readers. Your first mobile credit card reader is free with Square, and you’ll get it mailed directly to your business. This tiny, portable device allows you to accept credit card payments anywhere. Each additional reader costs only $10, one of the best prices I’ve seen among processors.
• Event management software for hotels. The Tripleseat app, available in the Square App Marketplace for a fee, offers tools specifically designed to streamline event planning and management, making it ideal for hotels with event spaces.
• Square Hospitality POS System. Square offers a POS system specifically designed for restaurants, with tools for inventory tracking, kitchen management, and online ordering, among other capabilities. It’s ideal if you have a restaurant as part of your hotel.

Learn more from our expert Square review.

6. POS Pros: Software and POS Equipment Tailored to Hotels

POS Pros integrates with 365villas, a vacation rental property management software that manages bookings, payments, and guest information in one place. You can also manage housekeeping and maintenance, run marketing campaigns, and monitor analytics, all from the comprehensive 365villas platform. The software includes a customizable booking engine that supports multiple languages and currencies.

365villa’s Unified Inbox consolidates all your communication channels, such as email, Airbnb Messenger, and WhatsApp. It equips you with everything you need to manage a complex hotel business or multiple vacation rentals. It’s perfect for high-end hotels that want to offer a superior branded booking experience. But if you run a simple small hotel business, this solution might stretch your budget.

Regardless of whether you sign up with 365villas, POS Pros offers a broad range of POS hardware from trusted brands and pairs you with a POS specialist to find the best options for your needs. For busy hotels or lodges, POS Pros typically recommends the Clover Station range. POS Pros also offers free terminals, including the Dejavoo Z11, Clover Mini, or Clover Flex. Monthly fees start as low as $5.00, with just as affordable transaction fees of 0.30% + 10¢ (in-person) and 1.95% (online).

Features and Benefits:

• On-the-go business management. 365villas is fully accessible on mobile devices, enabling you to manage your hospitality from anywhere.
• Credit card holds. You can use 365villas to place holds on credit cards, accounting for potential damages or other sundry charges incurred during a guest’s stay.
• Electronic payments. Access the Authorize.net payment gateway and virtual terminal through POS Pros at a fraction of the usual cost. You can use this reliable solution to process online or MOTO payments.
• Quick loan approval. If you choose POS Pros as your processor, you can access up to $500,000 in working capital to hire staff, renovate, and more. To qualify, your hotel should be over a year old and generate $50,000 annually or at least $4,200 monthly in the last quarter. Approval can take just 10 minutes.

Head over to our in-depth POS Pros review for more details.

These Are the Best Credit Card Processing Companies for Hotels

You can easily manage in-person and online payments with all the credit card processors on my list, ensuring top-grade security for your business and guests. However, the ideal payment processor for your specific business will depend on your unique needs.

If you need an affordable processing solution, Leaders Merchant Services lets you negotiate prices and tailor your plan. In addition, you’ll gain access to industry-specific features to enhance guest engagement, including gift cards and loyalty programs. LMS also provides a dedicated chargeback management team available 24/7 to support your hotel business.

If you often host guests from abroad, Paysafe provides reliable international processing. It supports 40+ currencies and 250+ payment types, allowing guests to pay in their local currencies and payment types they recognize and trust. Additionally, it provides an affordable chargeback management program and payment recovery solution, protecting your budget from unpredictable costs and losses.

If you run a hotel that processes high-volume/high-ticket transactions, Stax’s subscription with low transaction fees can save you up to 40%. You can also access a pre-built or custom shopping cart and the trusted Authorize.net for a fraction of its original price to accept online bookings. Stax also provides a free terminal for in-person payment processing.

FAQ

What payment methods can a hotel accept?

With the right payment processor, you’ll be able to accept whatever payment method each guest finds most convenient. For instance, Leaders Merchant Services lets you accept everything from credit cards and digital wallets to ACH and bank transfers.

Is the hotel industry considered high-risk?

The hotel industry is often considered risky because it is associated with a high number of chargebacks. New hospitality businesses or ones handling a very high volume of monthly transactions can also be considered higher risk. Fortunately, credit card processors like Paysafe offer affordable rates for high-risk companies.

What is a good credit card processing rate for a hotel?

Solid rates for most merchants fall between 1.70% – 2.05%, but this is influenced by various factors, such as the type of transaction and monthly volume. A good credit card processor should be able to offer the rates tailored to your particular business. For instance, Leaders Merchant Services promises to meet or beat your current rates, so you can negotiate the best deal for your accommodation property.

What is the best payment processor for hotels?

It depends on your needs. For example, Paysafe offers comprehensive international support, while POS Pros is best for large hotels or resorts that need robust property management software and modern equipment to support their operations. On the other hand, Stax is the best option for high-volume hotels thanks to its clear and cost-effective pricing with low flat-rate transaction fees.