11 Best Credit Card Processing for Travel Agencies in 2025

Accepting payments for your travel business is risky. Trips that require a lot of planning ahead come with higher-than-usual chargebacks. If you process high-ticket transactions, like airline tickets, hotel stays, cruises, and tours, you’re also at a greater risk of falling victim to cybercriminals. This means you also need advanced fraud detection and protection tools.

I spent over a month analyzing the best credit card processing for travel agencies. I specifically looked for processors that offer fraud and chargeback prevention tools, international payment processing, and support for mail-order/telephone-order (MOTO) payments. I also considered processors with low transaction fees for businesses handling high-ticket or high-volume transactions.

Paysafe stood out from the rest with its low fees and support for 120 markets and 45+ currencies. This makes it a great fit for travel agencies, which often serve clients from around the globe. Contact Paysafe for a custom quote today, or continue reading to explore ten other excellent options for travel agency merchant accounts.

Why Travel Agencies Need Specialized Credit Card Processing

Travel agencies are often labeled as “high-risk” by payment processors due to the nature of their business operations. Customers book expensive trips months in advance, plans can change suddenly, and chargebacks are common if a trip gets canceled.

Mainstream processors like PayPal and Stripe may freeze funds or shut down travel agency merchant accounts, so it’s crucial to use a provider experienced with travel payments.

Specialized credit card processors, such as Paysafe, offer lower fees on high-ticket sales, support for international payments, robust fraud protection for overseas bookings, and tools to minimize disputes. This makes them more suitable for travel agencies.

What We Look For in the Best Credit Card Processing for Travel Agencies

By considering the needs of travel agencies and travel agents, I have narrowed down the list to credit card processors that excel in the following key areas:

• Global payment support. Since travel agencies often cater to international clients, I included payment processors that accept multiple currencies and payment types.
• Various payment methods. The ability to accept multiple payment methods provides convenience, ultimately leading to increased bookings. All my recommendations support a wide range of payment options.
• Security and chargeback mitigation. I selected credit card processors that offer advanced security and fraud prevention tools like end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and automatic fraud alerts. I also included processors that offer robust chargeback mitigation tools to protect you from potential financial losses.
• Mail order/telephone order (MOTO) payments. To expand payment options for customers who prefer alternative methods, I also included processors that securely accept mail and telephone payments.
• Low transaction fees for high-ticket/high-volume transactions. Do you book luxury accommodations or organize group tours? The processors on my list offer the most competitive transaction fees for high-ticket/high-volume transactions.

1. Paysafe: Best for Travel Agencies That Process High-Ticket Transactions (Globally)

PaySafe’s lower-than-usual fees make it ideal for booking firms, tour operators, and other travel agencies that process high-ticket transactions. It supports payment processing in over 120 markets and handles more than 45 different currencies. This makes it an excellent option if you’re conducting cross-border transactions or receiving a significant volume of payments from international clients.

If you process a high volume of online payments, Paysafe’s online plan starts from as low as 0.99% + 25¢ (debit cards) per transaction and $16.00 per month. Its interchange-plus rates are even lower – $ 7.95 per month and 0.50% + $0.10 per transaction. More advanced features, such as Vindicia payment recovery and subscription management software, are available for an additional fee.

PaySafe has a dedicated risk management team working around the clock to ensure the safety and security of every transaction. It also uses cutting-edge technology to prevent fraud, like address verification, encryption of customer data, and tokenization. For an extra fee, you can opt for its Enhanced Security Package, which protects your agency in case customer information is compromised.

Features and Benefits

• 250+ payment methods. On top of standard payment options, PaySafe offers an array of alternative methods like digital wallets, electronic funds transfer (EFT), Venmo, Skrill, and even QR code payments. QR payments, for example, can speed up the booking process and result in more business for your agency.
• PaySafe Mobile Pay app. With this app, you can turn your mobile device into a POS terminal to take payments on the go. Thanks to features like real-time payment tracking and invoicing, PaySafe’s app will significantly simplify financial management.
• Chargeback program. Instead of paying a fee for every chargeback, you can pay a small fixed monthly fee for Paysafe’s Encytro Advantage program, which allows you to submit claims and receive reimbursement for covered chargebacks of up to $250.
• Paysafe Payments API. While Paysafe doesn’t offer direct integrations with travel systems, you can use its API to connect third-party tools like Amadeus to secure payment processing.

Read our detailed PaySafe review for more information.

2. Leaders Merchant Services: Affordable Travel Agency Merchant Accounts

Thanks to its custom pricing model, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) stands out as a top choice for travel agents. Monthly fees are just and cover the essentials, making it an ideal solution for budget-conscious agencies. You can personalize your LMS travel merchant account, ensuring you only pay for the services you need.

LMS is a certified reseller of high-quality Clover equipment, and some plans also include free Clover devices. Clover Mini, for example, allows you to pre-authorize credit cards. This hold feature will help you filter serious bookers from lookers and ensure you’re not left empty-handed, even in the case of a canceled trip. With a competitive rate of ~0.5% + $0.50 for swiped cards, LMS will keep your transaction costs low.

LMS gives you access to the secure and reliable Authorize.Net payment gateway. This payment gateway incorporates advanced security features such as 128-bit SSL protocol, Address Verification Service (AVS), and Card Code Value (CCV). You can also take payments over the phone with Authorize.Net’s virtual terminal. LMS’s low fees of ~2.9% + 30¢ allow you to process online payments efficiently while keeping transaction costs manageable.

Features and Benefits

• Same-day approval and onboarding. LMS approves 98% of applications and can set you up for credit card payment processing in as little as 24 hours.
• Advanced chargeback assistance. LMS has an entire department dedicated to fraud and chargeback management. You’ll have one of the largest teams in the industry at your disposal.
• Flexible funding options. LMS offers cash advances that don’t require collateral and can come in handy in the slow season if you need to boost your cash flow. You can repay this loan with a commission from your future sales.
• Subscription and loyalty programs. You can use LMS to schedule payments and send personalized offers to customers. You can also create a VIP program for regulars to drive repeat business.

Read our expert Leaders Merchant Services review for more details.

3. PaymentCloud: Assistance With the Application Process

When you reach out to PaymentCloud, you’ll be assigned a dedicated account manager to guide you through the entire application process. Your account manager does more than just set up your account – they’ll help you choose from hundreds of hardware options, customize solutions for your agency’s specific needs, ensure PCI compliance, and even provide side-by-side cost-saving analyses.

PaymentCloud’s 98% approval rate makes it one of the best high-risk travel merchant services. Whether you’re a tour operator, timeshare company, or booking firm, PaymentCloud would likely accept your business if you struggle to get approved elsewhere. Plus, through its partnership with Chargeback Gurus, PaymentCloud helps you monitor disputes and manage chargebacks proactively.

While exact fees vary, PaymentCloud’s pricing model typically includes a monthly fee, a percentage markup, and a flat transaction fee. As a travel agency, you can expect to pay anywhere from 3.95% + 25¢ per transaction and $25.00 per month. Just be aware that PaymentCloud may not disclose all its fees upfront. It’s a good idea to discuss any potential additional charges with your account manager to avoid surprises.

Features and Benefits

• Multiple business software integrations. PaymentCloud integrates with tools like Hubspot, Shopify, and WordPress to streamline everyday operations. You get a unified workflow for booking, client management, and more.
• Diverse payment methods. Beyond credit cards, PaymentCloud supports ACH, MOTO payments, e-checks, Apple Pay, and even cryptocurrency. This flexibility makes your travel agency accessible to a broader range of clients.
• Free hardware for card-present transactions. EMV and NFC-compatible terminals are provided at no cost, helping you accept in-person payments securely. You’ll reduce upfront expenses while offering convenient transaction options.
• Flexible merchant funding. PaymentCloud offers quick funding options for unexpected travel industry costs or growth opportunities. Access these funds easily to keep your business running without delays.

See our PaymentCloud review for more details.

4. CardX – Best for Automated Surcharging

CardX is a payment solution that automatically adds a surcharge to credit card transactions. It manages all compliance requirements for you, including helping you register your business with card brands and adhering to state laws and card-specific requirements. You even get signage to clearly display your surcharging policy, maintaining transparency with your clients.

Another feature that really impressed me is CardX’s ability to detect debit cards, even when customers run them as credit. As a travel agency owner, knowing you’re not unintentionally applying surcharges to someone using a debit card is one less thing to stress about.

I like that CardX caps the fee at 3.5% for each credit card transaction, so your customers don’t exceed the 4% threshold. However, you’ll be charged a small per-transaction fee of 1.25% + 25¢ for debit card payments. While there’s no monthly fee for transactions, CardX charges you a $29 monthly fee for its virtual terminal, regardless of whether you accept card-not-present payments.

Features and Benefits

• Pre-configured POS terminal. CardX pre-installs its software so you can start processing payments immediately. There’s no need to troubleshoot configurations.
• Advanced virtual terminal. CardX’s Virtual Terminal automates fee calculations in real time for phone and mail orders. It also identifies card types to ensure accurate surcharging.
• Advanced analytics and reporting. The CardX Portal gives you easy access to sales and deposit reports for any timeframe. It also tracks key business metrics like recent sales, deposit volumes, and fee savings.
• Powerful e-commerce solutions. CardX’s Lightbox payment form keeps customers on your site while displaying real-time surcharge fees for credit cards. Clients can choose no-fee alternatives like debit cards or e-checks without leaving your page.

Check out our CardX review to learn more.

5. Stax: Best for High-Volume Travel Agencies

If your travel agency processes over $8,000 in monthly transactions, Stax can help you retain more of your hard-earned revenue. By eliminating the markup on interchange rates, Stax can reduce your processing costs by up to 40%. Those savings can quickly add up for a business managing flight bookings, accommodation payments, and tour reservations.

You’ll also appreciate Stax if you sell online, whether you offer digital gift cards, travel packages, or branded merchandise. You can integrate Stax with platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, or Magento, or use one of its pre-built shopping carts to sell your products.

Instead of taking a percentage of each sale, Stax charges a flat monthly fee (starting at $99.00) and only 10¢ + interchange (in-person) per swipe. This interchange-pass-through model means once you pay the subscription, you’re processing at basically 0% markup. That said, Stax’s pricing model is only beneficial if you run a high-volume travel business – otherwise, the high monthly fee could eat into your profits.

Features and Benefits

• Comprehensive mobile app. Stax’s mobile app turns your phone or tablet into a functional payment terminal. You can manually enter card details, charge saved cards, and send invoices on the go.
• Fast payout. Stax offers same-day payouts if you need instant funds for urgent bookings, Stax offers same-day payouts. Its standard processing times (24–72 hours) are still quick for most travel agencies.
• Business software integrations. With Zapier, you can connect Stax to essential tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp, streamlining your workflows. You can also connect your booking systems, websites, and apps directly to your payment processing using Stax’s API.
• Analytics and reporting. Stax’s dashboard lets you track financial performance and monitor trends. You’ll have the insights to manage cash flow and optimize revenue strategies throughout the year.

To learn more about this processor, see our expert Stax review.

6. Payment Depot: Ideal for Agencies With Seasonal Sales

Payment Depot’s interchange+ pricing plan is ideal for travel agencies that juggle seasonal or fluctuating card volumes. Its flexibility means you only pay for what you use, avoiding unnecessary fixed monthly costs. The rates – starting at 0.2%-1.95% plus wholesale interchange fees – provide full transparency into every transaction. It eliminates the pressure of meeting specific sales thresholds to justify costs.

Dealing with chargebacks can be a nightmare in the travel industry, where cancellations and disputes are common. Payment Depot eases this burden by letting you manage disputes directly through your account. Centralized access to evidence, transaction details, and communication tools streamline the process, saving time and giving you greater control when resolving issues.

Payment Depot offers 24/7 risk monitoring, helping you keep tabs on the latest fraud trends and bank policy changes. You’ll even get proactive notifications to address potential issues before they escalate. I just wish Payment Depot offered an option for same-day payouts, as it’s a feature travel agencies can really benefit from.

Features and Benefits

• 24/7 technical support. Payment Depot’s always-available support is a confidence booster for keeping things running smoothly, even during late-night or last-minute bookings.
• Free POS terminals. As a Payment Depot merchant, you’ll get a free Dejavoo terminal. This EMV-enabled hardware supports contactless payments from credit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay.
• All-in-one payment dashboard. Payment Depot’s dashboard is simple to use and puts all your payment tools in one place. You can create branded invoices or payments, track sales performance, and run promotions – all from one dashboard.
• Fast and easy onboarding. The onboarding process is straightforward. As long as you have the required documentation, you can be up and running in just 24 hours.

Check out our expert Payment Depot review for more details.

Other Notable Credit Card Processing Companies for Travel Agencies

7. Square

Square gives you a free card reader for on-the-spot bookings at travel fairs or pop-up events, helping you avoid hardware delays and start processing payments immediately. Square also lets you build an online storefront at no cost so that you can showcase trip packages, itineraries, and special deals directly to travelers.

Square supports mail-order/telephone-order (MOTO), contactless & chip, and buy-now-pay-later transactions, meaning you can give travelers flexible payment options. Plus, you can get instant access to your agency’s payments through a Square FDIC-insured business checking account. Just note that Square has a reputation for freezing accounts, which could cause sudden cash flow interruptions.

8. Worldpay

Worldpay connects with over 100 Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) countries and collaborates with more than 120 major airlines, enabling you to book and manage travel smoothly across various regions. Worldpay also supports 135 currencies and 60+ payment methods, making it easier for travelers to complete bookings without hassle.

Worldpay lets you include useful details like ticket information, passenger names, and travel agent IDs with every transaction. Adding this data helps reduce processing costs, cut down on fraud, and expedite the resolution of disputes. I wish Worldpay were more transparent with its pricing, as its contracts often come with hidden fees.

9. POS Pros

POS Pros stands out with its personalized POS assistance, making it an excellent option if you’re primarily taking in-person payments. Once you join, a POS Pros specialist will advise you on the best POS equipment for your unique needs. On top of that, you’ll get free virtual demos of the suggested POS systems. This allows you to test their performance and features before making an investment.

POS Pros has an impressive range of hardware in the industry, offering devices from 25+ brands. You can even qualify for a free Dejavoo Z11, Clover Mini LTE, or Clover Flex terminal. However, despite POS systems being the primary focus for POS Pros, the processor also supports online payments. While its pricing structure lacks transparency, you can expect to pay 1.95% (online) per online transaction and $5.00 for a basic online merchant account.

10. Soar Payments

Soar Payments serves US-based travel and timeshare businesses that many banks shy away from, including airfare providers, hotels, cruise operators, and excursion sellers. Soar supports retail, mobile, virtual terminal, and e-commerce payments and integrates smoothly with popular systems, such as Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, Zoho CRM, and Salesforce.

Soar offers individually underwritten accounts, flexible approval processes, and tailored terms that reflect the unique risk profiles of travel businesses. Just note that Soar doesn’t disclose its prices, so you will need to contact its support team to learn about transaction fees.

11. Durango Merchant Services

Durango Merchant Services supports international and multi-currency processing, making it easy for travel agents to take payments from clients across borders. Its gateway stays PCI-compliant and includes recurring billing tools, ACH/eCheck support, and chargeback protection.

Durango is also one of the few payment processors that accepts Terminated Merchant File (TMF) or Member Alert To Control High Risk Merchants (MATCH) List businesses. You get a dedicated account manager to guide you through the application process and beyond. Keep in mind that Durango may impose a rolling reserve, which could cause cash-flow problems.

These Are the Best Credit Card Processors for Travel Agents

Finding the right credit card processor for your business shouldn’t feel overwhelming. We’ll break down the key information you need to make an informed decision quickly and confidently.

If you’re a travel agency that sells expensive packages or processes international transactions, Paysafe supports 45+ currencies across 120 markets. It also offers low transaction fees and robust fraud protection tools, making it an ideal choice for processing secure, high-ticket sales globally.

If you’re an agency with high and low seasons, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) offers a fair pricing model with the flexibility to add or remove services as needed. It has one of the industry’s largest chargeback and fraud teams, offering valuable expertise and assistance when issues arise.

If you’re looking for expert assistance, PaymentCloud gives you a dedicated account manager who will guide you through the entire application process step by step. Additionally, with an impressive 98% approval rate, your travel business is likely to get approved, allowing you to start accepting payments ASAP.

FAQ

What is the best payment processing company for travel agencies?

Paysafe is the best payment processing company for travel agencies. It supports over 45 currencies and 250+ payment methods, giving you an edge with international clients. It also offers lower-than-usual fees, making it ideal for handling high-ticket transactions. Plus, you’ll get access to a dedicated risk management team, advanced fraud protection, and payment recovery – tools that can greatly enhance your travel agency’s operations and security.

Why are travel & tourism considered high-risk industries?

Travel & tourism are considered high-risk because they involve high-value, advance-payments prone to cancellations and chargebacks. Such payments are often processed online across borders, which increases the likelihood of fraud. As such, you want to use a payment processor that supports international and high-risk transactions.

How do travel agents collect payment?

Payment processing for travel agents encompasses a diverse range of methods that cater to clients’ preferences, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and installment options. Payment processors like PaymentCloud allow travel agents to accept payments through alternative methods, such as cryptocurrency.

What is the cheapest credit card processor for travel agencies?

Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) offers affordably priced plans for low- to mid-volume travel agencies. However, if you’re a high-ticket travel agency, Paysafe offers excellent value with its low monthly and transaction fees. To explore additional options, consider these other affordable credit card processors.

What is a travel merchant account?

A travel merchant account enables businesses in the travel industry to securely accept online and in-person credit card payments. These accounts may offer support for international transactions, refund and chargeback management tools, and integration with travel booking systems. For example, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) offers advanced chargeback assistance, which is particularly helpful for travel merchants.