August 24th, 2017 by Elma Jane
Travel agencies are viewed as high-risk merchants. As such, you need a merchant solution that best suits a travel merchant needs.
You want an account that eliminates the complexities of a typical shopping cart. Ideally, it allows you to request payment from clients without the need of setting up booking engines and carts.
This post is going to guide you on how to use a payment solution e-Pay and other merchant solutions to ensure a seamless operation of your business.
Leveraging the NTC e-Pay Service
Payment solution e-Pay allows you to eliminate the complexities of integrating payment processing into your point-of-sale or an accounting system.
With this payment method, you only need to send a payment request to your customers via email. You don’t need to send invoices via snail mail or fax any forms to your customers. Plus, NTC e-Pay doesn’t need you to take orders over the phone.
With this service, you can create a “BUY” button for any transaction amount in seconds. You also don’t need a website to you use this service. NTC e-Pay allows you to generate a digital link that you can email to clients.
The service allows you to customize the process to make everything simple for your customers. After the customer pays the specified amount, a receipt is generated, and the amount is sent to your account.
Tomorrow we are going to discuss on how to understand your Travel Merchant Account….So standby to learn more.
For NTC e-Pay Set Up call Now 888-996-2273
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants Tagged with: customers, merchants, payment, transaction, travel, travel agencies
March 1st, 2017 by Elma Jane
ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS
When it comes to electronic payments, certain types of businesses are considered high risk.
Most merchants do not realize that electronic payment processors carry a financial risk on merchant accounts, and normally fund merchants prior to receiving payment from the client’s bank.
Essentially, a merchant account is an unsecured loan.
Different factors used to determine when a business is a high risk are:
- Types of products
- Services they sell how
- How they sell them
Online transactions are considered high risk because there are increased risks of fraud.
A key factor used to determine the risk of a business is chargebacks.
Chargebacks include customer refunds and fraudulent transactions.
Payment providers assess this risk to determine the percentage of chargebacks your business is likely to experience.
Businesses that are considered high risk where they take advanced payments:
- Travel agencies
- Ticketing services
Electronic payments provider is necessary if you want to accept debit and credit card transactions.
For high-risk electronic payments please feel free to call us at 888-996-2273.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: bank, chargebacks, credit card, debit, electronic payments, fraud, loan, merchant accounts, merchants, online, payment processors, transactions, travel agencies
September 23rd, 2016 by Elma Jane
What is ARC, IATA, and CLIA? what’s the difference? What it does and what type of agents would benefit most from it.
CLIA Number – is a way for vendors to identify you as a travel agent. It is issued by the Cruise Lines International Association; without the ARC accreditation, CLIA agencies cannot issue airline tickets since CLIA numbers were designed specifically for cruise-focused travel agencies.
You don’t need to get your own CLIA number if you’re working with a host agency. You can always go under their umbrella organization and use their identification number therefore, it won’t incur the costs associated with obtaining your own CLIA number.
If you are not issuing airline tickets, CLIA is a practical option because it is NOT accepted by the airlines, but nearly accepted everywhere.
CLIA vs. ARC/IATA Number – If you’re ticketing air-only reservation, ARC and IATA are must-haves.
ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) – gives out these ARC numbers to accredited agencies, which allows travel agencies to issue airline tickets.
The use of an ARC number extends from either a hotel to a cruise ship booking not only air tickets for travel agencies.
For a home-based travel agent or a storefront agency that only books leisure travel (no air), having your own ARC number seems too much.
IATA – International Air Transport Association Network use extensive data resource to connect the suppliers to the U.S. travel distribution network.
IATA ID card holders get promotional benefits. A concessionary incentives from suppliers (participating members) who identify the agent with an IATA/IATAN number as a valid associate; in addition to approving travel agents for the sale of travel tickets.
IATA certifies either a referral agent or an affiliate travel agent to find clients for the hosting travel agency’s business needs as well.
Give us a call 888-996-2273 and and process your travel agency payments for less!
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: card holders, payments, travel, travel agencies, travel agent
March 16th, 2016 by Elma Jane
More and more travel agents and tour operators are working in a card-not-present transaction that opens the door to travel agency credit card fraud. Travel Agencies are among the highest-risk merchants, as far as credit card processors are concerned. The reason is more likely the dispute and chargeback transactions.
So what should you do, whether you have just started your travel agency or have been in business for years to reduce risk?
First, understand the potential liability associated with selling airfares online before you even apply for a merchant account. Understanding risk exposure will help travel agency take adequate steps to minimize losses associated with chargebacks.
A good example is an airline sales agent. A travel agency or a tour operator merchant account may be liable for the entire amount of an airline ticket, if it is successfully disputed by a customer or if it was purchased with a stolen credit card.
To reduce risk, you will need to set up card acceptance policies and procedures to address the following issues:
- Authorization requests approved by an issuer. In most cases, airlines are liable for card-not-present transaction fraud, even when they were approved by the card issuer, because authorization approval is not a proof that the legitimate cardholder is making the purchase, nor is it a guarantee of payment.
- As a travel agency, your organization may not necessarily be a Visa or MasterCard merchant, subject to the Credit Card Associations’ rules and regulations. In most fraud-related transactions, the airline transfers liability to the travel agency it has partnered with as part of the contractual agreement. In such cases, your organization will bear the full financial responsibility.
Selecting a payment processor is a big step, choose one with experience in working with travel agencies and other high-risk merchants. Your processor must be able to assist you with your fraud prevention procedures.
Check out National Transaction Corp. we are the travel experts when it comes to electronic payments for travel agencies! Give us a call now at 888-996-2273 or visit us at www.nationaltransaction.com
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: card, card-not-present, cardholder, chargeback, credit card, customer, fraud, high-risk merchants, merchant account, merchants, payment, processors, risk, transaction, travel, travel agencies, travel agency, travel agents
February 24th, 2016 by Elma Jane
Helping customers protect and safeguard their payment data is one of National Transaction’s top priorities.
Our Payments Expert for travel agencies welcomes your questions, and always glad to give you assistance. We are good at what we do and we value your time.
We offer very valuable services and information to help you with your travel business needs, which saves you time, money & provide insights into your payment logistics.
National Transaction’s Electronic Payments Expert doesn’t sell anything, instead helps you choose wisely and discuss your options.
If you haven’t consulted a Payments Expert for your travel business take the time to seek one out and ask for their professional input.
visit www.nationaltransaction.com today, or call 888-996-2273 Extension 1. The Payments expert for travel agencies!
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: customers, data, payment, travel, travel agencies, travel business
February 1st, 2016 by Elma Jane
What is Zika Virus?
The Virus has been around for a long time, and for the most part was a benign mosquito-borne disease. Zika is transmitted through infected Aedes mosquitoes and can be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. It has spread from equatorial Africa into South and Central America as well as the Caribbean.
Recently in the last month, the virus was linked to microcephaly in infants. From October 2015 to January 2016, there were almost 4,000 cases of babies born with microcephaly in Brazil. Before then, there were just 150 cases per year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel alert that recommends pregnant women postpone travel to areas where the virus has been reported.
Affected areas
While Zika typically was found in equatorial Africa, the disease has spread and now threatens the bread and butter of most travel professionals in the United States. The affected areas include most of South America, in particular Brazil who is hosting the 2016 Summer Games, and the Caribbean, including several popular tourist destinations.
Airlines took note of this potential threat
Airlines offered refunds to travelers with concerns of the Zika Virus.
The key for travel agencies right now is to keep abreast of the virus and monitor it’s spread via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Contact your preferred suppliers who service destinations that are impacted and become familiar with their cancellation policies.
Be prepared to offer your clients some alternative destinations. One of the best options might be a cruise versus the destination. A cruise might be the answer for your clients as a ship can change itineraries on a moment’s notice.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: travel, travel agencies
January 21st, 2016 by Elma Jane
Merchant accounts are as varied as the merchants themselves and the goods being sold.
What kind of account would you fall under:
High Risk Merchant Accounts – Finding a processor who is willing to take your account can be more challenging. High risk merchants range from travel agencies to multi-level marketing companies, credit restoration merchants, casinos, online pharmaceutical companies, adult/dating merchants and many other.
Internet based merchant account (Ecommerce/Website order processing) – E-Commerce is a booming market, with so many people buying and selling goods online due to the wide reach and easy access to the internet.
Mobile or Wireless merchant account – This merchant is specifically designed for small businesses, solo professionals, and mobile services (including lawyers, landscapers, contractors, consultants, repair tradesmen, etc), who are constantly on the move and require a payment to processed on the spot.
MOTO (Mail or Telephone order) – This enables phone based or direct mail orders processing for customers who can buy your product or service from the comfort of their home. Since there is no card present there is no need for traditional equipment.
Multiple Merchant Accounts – Some businesses can have merchant accounts of a couple or all different types. Merchants who fall into this category are called multi-channel merchants as they sell their goods through a number of different channels. Most commonly this is related to retail stores who also have an online presence to sell their goods. This is very common in today’s competitive market where constant contact with customers is critical to success.
Traditional Account with Equipment – Most commonly used for retail businesses (grocery, departmental stores etc) where the transactions are processed in a face to face interaction also known as Point of Sale (PoS).
Interested to setup an account give us a call at 888-9962273
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, e-commerce & m-commerce, Mail Order Telephone Order, Mobile Payments, Mobile Point of Sale, Point of Sale, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: account, card, card present, credit, customers, e-commerce, high risk merchant, internet, merchant accounts, merchants, mobile, mobile services, moto, multi-channel merchants, payment, point of sale, POS, processor, transactions, travel, travel agencies
October 30th, 2015 by Elma Jane
National Transaction Corporation is the preferred Credit Card Processing Agent for many National Travel Agencies & Associations. We are the preferred merchant account service provider for ASTA, OSSN, ARTA, HBTA,Vacation.com, Travel Leaders, Trams and many more. We are also affiliated with JaxFax, Travel weekly, TRO / Travel Research Online and other travel agency associations in the travel agent industry.
Benefits of our Merchant Account Services for Travel Agencies.
Competitive credit card processing rates & fees for travel agents
Faster deposits (as quick as 24 hrs from transaction)
No holds on funding
Trams Credit Card Merchant Account Integration
Sabre Red Merchant Account Integration
Booking Software Processing Integration
Lower Processing Rates & Fees
Swiped Rates for face to face credit card processing
ecommerce for shopping cart credit card processing
National Transaction Corporation has a proven track record with many of the Largest Travel Agency Associations in the U.S. and Canada. In fact for several of those, we are the preferred credit card processing merchant account services provider for their members. We can take your business to the next level with integration into Trams, Sabre, Sabre Red or off the shelf accounting programs like QuickBooks and Peachtree Accounting.
We are more than happy to provide you with a free merchant account rate review and go over your current credit card processing details and show you how we can save you money and get deposits even faster. We also offer industry leading technical support around the clock, you call, we answer. Simple as that. We can assist errant transactions, chargebacks, terminal messages and much more. Find out why National Transaction Corporation is the preferred merchant account services provider for travel agents & agencies.
Call us now and put us to the test. 888-472-7112
American Society of Travel Agents, Vacation.com, ASTA, Trams, Virtuoso, Travel Leaders, Association of Retail Travel Agents, Specialty Travel Agent Association, Cruise Holidays Credit Card Processing.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: chargebacks, credit card, credit card processing, ecommerce, merchant account, Merchant Account Services, National Travel Agencies, shopping cart, travel agencies, travel agency, travel agent
February 3rd, 2014 by Elma Jane
National Transaction and Virtuoso Agreement Official
National transaction and Virtuoso signed a preferred supplier agreement this 30th of January. NTC’s Electronic Payment System will be offered to its more than 330 agencies with 7,200 elite advisors in 20 countries.
Virtuoso is the travel industry’s leading luxury network. Travelers who use Virtuoso’s Advisors get access to more than 1,300 of the world’s premier travel providers, as well as exclusive, experiences and products. Virtuoso’s history dates to the 1950s, when the tour company Allied Travel formed to help travel agencies with foreign, international and group trips. In 1986, Allied Travel merged with Percival Tours to form (API) Allied Percival International, joining the best travel agents in the country. In 2000, API was rebranded Virtuoso, and has since become the leading travel network in the world.
While National Transaction with over 15 years in the payment service industry, has gained experience to integrate vast range of payment services. Processing digital transactions for more than 3,000 business owners and has been the preferred merchant account provider for many industry associations including ASTA, CLIA, HBTA, ARTA OSSN and now VIRTUOSO.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit card Processing, e-commerce & m-commerce, Electronic Payments, Internet Payment Gateway, Travel Agency Agents, Visa MasterCard American Express Tagged with: arta, ASTA, clia, hbta, merchant account provider, National Transaction Corporation, ossn, travel, travel agencies, travel industry's, travel network, travel providers, travelers, Virtuoso
January 6th, 2014 by Elma Jane
It can be difficult for travel agencies to choose a merchant services provider. The credit card processing industry generally categorizes travel agents as a high risk business type due to the fact that most travel agency transactions take place long before the actual product or service is delivered to the customer. This leaves travel merchants open to chargebacks and other payment disputes, which are costly procedures that deter many merchant services providers from offering travel merchant accounts.
National Transaction Corporation is one of the travel merchant account providers and credit card processors to provide high risk merchant services for travel agents. Most providers are geared toward e-commerce business types, although some offer options for traditional travel credit card processing. National Transaction Corporation (nationaltransaction.com) is a Coral Springs, FL-based, NTC’s member bank is US Bank Minneapolis, MN; that offers high risk travel agent merchant accounts. NTC’s credit card processing, no holds on funding, integration with Trams, Sabre, and ARC business solutions, and payment gateways for e-commerce travel merchants. National Transaction Corporation’s parent company Elavon, has a grade of “C” award. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) currently grants National Transaction Corporation an “A+” grade, citing only one complaint in the last three years.
Posted in Credit card Processing, e-commerce & m-commerce, Electronic Payments, Internet Payment Gateway, Merchant Services Account, Travel Agency Agents Tagged with: chargebacks, credit card processing, e-commerce, high risk, merchant services provider, no holds funding, payment disputes, payment gateways, provider's, transactions, travel agencies, travel agency, travel agents, travel merchant account, travel merchants
