Payment methods used in hotel businesses vary according to guests’ reservation preferences. These methods are generally based on the principle of making the payment online at the time of booking or at the property on the day of stay. Offering the right payment methods directly affects reservation traffic and guest conversion rates.
Payment Methods
Hotel management panels generally have the following 4 main groups of payment methods:
Online Credit Card Payment (Virtual POS)
The guest enters their credit card information while making the reservation, and the payment is collected instantly. This system operates through banks or intermediate payment providers.
Process: Payment is transferred directly to the hotel’s bank account or intermediary payment institution (Iyzico, Stripe, PayTR, etc.).
Advantage: The reservation is finalized and provides financial guarantee for the hotel.
Pay at the Property (Cash or POS)
The guest completes the reservation online without making an immediate payment. The total amount is paid in cash or via a physical terminal at the reception when the guest arrives at the hotel.
Process: Collection is made via physical POS device or cash when the guest checks in or checks out.
Advantage: It is preferred for guests who do not want to share their card information on the internet.
Bank Transfer and EFT
This is the method where the guest is expected to transfer the funds to the bank account information provided by the system. The reservation is confirmed once the payment reaches the hotel’s account.
Process: The guest forwards the receipt to the hotel, and the reservation is finalized after the hotel official confirms the payment.
Advantage: It saves on commission rates.
Mail Order
This is the method where the guest transmits their credit card information to the hotel via secure forms, and the hotel manually processes this information through its own physical devices.
Process: Generally used for high-amount groups or reservations made by phone.
Comparison of Payment Methods
🔔 Note: The configurations and options mentioned in this document are only valid for reservations made through your website (Direct Booking). For reservations made through GDS channels or Online Travel Agencies (Booking, Expedia, etc.), the relevant channel’s own payment policies and rules apply.