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Travel

Travel has seen a massive spike in activity in 2026. With families and business travelers booking far-flung itineraries, the demand for competitive airfare is at an all-time high. However, for those providing the inventory, securing a reliable payment gateway for airline ticket brokers and consolidators remains a significant challenge due to the high-risk nature of the travel sector.

Best Providers in Travel

MIDs - logo

MIDs

  • Credit Card and Local Payments
  • Multiple Options Worldwide
  • High Volume Specialized Services
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L3 Payments - logo

L3 Payments

  • High Risk US Processing
  • Unmatched Support
  • Online and Retail Options
Read reviewWebsite

Use MAC to match with the right high-risk merchant service provider in a few simple steps.

Are you already processing credit card payments?

No, I'm completely new to credit card processing.Yes, but we're looking at other options.

Why Airline Consolidators Face High-Risk Classification

Acquiring banks often view airline ticket brokerage with caution. This is not due to the legitimacy of the business, but rather the financial structure of travel sales:

  • Future Delivery Risk: In the travel industry, payments are often made months before the service is rendered. This "future delivery" window creates a long liability period for banks. If a broker or an airline fails before the flight takes off, the bank is often responsible for refunding the cardholder.
  • High-Ticket Transactions: Airline tickets—especially international or group bookings—frequently exceed $1,000. These high-value transactions are prime targets for fraud and result in larger financial hits when a chargeback occurs.
  • Market Volatility and Cancellations: Flight schedules are subject to weather, mechanical issues, and geopolitical shifts. Sudden mass cancellations can trigger a wave of chargebacks that can overwhelm a standard merchant account.

The Advantages of a Specialized Travel Gateway

A specialized payment gateway for airline ticket brokers and consolidators provides the technical safety nets required to keep your business airborne:

  • Advanced Fraud Scrubbing: Real-time identity verification and behavioral analysis to catch stolen credit cards before the ticket is issued.
  • Multi-Currency Settlement: The ability to accept payments in your customer's local currency while settling in your own, reducing foreign exchange (FX) fees.
  • Chargeback Alerts: Systems that notify you the moment a traveler disputes a charge, allowing you to resolve the issue before it impacts your merchant standing.

Prepare for Takeoff with MAC

Don't let rigid banking policies ground your travel business. MAC can match you with the right travel merchant account provider in the time it takes to stow your carry-on luggage in an overhead compartment.

Secure your cash flow and mitigate your risks today. Discover the airline broker payment provider that’s right for you!