Payment Processing and Merchant Accounts for the Travel Industry

PayKings keeps payment data secure by using industry-standard protections and advanced security protocols. All payment processing through PayKings is PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) Level 1 compliant, which means we meet the highest standards for storing, transmitting, and processing payment data. This includes strict encryption requirements, secure network architecture, and regular vulnerability assessments to ensure personal data remains protected from breaches.

In addition to PCI compliance, PayKings uses tokenization and end-to-end encryption to shield sensitive information during transactions. Tokenization replaces card details with randomly generated tokens, so actual card data is never stored or transmitted—making it useless to hackers even if intercepted. Encryption ensures that all communication between the customer, merchant, and payment gateway is scrambled and unreadable to unauthorized users.

We also offer fraud detection and prevention tools as part of our merchant services. These systems monitor for unusual activity in real-time. Using automation, our software flags or blocks suspicious financial transactions to prevent chargebacks or theft. Some accounts also receive customizable security settings—such as AVS (Address Verification System) filters, CVV checks, and velocity controls—to minimize the risk of fraud.

Beyond the technology, PayKings provides compliance support and guidance, helping merchants maintain secure practices that align with data security regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and other data privacy laws, depending on the regions they serve.

Summed up, PayKings builds a layered approach to payment security that includes regulatory compliance, encryption, fraud tools, and merchant education—making it easier for high-risk businesses to operate safely.

To set up a merchant account for your travel business with PayKings, you'll need to complete an application process that includes both submitting business details and undergoing underwriting. The first step is filling out our online application, where you'll provide general information such as your legal business name, DBA (doing business as), website, years in operation, and estimated annual sales volume. This preliminary information gives PayKings a basic understanding of your business and helps initiate the underwriting review.

Once the initial application is submitted, PayKings will request a range of documents to support your account setup. You'll need to provide official business formation paperwork, such as your articles of incorporation or LLC documents, as well as a government-issued photo ID for the business owner or controlling party. A voided check or bank letter proving your business bank account is also necessary, along with several months' worth of bank statements—typically three to six months. If you've previously processed payments through another provider, submitting your past merchant statements can significantly streamline the approval process.

In addition to financial documents, you'll be asked to share personal and business details for anyone who owns 25% or more of the company, including Social Security Numbers or Employer Identification Numbers (SSNs or EINs), addresses, dates of birth, and contact information. If your travel business is subject to any specific licensing requirements—such as a travel agency license—you may need to submit that documentation as well. This ensures you meet industry compliance standards and helps PayKings determine your eligibility. Be aware that as part of the process the bank will pull your credit score. Don't worry though, even businesses with low credit scores may be approved.

After all required documents are submitted, PayKings' underwriting team will conduct a thorough review. If everything is in order, some accounts can be approved within 24 to 48 hours, though the process may take three to seven business days depending on how quickly all materials are provided. Our underwriting support team may request additional details during this phase to clarify anything in your application or documentation.

Once approved, PayKings will help you complete the technical side of the setup. This can include integrating a payment gateway, setting up recurring billing features, or configuring other tools based on your travel business model. From there, you'll be ready to start processing payments securely and efficiently.