Utilizing Visual Matrix to Mitigate Chargebacks: Strategies and Best Practices

Utilizing Visual Matrix to Mitigate Chargebacks: Strategies and Best Practices


A hotel can utilize Visual Matrix to help prevent chargebacks through several strategies. Remember that while these strategies can help reduce the risk of chargebacks, they may not eliminate them entirely. Collaboration with payment processors, acquiring banks, and industry best practices is crucial in effectively managing and mitigating chargeback risks.

Accurate Guest Information
Ensure that the guest information entered into Visual Matrix is accurate and matches the information on the credit card used for the reservation. This reduces the likelihood of disputes due to mismatched information.

Authorization Procedures
Implement strict authorization procedures for credit card payments. Make sure that the credit card used for booking is authorized for the full amount of the stay, including potential incidentals.

Secure Payment Processing
Use secure and PCI DSS compliant payment processing methods to safeguard guest payment information and prevent unauthorized access.

Clear Cancellation and Refund Policies
Have clear cancellation and refund policies in place, and make sure guests are aware of these policies at the time of booking. Having documentation of the guest's acknowledgment can be helpful in case of disputes.

Confirmation Emails
Send confirmation emails to guests after booking, detailing the reservation details, cancellation policy, and contact information for any inquiries. This helps set clear expectations from the beginning.

Pre-Authorization
Make sure that the pre-authorization on the guest's credit card upon check-in to cover potential incidentals or damages is successful. Do not bypass any decline status. This ensures that the card has sufficient funds and reduces the chances of disputes over charges.

Detailed Billing
Provide detailed bills to guests during their stay, outlining all charges and expenses incurred. This can help avoid surprises and potential disagreements over charges at check-out.

Retention of Documentation
Keep records of signed registration forms, credit card authorization forms, and any communication related to the reservation. These records can serve as evidence in case of disputes.

Prompt Communication
In the event of any discrepancies or concerns from the guest's side, respond promptly and professionally. Addressing concerns in a timely manner can prevent chargebacks resulting from misunderstandings.

Training Staff
Train your staff to handle payment-related processes accurately. This includes properly processing payments, adhering to security measures, and communicating payment information clearly to guests.

Integration with Fraud Prevention Tools
By migrating to a Visual Matrix EMV partner integrate to the PMS, you have access to fraud prevention tools that will identify and flag suspicious transactions or potential fraudulent activities.

Chargeback Dispute Management
If a chargeback does occur, have a well-defined process in place to handle the dispute. Provide necessary documentation, such as signed authorization forms and communication records, to defend the validity of the charges.

    • Related Articles

    • Saving Credit Cards: Manual Entry vs PinPads EMV?

      In Visual Matrix Since every credit card number has been tokenized, Visual Matrix does not keep credit card information on its systems. To ensure the highest level of security, we collaborated with many credit card gateways/processors (Shift4, ...
    • Pre-authorizing a guest credit card before check-in

      Pre-authorizing a credit card in advance with the goal of expediting the check-in process and minimizing delays is not recommended. Such pre-authorization should only be undertaken when the intention is to secure a deposit. Pre-authorization is ...
    • Glossary and Common Acronyms (Index) - Visual Matrix PMS

      1-10 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1-10 1099 The 1099 form is used to report to the US government income earned by travel agents as commissions, and income earned by owners of hotel condo units (when OPV_<version number> OPERA ...
    • Credit Card Transaction Process

      We do not think much about what goes into making the credit card process work. Simply insert a credit or debit card into a machine, and a few seconds later, the transaction is complete. However, behind this convenient payment option, the procedure ...
    • Fortis Pay - Infos & Best Practices

      Visual Matrix PMS is the tool you are using to communicate with your gateway but Visual Matrix is not processing your credit card transactions. Visual Matrix communicates with Fortis Pay. Fortis Pay Contact Phone: (800) 761-8039 Fortis Pay Error Page ...