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SOP For Credit Card Acceptance in Hotels

SOP Number: Front Office SOP – 73

Department: Front Desk

Date Issued: 16-Oct-2021

Time to Train: 30 Minutes

1. Request guest to present credit card. (Check credit card.):

2. Check signature specimen on credit card:

  • Check if signature specimen on credit card match the signature on guest passport and registration card.

  • If not  match, credit card can't be accepted.

  • Verify if guest is really credit card holder. Caring for hotel benefit.

3. Check if credit card valid:

  • Checking credit card expire date on the local credit card.

  • Expire card will not be accepted by bank.

4. Get pre approval amount with EDC machine:

  • Use EDC machine to get approval amount which should be 1.5 time of total room charge throughout guest staying duration.

  • As well as print out credit card voucher with EDC machine.

  • This will ensure enough approval amount to protect hotel benefit.

5. Imprint credit card on relevant forms. [This is an outdated process not used anymore]:

  • Imprint credit card on card holder's registration card and liability form if have.

  • For bank reference when Attach credit card voucher on the back of card holder's registration card.

6. Attach voucher:

  • Attach credit card voucher on the back of card holder's registration card.

  • File credit card voucher well to avoid missing and easy to check.

7. Pay attention to special arrangement:

  • When check guest credit for outlets cashier, some relevant special  arrangement should be alerted e.g. Guest is top VIP set by hotel management.

  • In daily job, special arrangement  Should taken serious attention because it may affect hotel reputation or revenue seriously. our daily job by providing consistent, precise service.

  • Guest's consumption in hotel all are in house account.

  • Guest is approved by hotel manager or credit manager to pay upon departure.

  • Guest consumption is paid by company who have enough deposit or sign privilege with the hotel.

8. Example of credit cards which are accepted by hotels/resorts.

  • American Express 

  • Diners Club International

  • Visa International 

  • Master Card International

  • ICB Card

  • JCB Card

  • Union Pay

9. Other Points to note when handling credit card transactions. 

  • Always care about hotel benefit in. 

  • Avoid receive unacceptable card to make guest and hotel in  unnecessary trouble.

  • Caring for both hotel and guest's benefit.

Training Summary questions for Credit Card Acceptance:

Q1. Why is it important to check the signature on credit card?

Q2. What are the special arrangements which need attention?

Q3. Give few examples of Major Credit Cards?

Q4. What are the other Points to note while handling credit card transactions in the hotels?