Expedia operates under two main payment models: Expedia Collect and Hotel Collect. Correctly identifying which model applies to each booking is essential for determining who charges the guest and when funds are received.
-
Expedia Collect
How it works: The guest pays Expedia directly at the time of booking. Expedia issues a Virtual Credit Card (VCC) loaded with the net booking value. The hotel charges this virtual card after check-in.
Virtual Credit Card (VCC) Features: Has a specific activation date (typically the check-in date), Can only be charged up to the authorized amount, Reduces chargeback and fraud risk.
Alternative Option — Bank Transfer Payouts: Under certain merchant agreements, Expedia pays via bank transfer instead of a VCC, The property must issue an invoice directly to Expedia after guest check-out, The invoice must include Expedia’s required tax and corporate billing details as specified in the contract, Once the invoice is submitted and verified, Expedia processes the payout, Payment terms typically range from 30 to 40 calendar days post check-out.
Advantages: Guaranteed payment. - Expedia manages customer service and payment inquiries directly.
How it works: The guest pays the hotel directly upon arrival or stay. Expedia does NOT collect the money. The hotel invoices the guest directly. Expedia bills the hotel a monthly commission fee.
Important: This operates similarly to the traditional Booking.com model. The risk of no-shows or credit card declines falls entirely on the property.
Before processing payment for any Expedia reservation, always verify the applicable payment model. Follow these mandatory steps:
Step 1. Open the reservation details in Expedia Partner Central (or your extranet dashboard)
Step 2. Locate the "Booking Amount / Payment Details" section.
Step 3. Review the payment type indicated in that field to identify the correct model.
How to Spot the Difference in the "Booking Amount" Field
It is EXPEDIA COLLECT if the field displays: Virtual Credit Card (VCC) details: Card number, expiration date, and CVV. -- An authorized charge amount: Marked as "Collect via Virtual Card" or similar. -- Payment status: Stated as "Paid to Expedia" or "Prepaid."
It is HOTEL COLLECT if the field displays: - Payment instructions: Marked as "Amount Due at Hotel," "Pay at Property," or "Guest will pay directly to the property." - No Virtual Card details: Displays the guest's actual credit card details instead (or no Expedia payment method attached).
Golden Rule for Front Desk & Operations Staff
• If you see a VCC To charge → is Expedia CollectProcess the Virtual Credit Card after check-in.
• If you see "payment at the hotel" and the details of the guests card → is Hotel Collect: Collect payment directly from the guest at the property.
When in doubt, never assume. Always verify the "Booking Amount" field before processing any payment.
Want us to review your property's payment configurations on Expedia? Let’s talk. Hablemos.