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MOTO (Mail Order/Telephone Order)

MOTO, which stands for Mail Order/Telephone Order, describes payment methods conducted through mail or phone instead of online or face-to-face interactions. In the travel sector, MOTO transactions are frequently utilised by clients who choose to make reservations via phone or through conventional travel agencies. These payments usually necessitate the manual input of card information, offering convenience but also presenting distinct security and risk management issues. As MOTO transactions lack the robust security measures found in online payments, like 3D Secure, they demand careful attention to safeguard both travel businesses and their customers.

MOTO in Travel Payments

MOTO payments are essential in the travel sector, especially for agencies and businesses catering to customers who value a personal interaction or feel uneasy about online bookings. Many travel firms utilise MOTO transactions to handle reservations via phone, particularly for significant purchases such as vacation packages or international trips, where clients often have specific inquiries and need extra support from agents. For travellers, MOTO payments provide the ease of securing travel arrangements without relying on internet access, making them ideal for urgent or intricate bookings.

Moreover, MOTO transactions enable travel companies to connect with a wider range of customers, including those who prefer not to book online or do not have access to digital payment options. By incorporating MOTO payments, travel businesses can present a versatile payment solution that caters to various customer needs, thus improving accessibility and broadening their market presence. For travel agents and tour operators, MOTO payments are vital for delivering exceptional service, fostering stronger client relationships, and creating a more tailored booking experience.

MOTO Challenges

One of the main obstacles for MOTO payments in the travel sector is the heightened risk of fraud and chargebacks. As MOTO transactions are conducted without the physical presence of the card, they are naturally more susceptible to fraudulent activities compared to in-person or online payments. The absence of additional security measures, such as 3D Secure or EMV, complicates the verification of the cardholder's identity, thereby increasing the likelihood of unauthorised transactions. Consequently, travel companies may experience elevated chargeback rates with MOTO payments, which can be both costly and detrimental to their reputation if disputes occur frequently.

Another significant issue is adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) regulations, which mandate rigorous security protocols for the storage and management of cardholder information. Given that MOTO transactions typically require manual entry of card details, travel businesses must ensure that their staff is well-trained in PCI compliance and that card information is handled with care. Implementing these security measures can be resource-heavy, particularly for smaller travel firms with limited budgets for payment security. Furthermore, customers utilising MOTO payments may not be familiar with the process and may need assistance to comprehend the security protocols in place, adding to the operational challenges.

For travel companies operating on a global scale, MOTO payments may also incur higher interchange fees and processing expenses due to the increased fraud risk linked to card-not-present transactions. These additional costs can affect profitability, especially for smaller operators or those handling a large volume of MOTO bookings. Travel companies must thoroughly assess the cost-effectiveness of offering MOTO payments and ensure they have strong fraud prevention measures in place to mitigate the financial repercussions.

How Felloh can Help with MOTO

Felloh empowers travel businesses to manage MOTO payments securely by offering solutions that bolster security and mitigate fraud risks, even for transactions where the card is not present. By incorporating sophisticated fraud detection technologies, Felloh enables travel companies to recognise and flag potentially hazardous MOTO transactions, empowering them to implement preventive strategies and minimise chargeback risks. This protective measure not only secures the company’s revenue but also fosters customer trust in making bookings via phone or mail.

Through Felloh’s platform, travel companies gain access to secure data management processes that comply with PCI DSS standards. Felloh provides essential training and guidance on best practices for handling cardholder data, ensuring that travel businesses can process MOTO payments safely and in accordance with industry regulations. By utilising Felloh’s platform, companies can accept MOTO payments with confidence, alleviating the risks associated with non-compliance and safeguarding sensitive customer information.

Moreover, Felloh presents flexible payment solutions, including support for open banking and alternative payment methods that can complement or replace MOTO payments. For customers hesitant to share card information over the phone, these alternatives provide a secure and convenient option, helping travel businesses lessen their dependence on traditional MOTO transactions. Felloh’s all-encompassing approach to payment security and customer service enables travel companies to effectively manage MOTO payments while ensuring a smooth and secure booking experience for every customer.

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