Become a UATP Merchant
UATP accounts are accepted by a wide range of airline, rail and travel agency Merchants including:
Airline Merchants reach 95% of scheduled worldwide available seat kilometers (ASK).
Major rail carriers in the US and Europe respectively with the capability to enlist additional rail systems throughout the world.
Over 40 Travel Agencies among the Top 100 Agencies worldwide that accept UATP via direct connections.
Over 400 Travel Agencies that accept UATP via key Master Merchants.
Over 30,000 ARC-accredited Travel Agency locations in the US via connections to the Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC).
Approximately 56,000 IATA Travel Agency locations via connections to International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Bank Settlement Plan (BSP) Network.
Lower Costs
It pays to be a Network Member, but it doesn’t cost a thing
Why Airlines should accept UATP
The travel market is rapidly expanding. Accepting UATP for payment can help grow your business and lower distribution costs. Capture the growing market and reduce costs by becoming a UATP Merchant.
Why Travel Agents should accept UATP
Travel Agencies can boost sales by accepting UATP for payment when joining the UATP Network directly as a Merchant; connection is easy and at no cost to you. Travel Agent Merchants can also accept UATP as a form of payment for agency services and net fares (consolidator fares). For companies that cannot join industry clearing houses, UATP offers its internal settlement solution (USS) to process UATP charges. Capture the growing client market by becoming a UATP Travel Agent Merchant.
UATP Settlement Services (USS)
Fully Automated Settlements
UATP Settlement Services facilitates settlements using proprietary technology for UATP Merchants. Leveraging the funds handling capabilities of ACH / US Bank in the United States, and Visa Payments Ltd. outside of the United States, standard USS settlement frequency is weekly, and it is fully automated.
ACH / US Bank
Visa Payments Ltd.
Master Merchants
Accept and Process UATP Transactions
UATP allows transaction processing organizations that have a significant client base to join UATP as a Master Merchant to enable their suppliers to accept and process UATP transactions. Master Merchants carry out all claims processing and accept all settlement and clearing activity on behalf of their merchants.
UATP supports all Master Merchants by providing direct connection or web interface for claim submissions, authorization, transaction processing and settlement through UATP’s internal settlement solution, USS.
UATP
Master Merchants
What are the benefits of becoming a UATP Merchant?
Lower cost: Merchants pay a lower merchant service fee on all UATP transactions, instead of higher rates charged by other T&E cards.
Pay merchant service fees only on segments you fly: When a ticket is issued on your ticket stock and includes segments on another carrier, you pay merchant service fee only on the segments you fly. With other charge cards, when the ticket is written on
your ticket stock, you pay merchant service fee on the entire ticket value.
No membership fees for merchants: Merchants pay no membership fees or annual dues for membership in the UATP.
More corporate business: Merchants are eligible to earn revenues from corporations around the world that use the UATP card exclusively to pay for their air, rail or travel agency payments.
Better customer service: UATP is a global product used by corporations around the world. You can provide better service to your corporate clients by accepting the UATP card when it is their preferred form of payment.
Connect with AFPs: AFPs allow airlines to navigate the complex global payments market, which increases the opportunities for more completed transactions. UATP can connect any AFP to any airline for acceptance as a form of payment.
Travel protection: For a low annual fee, employees of Merchant airlines can take advantage of UATP’s Insider’s Club travel protection policy covering travel on industry- free, reduced-rate of full-fare tickets on scheduled airline, Amtrak rail or cruise lines.
How do I become a Merchant?
For further information on becoming a Merchant and the benefits of being a Merchant, visit our Merchants page or contact us.
How long does it take to become a UATP Merchant?
It varies depending on the airline (or travel agency) set up. From the time the merchant agreement and supporting documents are signed, it can take as little as 25 days to have a new merchant up and running. UATP works closely with the prospective merchant to
develop a suitable timeline and to work through all the requirements and issues necessary to become a successful UATP merchant.
Does UATP provide any training for Merchants and Issuers?
Yes. Courses are open to new and existing Merchants and Issuers, as well as customized training to meet the specific needs of a carrier. New members can attend UATP 101 for free in the first year of membership.
