What is tokenization?
When a guest pays for the first time at a Mews hotel, online or in person, their card is instantly tokenized. That means the sensitive payment data is swapped for a secure token with no sensitive data stored on it.
From there, the token is safely saved in the guest profile, so their card is ready to be charged whenever they make another purchase – at check-in, in the bar, or even after they’ve checked out. There is no need for the guest to pull their wallet out time and time again which makes the process as seamless as possible.
Tokenization also works as a helpful safety net. If a guest forgets to pay for a restaurant bill, or there is damage to the room, you can simply charge the card without having to chase a payment method. It’s an extra layer of security to ensure revenue is protected, so you don’t have to worry about losing out on money you are owed.
And with Mews you only pay to tokenize the card once. Not every time you process a transaction, like with many legacy payment processors.
Why does tokenization matter for hoteliers like you?
You likely process a significant number of card payments both online and in person, which unfortunately makes you a target for fraudsters and hackers. Data breaches can have severe financial consequences, require a lot of staff time to resolve and shatter your reputation with guests. Tokenization helps shut the door on those risks. Sensitive card data never lives in the Mews PMS, so the only thing hackers might access in a data breach are totally worthless payment tokens that cannot be reverse engineered.
And beyond security, tokenization keeps payments smooth and effortless. Guests can pay whenever, wherever, and without a second thought, making it easier for them to spend more during their stay.
Where you’ll see the impact of tokenization
- Faster, smoother payments. Guests can pay online, at the Kiosk, or the front desk without re-entering their details every time. Tokenization is chain-wide, meaning the token still works if guests visit any of your properties again in the future.
- Simpler operations. Empower your front of house staff to speed up checkouts, cut manual card entry, and stop chasing payments. One token collected at first contact does it all.
- Predictable costs. The tokenization fee is a one-off charge, you won’t be billed per transaction like with other payment processors.
- Enhanced data protection. Tokens protect card data at every stage – at rest, in motion, and during processing – slashing the risk of payment data leaks.
- Easier compliance. With no sensitive data stored, PCI DSS compliance becomes far less painful.
- Lower fraud risk. No card data stored means fewer ways for attackers to hurt your business.
Why guests love it too
Guests feel the benefits of tokenization just as much as you do:
- A faster and more convenient experience. Tokenization enables quicker payments and smoother stays.
- Peace of mind. Knowing their payment data is protected builds trust, and that trust builds loyalty.
The bottom line
Tokenization provides best-in-class payment security for your guests, enabling you to take smarter, faster and more trustworthy payments.
That process will have a real-world impact on your hotels as you remove barriers to payments, speed up your operations and enhance the payment experience for visitors.
And the best part? Guests love it. A seamless payment experience makes for a seamless stay.
Book a demo today, or contact your CSM to learn more.
