Hilton is Streamlining Business Travel Payments by Making it Easier to Go Cardless

Hilton's Cardless Business Travel Revolution

Hilton is leading the business travel sector as the first hotel group worldwide to automate virtual card payment information integration into its property management system. This technology will be rolled out globally across thousands of Hilton locations, enhancing efficiency and security for business travellers and corporations everywhere.

This innovative solution, developed in collaboration with Conferma, a top virtual card technology provider, greatly streamlines the manual process associated with using virtual corporate credit cards at hotels. Previously, this process involved acquiring payment information via email or fax. It also addresses the rising demand for seamless travel and digital-first experiences. Through our Conferma integration, more than 400 Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and numerous corporate clients will soon reap the benefits of enhanced efficiency, flexibility, control, and security when utilizing virtual card payments for their stays at Hilton properties worldwide.

“As the first global hotel group to adopt this pioneering solution, Hilton is proud to lead the way in redefining the customer experience," said Frank Passanante, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sales & HRCC, Hilton.

"Our new API integration will enable the more seamless use of virtual corporate credit cards at our properties which allows us to elevate our service even further, starting with an effortless check-in process, ensuring our corporate guests feel valued and cared for from the moment they arrive."

Faster, More Secure, and Fully Automated Corporate Payments

Virtual cards are quickly emerging as the top option for corporate travel payments, providing improved security, better expense management, and simplified spend reconciliation. When bookings are made through Conferma’s platform, a distinct virtual card number is securely transmitted to Hilton’s property management system via API. This innovation not only streamlines check-in but also enhances the overall guest experience by:

• Streamlining the check-in process for travellers using virtual card payments, ensuring instant access to payment details within Hilton’s property management system.
• Eliminating the need for physical cards, with 79% of travel buyers viewing single-use virtual cards as effective in preventing fraud by external parties such as hackers or thieves.
• Helping to automate B2B payments, streamlining spend reconciliation, reducing manual work, and minimizing customer friction.

Jason Lalor, CEO, Conferma, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Hilton to transform the way corporate hotel payments are made. Together, we are taking virtual card technology to new heights, offering a more seamless, secure, and stress-free solution that benefits business travelers and their corporate finance teams, travel managers, travel management companies and hoteliers alike. This partnership sets a new precedent for the industry, freeing more business travelers from time-consuming admin, while hoteliers focus on the business traveler experience."

This partnership allows Travel Management Companies to confidently cater to the increasing demand from businesses for virtual cards, providing enhanced security, smooth payments, and integration with their travel suppliers.

“National Corporate Housing delivers Superior Service to our guests by collaborating with hotel partners to improve services. A key focus is a smooth check-in process,” said Carmen Stinson, Managing Director, National Corporate Housing.

“We're excited that Hilton heard us and is implementing an API solution with Conferma, allowing for faster identification of virtual credit cards. Guests enjoy a flawless check-in, our agents have less administrative work chasing and resubmitting credit card authorization forms, and the reconciliation process is more efficient and accurate.”

"Our longstanding partnership with Hilton helps us provide more flexibility for our customers to manage travel and spend in a way that works best for them," said Sébastien Bardin, vice president, Product Management, American Express Global Business Travel.

"This automated technology gives business travelers even more choices for simplified, convenient, and secure virtual payment options and most importantly, a seamless experience."