When properties begin to use the Expedia Collect or Expedia Traveller Preference models they will start to receive Virtual Cards - a single use, pre-loaded payment card. There are a few things to remember with these:
- EVC will only work with a Merchant ID (MID) that is configured for accommodation providers. This is set by your acquirer assigning you a Merchant Category Code, or MCC. Usually the MCC code for hotels is 7011. If you also run a restaurant, there is a possiblity that your Caterpay MID has been incorrectly tagged to the MCC code '5812 - Eating places and Restaurants'. EVC will not work with this MCC code, you will need to contact your acquirer, get this changed, and let us know straight away. (This has on occasion given rise to the MID returning an error into Caterpay of "Retailer Unknown".)
- The virtual card is usually only chargeable from the day of arrival or departure. If you try to charge a 'deposit' for a booking arriving in the future using EVC, it will most likely fail. Remember, the guest has already paid Expedia, the EVC is for Expedia paying you out.
- The value of the booking will usually be the regular price of the room minus Expedia's commission. So if you are wondering why your expected £100 price for that room is showing up in the booking as £85, it's for that reason.
For more information, please see Expedia's own support article on this: