04/10/20 - amadeus · can i get a refund? you can cancel a virtual card prior to it being used...
TRANSCRIPT
04/22/20
OVERVIEW ................................................................................................. 3
REGISTRATION .......................................................................................... 4
FUNDING YOUR ACCOUNTS .................................................................... 4
CARD GENERATION .................................................................................. 6
INTEGRATING THE SOLUTION ................................................................ 6
CURRENCIES AND COUNTRIES .............................................................. 9
BILLING DETAILS ....................................................................................... 10
AMENDING/CANCELLING ......................................................................... 10
INTERCHANGE .......................................................................................... 11
REPORTING ............................................................................................... 12
SECURITY ................................................................................................. 12
SUPPORT ................................................................................................... 13
CONTRACTUAL PARTIES ......................................................................... 13
COST .......................................................................................................... 13
AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OVERVIEW What is the Amadeus B2B wallet?
Amadeus B2B Wallet Prepaid is a virtual solution which enables Amadeus clients to create virtual cards, load
them from a 'wallet' of pre-deposited funds and incorporate them in the booking for payments to travel suppliers
such as airlines and hotels. It comprises two categories of prepaid cards linked to the same account. One card
category earns travel agencies a rebate on the amount spent, and the other helps avoid payment card
surcharges applied by some suppliers. Travel agents free up their time as both options are fully integrated with
their selling interface, so payments can be made directly after booking a trip.
What is a virtual card?A virtual card is a payment card without the physical plastic and can be used to improve the security of
transactions where the physical card is not required, such as online, over the phone or by fax. It has the
characteristics of other payment cards such as the 16 digit number, CVV, Cardholder name and billing address,
and is accepted globally (issued on a scheme such as Mastercard or Visa). Travel agents use virtual cards to
pay their travel suppliers instantly, replacing payment methods such as invoicing, wire transfers, bank debit card,
cheques and cash advances.
How can I avoid surcharges using the Amadeus B2B walletThis prepaid solution comprises two virtual cards linked to the same account. One card earns travel agencies a
rebate on the amount spent, and the other helps avoid payment card surcharges applied by some travel
providers. Both options are fully integrated with the travel agent's professional selling interface, so payments can
be made while booking a trip.
The VISA Debit Card (issued as a VISA Consumer Debit Card) is a handy card to have in order to avoid
common surcharges applied by many Low-Cost-Carriers (LCC's) and some Full Service Carriers (FSC's). This
card would be recommended when paying for content where surcharges are applied on different types of cards,
and the surcharge > the potential rebate from the MasterCard Prepaid Card.
What are the benefits of the Amadeus B2B wallet?By using the Amadeus B2B wallet for your supplier payments, you benefit from a secure and PCI compliant form
of payment. It reduces your risk of supplier default, lowers your operating costs by streamlining your accounts
payable function, helps you save money on payment-related fees and gives you the opportunity to generate
revenue on certain transaction.
Where do I find more information and all the documents needed?Amadeus ACOs have access to the Knowledge Centre where all documents and additional information can be
found (https://intranet.amadeus.com/kc/travelpayments/pages/home.aspx)
It is highly recommended that each ACO familiarizes themselves with the available information before selling
Amadeus B2B Wallet Prepaid.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION How do I register?
To sign up for Amadeus B2B Wallet you should:
1. Complete and sign the Amadeus B2B Wallet Application form
2. Email the application form, along with the supporting documentation to [email protected]
3. We should highlight here the KYC documents needed or at least mention that some documents are required.
Completing these steps will establish a legal relationship between your travel agency and Ixaris.
How do I know when I'm ready to start?Once setup is complete, your Amadeus Payment Manager will provide you with the following information:
_ Funding Account details (where funds have to transferred to)
_ Report Access Credentials
_ Web Business Console Credentials
Why do I need to provide so much information in the registration process?The information that we collect from you during the registration and application process is required to enable the
correct setting for your Amadeus B2B wallet and is also required by our partner Ixaris to set your company up as
a user of the service for compliance with Scheme, Issuer and Regulatory 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) and
'Anti-Money Laundering' (AML) checks.
Do I need to request an Amadeus B2B Wallet for each of my OID (Office ID) ? Yes. Amadeus B2B Wallet Virtual cards can be used in different point of sales. OID's should be listed in the
Implementation Questionnaire.
Should I request an Amadeus B2B Wallet for each legal entity I am operating ? Yes each legal entity should request an Amadeus B2B Wallet.
Who is the owner of the Amadeus B2B Wallet card? The cardholder name will be Amadeus IT Group SA. Ixaris provides a safeguarded account, and the funds are
available to the Travel Agency at any time upon request.
FUNDING YOUR ACCOUNTS Why do I need to place funds into the funding account?
The Amadeus B2B wallet is a prepaid solution that works as a 'purchase in advance' model. In order to make
payments, a sufficient balance must be maintained in your funding account from which you can load funds when
generating virtual cards.
How do I 'top-up' the designated funding account?During the registration process, Amadeus will provide you with instructions on how to place funds into the
designated bank account. While Ixaris do not charge for this service, certain fees might apply at your bank.
What should I do if I haven't seen the funds arrive into my funding account?Please contact your local Amadeus Payment Sales Manager. Alternative, if you have access to open Incident
Reports, please select the B2B Wallet incident type.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long will funds take to reach my funding account?This may vary by country. However, to be safe, please allow up to two business (banking) days for the funds to
reach your designated account and be available for use. Your funding account will be credited with funds as
soon as it is receive, and a registered email address will be sent a notification upon receipt of the funds.
How do Bank Holidays impact my funding?Please note that on bank holidays in the United Kingdom no funds can be received in the funding accounts. You
will receive and email to the contact email address you provided in the implementation questionnaire advising of
upcoming bank holidays a few days prior.
How much does it cost me to send funds into the funding account?The cost of the transfer depends on various details. Please speak with your bank and also send some test
transfers to ensure you have full insight into the cost that apply to you.
_ The fee you negotiated with you bank for funds transfers dictate the outgoing fee
_ Barclays bank changes 6.00 GBP for each incoming transfer.
_ You can opt to have all fees deducted on the sending end (bank code OUR), on the receiving end (BEN) or
shared (SHA).
Furthermore, you can make use of our local funding solution provided by Worldpay which allows transfer of
funds in the local currency at the cost of a local transfer. Worldpay maintains bank accounts in all EEA countries.
If you request access to this service you will receive a list with the bank account(s) at banks in your country to
which you have to send the funds and a unique reference number. You have to include that reference number in
the transfer. Worldpay will credit the same amount to the funding account at Barclay's in the UK.
Can I withdraw funds from my funding account?Yes you can. Redemption fees apply. Please see your application form.
When I request a virtual card, how quickly will my funding account be debited?Your funding account will be debited immediately whenever you generate a virtual card.
Can I get a refund?You can cancel a virtual card prior to it being used (i.e. before the supplier requests an authorisation). The
Amadeus B2B wallet will automatically refund the amount to the designated account. If the virtual card has
already been used, it is then up to the refund procedures of the supplier. Any monies refunded will be credited
to your card.
How much time does it take to Ixaris to recieve bank transfers? What happens on
Holidays and Weekends? A wire transfer initiated before 09:00 CET is normally received at our bank accounts on the same day. This
applies to funds originating from banks within the SEPA region (using IBAN). In other cases it may take from 1-2
business days for funds to reach our bank account from when transfer is initiated. This is for guidance purposes
only as it depends on factors within the banking system outside of our control. To expedite transfers we
recommend that you select the “same day” or “urgent” or similar option, as may be
offered by your bank, when initiating the transfer. Please note that funds cannot be loaded on weekends and
Malta public holidays (1st January, 10th February, 19th March, 31st March, 1st May, 7th June, 29th June, 15th
August, 8th September, 21st September, 8th December, 13th December, and 25th December). Funds received
after 16:00 CET will be loaded on the next working day.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why can't I use my own bank account?The B2B wallet solution is linked to a specific bank that holds the issuing licenses for MasterCard and Visa
schemes who have formally approved this program.
What guarantees are in place for the deposited funds in the Ixaris account?The designated accounts for funding are safeguarded accounts operated in accordance with the United
Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Client Money Rules.
Can money be sent to the funding account of the travel agency by a 3rd party?Yes, but prior to sending the funds a bank statement of the bank account from where the funds will be sent from
has to be sent to Ixaris
To: Amadeus [email protected]
Subject: 3rd party funding for [TA name]
In the instruction of the bank transfer it has to be clearly stated who the recipient of the funds is.
Once the funds are applied to the travel agency's funding account, they are owned by the travel agency and can
be withdrawn by the travel agency at any time.
CARD GENERATION How do I generate a virtual card?
Generating a B2B Wallet Prepaid virtual card is easy; simply set a contract with Ixaris, once the Amadeus B2B
Wallet card has been issued, there are three options:
_ Amadeus GDS: Request a B2B Wallet Prepaid virtual card from Amadeus Selling Platform (Classic and
Connect) in cryptic mode
_ Web services: Integrate the Amadeus B2B Wallet solution using Amadeus Web Services
_ WEB: Login on Ixaris Portal using your User ID
What cards are available in the Amadeus B2B wallet?A Mastercard Corporate Prepaid EARN Card and a Visa consumer SAVE debit Card. Further card types will be
added in the future.
INTEGRATING THE SOLUTION How do I login to the Amadeus B2B wallet system?
No login is necessary. Once you are setup, you can start generating cards.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to install any software? No need to install any software. Amadeus B2B Wallet Prepaid lets travel agencies generate a single-use card
number in Amadeus Selling Platform (Classic and Connect) by using a new cryptic command or via web
services each time they want to pay a hotel, airline or any other travel supplier. Third party and in-house
developers have to integrate the B2B Wallet Prepaid Web service into their own travel seller applications to
benefit the solution.
Can I integrate the Amadeus B2B wallet solution into my own platform?Yes, the technical model is straight forward. The Amadeus B2B solution can easily be integrated with different
platforms using Amadeus XML Web services (PAY_GenerateVirtualCard and PAY_DeleteVirtualCard). More
information on how to integrate Amadeus Web services can be found here:
https://pdt7-webservices.nce.amadeus.net/extranet/index.do
How long does the integration process take?The solution is currently offered through 2 different channels: Cryptic & Web Services mode. The total expected
timelines per channel are:
• Cryptic: 4 weeks
• Web Services: 6-8 weeks
For a Web Service integration, the integration process will largely depend on the travel agency. Upon
registration, a slot will be assigned and the Amadeus Web Service team will get in touch with you with all the
details. Once the Amadeus team certifies the integration, you will be ready to go. This process can take
approximately 6 weeks to integrate, test and certify the integration.
Can a travel agent test the creation of cards before signing on the Amadeus B2B Wallet
Prepaid?Yes, a test user can be created to provide a Travel Agent that is interested in the Amadeus B2B Wallet Prepaid
vie the Ixaris Webportal. The ACO can request the test user access from the Amadeus PAY Solutions manager
Where can I use Amadeus virtual cards?Anywhere that accepts MasterCard and/or Visa as form of payment. Please note however that the use of
MasterCard cards for this program are restricted to usage for purchases from Travel and Hospitality Merchants.
For greater control, is it possible to assign a specific merchant number?No you cannot restrict to a Merchant in particular, but it is possible to restrict to a certain category of Merchants.
For example, the MasterCard Prepaid Card is currently restricted to Travel and Hospitality merchants only.
Is a virtual card ready for immediate use?Yes, a virtual card can be used to pay suppliers immediately after you have created it.
Can a virtual card be used multiple times?Yes, you can. Please note however that the creation of multi-spend cards is restricted to the MasterCard
scheme (where cards have been specifically set up as multi-spend as against single-spend). The VISA Debit
option is single-use only.
Can I load multiple funds on to the same card?Not yet. All funds are loaded at time of creation. In the future, you will be able to edit the card and top-it up.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is there a limit on the spend per card?Yes some card limits apply for each card. In the Implementation Questionnaire you can request increased card
limits which will need to be approved by Ixaris.
Are there any limitations on my ability to use Amadeus B2B wallet?As of today, MasterCard can only be used to pay Travel and Hospitality Merchants globally. Visa can be used to
pay any kind of Merchant globally.
Do I need to request an Amadeus B2B Wallet for each new transaction? Not necessarily, you can create a multiple-spend MasterCard Prepaid Card and spend it multiple times, but in
order to facilitate reconciliation, Amadeus recommends to always generate 1 single card per transaction. That
way any refunds/reversals and changes will be tracked against the unique card associated to that transaction.
Please note, the VISA Debit Card is only available in single-spend and hence a new card must be created per
transaction.
How can I pay my provider with my Amadeus B2B Wallet ? Upon request, Amadeus system will automatically generate the VCN number with the expiry date, security code
(CVV) and address verification data. This virtual card can be used like any other credit card to make a payment.
The credit card number that is generated can be copied and pasted into a PNR for payment request (if the
merchant is known by Amadeus System) or to improve the feed to the mid/back office. Alternatively, you send
the Credit card details directly to the merchant.
What can I do if the merchant doesn't accept virtual cards ? Some airlines, hotels or Car rentals request a plastic card at check in or check out. You should confirm the Term
of Condition of the service provider at the time of booking and ensure an alternative payment method is used in
such cases.
When do B2B Wallet Prepaid virtual card numbers expire?The cards can have multiple expiry dates, by default the 2 standard expiry dates are 6 and 12 months. The
expiry date is driven by the end validity date on the card during setup. For example:
_ An End Validity Date < 6 months from date of creation, the card will be assigned a 6 month expiry date.
_ An End Validity Date => 6 month from date of creation, the card will be assigned a 12 month expiry date.
Can I use B2B Wallet to pay for BSP Content? Will I be in breach of IATA 890?Yes you can. In our arrangements, each party is acting as a principal in relation to certain functions. The Travel
Agent has a contract with Ixaris for the safeguarding of its prefunding account and the deduction of funds from
the safeguarded accounts. Further, we do not act on behalf of the travel agent.
This model has been designed to be compliant with IATA regulations arrangement in connection with the sale of
air transportation on behalf of a Member/Airline to any customer of the Travel Agent.
Please refer to the Appendix for the full statement from Amadeus regarding B2B Wallet.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CURRENCIES AND COUNTRIES Can I generate a virtual card in a different currency?
The Amadeus B2B wallet does offer the ability to issue virtual cards in multiple currencies. Once you have
provided funds in the foreign currency, you'll be able to create virtual cards in that currency.
What happens if my supplier requests a currency I don't currently support?You can still request the amount in the foreign currency, and Amadeus will convert that amount to your default
currency selected during the implementation phase. For example,
If the agent requests $100AUD, and your default currency is EUR, the following steps will take place:
_ Agent requests $100AUD -> VCN/NEW/AUD100
_ Amadeus will convert this to EUR using standard IATA official settlement exchange rates (assumption
$100AUD = 66€)
_ Amadeus will then add 3% to the converted amount to cover for the currency conversion fees and potential
exchange rate fluctuation.
_ Virtual card will be created for 67.98€. This can then be sent to the supplier requesting $100AUD for payment.
_ After payment has been taken, on a single-spend card, any remaining funds on the card if they have not been
used will be automatically refunded back to the funding account.
_ FX fees may apply, please go to the application form.
Which foreign currency conversion rate is applied?When you make a payment in a currency different from the card currency the standard foreign exchange rate of
the applicable card scheme (MasterCard, VISA) is used to convert the transaction amount. The FX fee as
outlined in the Fee Schedule of the B2B Wallet Prepaid application form is levied on the transaction.
What currencies are available?MasterCard cards can be created in 8 currencies (USD, GBP, EUR, NOK, SEK, DKK, CAD, CHF, PLN, HUF)
while Visa cards can be created in 3 currencies (USD, GBP, EUR). More currencies are being added over time.
Is the documentation available in different languages?All documents (application form, terms and conditions etc.) are available in English. Translations can be done by
ACOs but it must be assured that the signing travel agent is aware that in any case the English version of the
document prevails (this is explicitly stated in the terms and conditions.
Can I sign up from anywhere in the world?Amadeus B2B Wallet is available to customers worldwide with a few exceptions. Refer to the information
provided in the Knowledge Center about available countries and currencies, and contact your B2B Wallet sales
expert (Payments Sales consultant) for support on how to offer B2B Wallet to your clients.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BILLING DETAILS If asked, what do I use for the Card Holder's Name?
The cardholder name is Amadeus IT Group SA. This information will be returned in the B2B Wallet Prepaid
creation response.
If asked, what should I include for the Billing Address?The billing address is stated in the Ixaris - Travel Agency contract. This information will be returned in the B2B
Wallet Prepaid creation response.
AMENDING/CANCELLING What if I make a mistake and need to amend the virtual card information or value?
At the moment it is not possible to amend an already-created card. Amadeus recommends deleting the card,
and generating a new card with the appropriate values. In the future, an update request can be submitted to
change some elements on existing cards.
Can I cancel the virtual card?You can cancel a virtual card prior to it being used (i.e. before the supplier requests an authorisation). This can
be done by calling the DeleteVirtualCard functionality, providing either the Amadeus Unique Card Reference or
the Supplier Reference for that card.
The Amadeus B2B wallet will automatically refund the amount on the VCN card back to the funding account
from which the card was created from.
What happens if the virtual card is not used?If the virtual card has not been used, and when the card reaches the expiry date specified on the card, the card
will be cancelled/deleted, and any remaining funds on the card will be automatically returned to the funding
account.
What if I want to make changes to my set up or add features?Any changes to your implementation or the addition of features is requested by (re)submitting an Implementation
Questionnaire in which the changes or additions are clearly marked.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INTERCHANGE What about the revenue potential?
The MasterCard and VISA cards in the wallet are subject to scheme interchange fees. These fees are passed
onto the supplier in order to accept these cards, typically charged to them by their own acquiring bank. This is
typically known as Merchant Service Fee.
As the MasterCard card has a higher interchange fee (as it is classified as a MasterCard Commercial Prepaid
Card), part of this fee will be returned to the Travel Agency as a rebate. Please note with the VISA Debit Card,
as the interchange fee is quite low (hence making it cheaper to accept by the Travel merchant, unfortunately
there is no rebate that can be returned, and why there is a card creation fee associated to this type of card.
How will the rebate be received?Each month you will receive a credit report from Amadeus showing the rebate you earned with Amadeus B2B
Wallet Prepaid. Based on that credit report you (travel agent) will send Amadeus an invoice and we will pay to
your (travel agent) indicated account.
You can also make use of the Amadeus self-billing by signing the Amadeus B2B Wallet: Self-billing Agreement.
Once self-billing is effective you will receive monthly a copy of the self-billing invoice together with your monthly
credit report and will no longer need to invoice Amadeus each month.
What if any of the information I provided in the application form has changed?Please (re)submit the Amadeus B2B Wallet Prepaid application form in which you clearly mark the changed or
added information.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REPORTING Does the Amadeus B2B wallet include business reporting?
The Amadeus B2B wallet offers a comprehensive suite of reports tools. Reporting data is available in real-time
once a virtual has been issued.
Real-time reporting on funding and card activity is instantly available in the Business Web Console. Also, Daily
and Monthly reports will be generated detailing every single movement associated to your accounts and virtual
cards. The following reports will be made available to travel agencies to track their virtual cards:
_ Daily and Monthly Card Activity Reports
_ Containing all authorizations/purchases/creation/deletion of all virtual cards
_ Daily and Monthly Funding Account Reports
_ Containing all incoming/outgoing funds movements within all your funding accounts
_ Non-zero Balance Report
_ This report provides a list of all cards that have an actual balance that is greater than zero
_ Summary Balance Sheet
_ This report provides a breakdown of the sum of funds deposited and how such funds have been used. The
report is a multi-sheet spreadsheet and contains the main balance sheets (one per currency), and other
associated reports providing further details.
These reports will be placed on an SFTP account, and access credentials will be provided to the Travel Agency
during the Implementation phase.
How do I access my reports? These reports will be placed on an SFTP account, and access credentials will be provided to the Travel Agency
during the Implementation phase.
What service notifications are sent out and who are these sent to?A complete set of email notifications is available to track all movement in real-time on your funding accounts and
card activities. The notifications are chosen during the Implementation phase.
How is the information integrated into my systems?This will depend on each Travel Agency. The reporting can be downloaded from the SFTP system and will be
useful for financial personnel of the Travel Agency to track their virtual card spend. Mid-Back Office systems
could be enhanced by integrating the reporting.
SECURITY Is the Amadeus B2B wallet solution secure?
The Amadeus B2B wallet is secure and reduces your risk against fraudulent transactions through the use of
single-use virtual cards being issued on a per transaction basis for the exact value of the booking. The
Amadeus B2B wallet has developed systems and processes which are designed to protect against fraudulent
behaviour and other security breaches. The service is also Level 1 PCI DSS compliant and is audited annually,
which is an assurance of our commitment to security of our products and system.
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AMADEUS B2B WALLET PREPAID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SUPPORT Is the system reliable?
The system is very reliable. Utilises state-of-the-art monitoring systems to ensure optimal performance. Multiple
redundancies provide clients with high performance and maximum application availability in the production
environment.
If I have support questions where do I direct these?Please contact your local Amadeus Payment Manager.
Who do we contact in the event of a service issue?Please contact your local Amadeus Payment Manager. In case they cannot solve it, and Incident will be opened
and redirected to the Service Management teams to investigate further.
CONTRACTUAL PARTIES Who is Ixaris?
Ixaris Systems Ltd is a UK company with its head office in central London and has been established since 2002.
Ixaris develops and operates payment services - through appropriate innovations in technology and business
models - that orchestrate global inflows and outflows of funds through established payment networks, such as
open loop prepaid (Visa and MasterCard) card schemes. Ixaris has technology and customer operations in
Malta. Ixaris is a privately-held company, funded by leading UK institutional investors. For further information,
please visit: www.ixaris.com
Why does Amadeus provide the solution via a partner?Because the system is a financial payments service and Ixaris are licensed to provide this service.
COST Are there fees associated with this service?
Yes. All fees and charges associated to using the Amadeus B2B Wallet are disclosed in the Application form.
No implementation or maintenance fee will apply.
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