Pay into a company account whose name matches your quote, and keep the receipt. Personal accounts and vague receipts are the weak points. The five-minute check below applies to every payment, whatever the method.
This guide sits in our trust and enquiries topic, about checking before you pay.
Why does the account name matter?
Your contract is with the company on the quote. If the money goes elsewhere, the company can say it never received it, and you have little to show.
A company account gives a clear record from the first day. It is also easier to follow up if a refund is ever due.
How do the payment methods compare?
Here is a plain comparison.
| Method | Traceability | What to ask or check |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer to a company account | Clear record | Name on the account matches the quote |
| Credit or debit card | Clear record, plus issuer terms | Ask your bank what protection applies to travel |
| QR code to a business account | Clear if the name displays | Read the merchant name before confirming |
| Cash | Only as good as the receipt | Official receipt with company name |
| Personal account or e-wallet | Weak | Ask the company to confirm in writing first |
What is the three-minute check before paying?
Do this every time, even for a small amount:
- Does the account name match the company on the quote?
- Does that company hold a licence you checked? See how to check a MOTAC licence.
- Is the amount the one in the written payment schedule?
- Will you receive a receipt naming the company and the booking?
Stop if any answer is no.
What should the receipt show?
Keep this with your quote and terms:
- Company name and payment date.
- Amount paid and what it is for.
- Booking reference and guest names.
- Remaining balance and due date.
A chat message saying “received” is a start. A written receipt is better.
What if we are asked to pay differently?
A last-minute change of account, a request for a “personal” transfer, or pressure to pay today are good reasons to pause. Contact the company through a number or site you found yourself.
You can compare these with our list of travel agent red flags. Most genuine agents will understand and wait for your check.
How do we pay in stages safely?
Follow the written schedule in our guide to how much deposit to pay. Pay each stage by the same method to the same account, and screenshot every transfer.
If a payment goes wrong, you will want the sequence to be easy to show. See where to complain about a travel agent for the official routes.
What should we do next?
- Ask for the company’s account details in writing.
- Check the name against the quote and the licence.
- Pay a small first amount if the schedule allows, and request the receipt.
- Keep every receipt and screenshot in one folder.