The recent partnership between Klarna and CarTrawler marks a monumental shift in the car rental industry, bringing the convenience and flexibility of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options to customers worldwide.

This innovative approach is not just a win for travelers seeking more accessible payment methods but also a golden opportunity for car rental and travel merchants to revolutionize their businesses.

The Klarna-Cartrawler summary.

Summary of the Klarna-CarTrawler Partnership

In a groundbreaking move, Klarna, a global payments and shopping service, has joined forces with CarTrawler, a leading B2B provider of car rental and mobility solutions. This partnership ushers in a new era in the car rental industry, offering interest-free Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options to consumers on CarTrawler’s expansive network of 250 partner travel websites.

This collaboration signifies Klarna’s strategic entry into the $122 billion car rental market, a domain traditionally dominated by credit card payments. The initiative aims to democratize access to car rentals, enabling customers to book their preferred vehicle without the immediate financial burden.

Klarna’s BNPL solution is already operational on 25 airline websites across 15 countries, demonstrating its growing influence in the travel sector. By leveraging CarTrawler’s extensive reach, which aggregates over 2,000 car rental and mobility suppliers for airlines and online travel agencies, Klarna can significantly expand its services, providing a more accessible and flexible payment option to a wider audience.

The partnership is not just a win for consumers but also a strategic move for the car rental industry. It reflects a shift towards more consumer-friendly payment methods, addressing the changing needs and preferences of travelers. The collaboration between Klarna and CarTrawler is a testament to the evolving landscape of payments in travel, setting a new standard for convenience and flexibility in car rentals.

From credit to debit and bnpl.

The Evolution of Payment Options in Car Rentals

The car rental industry has witnessed a significant evolution in payment options over the years, marking a shift from traditional methods to more innovative, customer-centric solutions. Traditionally, car rentals have relied heavily on credit and debit card payments, often requiring substantial pre-authorizations or deposits, which could be a financial strain for many customers.

This traditional model, while reliable, has not always aligned with the changing financial capabilities and preferences of modern consumers. Issues such as credit checks, high upfront payments at the time of rental, and limited flexibility have often deterred potential renters, particularly younger consumers and those without credit cards.

Currently, car rental companies offer a prepaid “pay now” option that might offer a discount alongside a “pay a little now, then pay more at pick up” option. While we are referring to services mostly in the USA, the same rings true for Europe as well.

Enter the era of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services. Providers like Klarna, Affirm, and others are transforming the payment landscape in the car rental industry. BNPL offers a more inclusive and flexible approach, enabling customers to book rentals without hefty upfront costs, spreading the expense over time in manageable installments. This method not only eases the financial burden on customers but also opens up the market to a broader audience.

For car rental companies, adopting BNPL means tapping into a wider customer base, including those who might have previously been excluded due to credit limitations. This can lead to increased bookings, higher rental rates, and a boost in customer loyalty. Moreover, the convenience and flexibility of BNPL can enhance the overall customer experience, making it a win-win for both renters and rental companies.

The shift towards BNPL is a response to the evolving consumer demand for more adaptable and personalized payment solutions. As the travel industry continues to recover and grow post-pandemic, embracing these innovative payment options could be key to staying competitive and meeting the needs of the modern traveler.

For now, Klarna and CarTrawler are taking the first step. Soon, we should expect other popular vehicle lenders like Avis, Alamo, Hertz, and Sixt to offer monthly payment plans directly, as well as travel and getaway services like Priceline and Booking.

Better payment processing for your travel business is right here.

How to get in on BNPL for your car rental business.

Integrating BNPL in Your Business Model

As the demand for more flexible payment options grows, integrating Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions into your car rental business model can be a game-changer. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Understanding BNPL: BNPL services allow customers to rent a car and pay for it over time, typically in interest-free monthly installment payments. This approach can attract a wider customer base, especially those who prefer not to pay the full amount upfront, can’t afford a high down payment, or who don’t have access to traditional credit.
2. Choosing the Right BNPL Provider: Partnering with the right BNPL service is crucial. Look for providers with a strong reputation, robust security measures, and seamless integration with your existing systems. Providers like Klarna, Affirm, and others offer various features and benefits that can align with different business needs.
3. Integrating with Your Payment System: Integration involves technical setup where the BNPL option is embedded into your online booking system. It should be a smooth, user-friendly process for customers, from selection to final payment.
4. Security and Compliance: Ensure the BNPL solution meets all security standards and complies with financial regulations. Protecting customer data and transactions should be a top priority.
5. Training Staff: Educate your staff about the BNPL process, benefits, and how to assist customers who choose this payment option.
6. Marketing the New Payment Option: Inform your customers about the availability of BNPL through your website, email campaigns, and social media. Highlight the benefits and convenience of this new payment option.

By implementing BNPL, you can offer more flexibility and convenience to your customers, potentially increasing sales and enhancing customer loyalty.

Car rental will always be high risk, for merchants and consumers alike.

Why Car Rental Companies Are Considered High Risk in Payment Processing

The car rental industry is often classified as ‘high risk’ in payment processing, and this has significant implications for how these companies manage and offer payment options. Understanding the reasons behind this classification is crucial for both consumers and businesses.

Factors Contributing to High-Risk Status

• High-Value Transactions: Car rentals often involve expensive assets, leading to high-value transactions. This increases the financial stakes for both the rental company and the payment processor.
• Fraud and Chargebacks: The industry is prone to higher rates of fraud and chargebacks. Rental cars can be targets for theft or misuse, and disputes over damages or service quality can lead to chargebacks.
• Cancellation and Change Frequency: Customers often change or cancel their bookings, leading to more frequent transaction reversals than in other industries.
• Long Duration Rentals: Longer rental periods can increase the risk of non-payment or disputes, as circumstances can change significantly over the rental period.

Impact on Payment Options

These risk factors have historically made it challenging for car rental companies to offer flexible payment options. Traditional financial institutions and payment processors may impose stricter terms or higher fees, making it difficult to implement customer-friendly solutions like BNPL.

However, with the advancement of technology and specialized payment service providers catering to high-risk industries, car rental companies are now finding ways to overcome these challenges. By partnering with the right payment processors, such as those experienced in handling high-risk accounts, car rental companies can offer more convenient and diverse payment options while managing the associated risks effectively.

High-risk businesses need high-risk processing. We can help.

The future is bright for car rental merchants.

The Future of Payments in Car Rentals and CTA

The car rental industry is on the cusp of a payment revolution. As we move forward, the trend towards more flexible and customer-centric payment options, like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), is expected to accelerate. This shift is driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on financial inclusivity.

Predicting Future Trends

• Increased Adoption of BNPL: With the success of partnerships like Klarna and CarTrawler, more car rental companies are likely to embrace BNPL options.
• Technological Integration: Enhanced digital experiences, such as app-based rentals and blockchain technology, could further streamline payment processes.
• Personalized Payment Solutions: Tailoring payment options to individual customer needs and preferences will become a key competitive advantage.

Embracing Change for Business Growth

For car rental companies, staying ahead means adapting to these changes. Embracing BNPL and other innovative payment methods can lead to greater customer satisfaction, increased bookings, and improved cash flow.

Finding the Right Partner

To successfully navigate this evolving landscape, partnering with experienced payment solution providers like DirectPayNet is essential. They offer the expertise and support needed to integrate high-risk merchant accounts and implement BNPL services seamlessly. By doing so, you can ensure your business is ready for the future of payments in car rentals.

BOOST YOUR RENTAL BOOKINGS WITH BETTER PAYMENTS