Demand for trust accounts has grown considerably over the last year as more travel companies recognise their benefits.

The pandemic highlighted significant financial protection failings, and for some time, travel providers were plunged into payment-related chaos. Sadly, this chaos led to insolvency for a portion of travel providers. Additionally, the situation had a knock-on effect that meant consumers were left out of pocket for many months as travel companies were experiencing a cash flow crisis.

Reassessing Risk

Because of the pandemic, acquirers see the travel industry in a different light. Struggling travel providers are viewed as a significant risk to acquirers who are looking to reduce exposure. You can learn more about how 2020 changed risk management here.

In response to the cash flow crisis, the CAA is insisting that tour operators with Atol business worth over £20 million move to a trust account. However, industry commentators explained that it is inevitable that the CAA will start to apply trust accounts to smaller Atol holders at some stage. Trust accounts are poised to become the standard method of consumer protection.

What are the main benefits of a trust account?

Trust accounts enable travel providers to keep consumer funds separate from business funds, meaning customer money is low risk. As a result, the use of trust accounts can lead to more favourable commercial terms with merchant acquirers, suppliers and third parties. Trust accounts also ensure travel companies practice disciplined cash flow management, something all businesses should practi ce to avoid insolvency. If cash flow management is disciplined and consumer money is segregated, customers are able to receive timely refunds. Trust accounts are also a recognised method of protection under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

How does a Trust Account work?

In a trust account, consumer money is ring-fenced until they receive their travel product, at which point it is released to the travel merchant. Here is a hypothetical example: a customer pays for a travel product in January, which is due to take place in February. Until the trip takes place, the customer’s payment is protected in the trust account. When the customer successfully completes their trip, the funds are released to the merchant.

Hybrid Trust Accounts by Trust My Travel: 

A Trust Account is the simplest and most transparent form of protecting your customers, and the Trust My Travel one is administered by independent trustees. Our trustees are leading professionals from accountancy and legal firms. 

Whats unique about Trust My Travel trust accounts is the additional layer of protection in the form of Financial Failure Insurance. This extra cover safeguards transfers out from the Trust Account to settle end-Supplier and can allow travel businesses to receive settlement before travel has taken place.

If you’re interested in a hybrid trust account with Trust My Travel, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.