Send us your credit card number by e-mail

April 6, 2009 11:59 PM

Why is it that so many non-chain hotels take credit card numbers by e-mail ("you can split it over two e-mails for security"). Do the credit card companies not know this?
posted by devnull to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

They take credit cards by email because they (like so many small businesses) want to be able to claim to take reservations online, but don't have the technical wherewithal to set up a website with automatic reservation tracking and payment. That automated website being what's necessary to do automated online credit card processing.

"you can split it over two e-mails for security"

People actually say that? Wow.

As for the credit card companies... I don't know that it's actually a violation of the hotels' merchant agreements. I mean, it's legit to send a credit card number via postal mail. So, I kind of figure the companies just figure it's the customer's responsibility not to be an idiot.
posted by Netzapper at 1:01 AM on April 7, 2009

It's a violation of the agreement, at least with visa/mc.
posted by mmdei at 1:12 AM on April 7, 2009

Response by poster: Postal mail requires some effort to mass-intercept.

It seems so widespread that I wondered if visa/mc were turning a blind eye.
posted by devnull at 3:00 AM on April 7, 2009

It is also contrary to the terms of agreement to refuse to take a credit card for small amounts but many businesses do so. It is contrary to the terms of agreement to charge extra for using a credit card but many businesses do so. Visa/MC turn a blind eye to these practices so something as trivial as sending your cc no by email is hardly going to have them frothing at the mouth.
posted by TheRaven at 5:12 AM on April 7, 2009

It is contrary to the terms of agreement to charge extra for using a credit card but many businesses do so.

In NY, that's not just against the agreement, but illegal. Still happens at half the gas stations.

Anyway, to answer the question: because setting up proper CC processing is a pain, and because they can get away with it
posted by meta_eli at 6:11 AM on April 7, 2009

They dont charge extra for credit cards, they charge less for cash. Thats an important distinction that doesnt violate the agreement.
posted by damn dirty ape at 6:33 AM on April 7, 2009

DDA, some places don't even bother with the right language.
posted by nomisxid at 6:48 AM on April 7, 2009