Information on how RMS Pay uses Network Tokens.

Overview

Network tokens are a secure, industry-standard way to store and process a customer’s card details without holding the actual card number in your systems.

Instead of using the real Primary Account Number (PAN) for each transaction, card networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Amex generate a unique digital token that represents the card.

These tokens are specific to the RMS customer and card network.

How They Work

1. Tokenisation Request – When a cardholder saves their card or makes a purchase, RMS Pay requests a network token from the card network.

2. Token Issuance – The card network generates a unique token and links it to the cardholder’s actual card number securely on their side.

3. Transactions Using the Token – Future payments are processed using the token, not the real card number.

4. Automatic Updates – If the cardholder’s card expires, is lost, or reissued, the card network can update the token behind the scenes so payments continue without interruption.

Key Benefits for RMS Pay Customers

Higher Payment Approval Rates

• Tokens are recognised and trusted by the card networks.

• Because they stay current with account updates, they reduce declines caused by expired or replaced cards.

• Network tokens provide richer data, leading to improved approval rates

Reduced Payment Disruptions

• Life Cycle Management on expired cards, resulting in less contact or customer service contact customers for new card details

Increased Security

• Tokens cannot be used outside of the RMS Pay account.

• Real card numbers are never exposed or stored in RMS, supporting PCI compliance.

• Tokens are more secure due to the fact that the original card details sit with the scheme. As a result, it significantly reduces the chances of the card being compromised

Better Customer Experience

• Faster checkouts for returning customers.

• Less chance of issuers declining the transaction

Example Scenario

A guest books the same property each year for a family holiday. During the year, their bank issues them a new card due to expiry. With network tokens, the card network updates the token automatically.

If a payment is taken using the token, the transaction goes through without the cardholder needing to re-enter their card details.

In Summary

Network tokens enhance online payment security, reliability, and consistency.
For RMS customers, this translates to:

• Fewer declined payments

• Lower operational costs

When a PAN (Primary Account Number – the technical term for a payment card number) is captured, RMS Pay securely sends the details to Visa and Mastercard for network tokenization. 

This process runs automatically in the background — no action is required in RMS.