PayPoint, the nationwide electronic cash payment network, is to take payments for holidays with Co-op Travel under a new scheme beginning in August.

The scheme is expected to be especially popular among young people and families, who will be able to save towards their holidays rather than being faced by one large bill.

The alliance with Co-op Travel follows PayPoint research showing that customers are seeking a convenient way to make regular cash payments towards holidays.

Customers will be able to save towards their holidays as part of their regular shopping trips by making regular cash instalments at PayPoint’s national network of convenience retail outlets. Many PayPoint agents also have long opening hours, giving holidaymakers maximum flexibility about when to pay their instalments.

Anyone booking a holiday with Co-op Travel will be offered a barcoded payment card that can be used to make payments at their local Co-op Late Shop or any other PayPoint outlet.

Payments can range from a minimum of £10 up to a maximum of £99.

The scheme will be available from August and is expected to prove very popular, especially from September, when customer demand for next year’s holidays is usually high.

Dominic Taylor, Chief Executive of PayPoint, said: “This alliance with Co-op Travel follows PayPoint’s successful alliances with Pontin’s, Leger Holidays and Park Resorts. Our research shows that customers are looking for a convenient way to save towards their holidays and PayPoint provides the perfect solution. We expect this new service to prove very popular.”

Alistair Rowland, General Manager Retail Distributions, for United Co-op Travel Group said: “This is an excellent service for people on a budget for whom large balloon payments can cause difficulties. We’re expecting a strong take up from younger customers and those with families who want to budget for a holiday on a weekly or monthly basis.”

Co-op Travel is part of the £496m turnover United Co-op Travel Group, with over 100 high street travel agencies across the Midlands, North West and Yorkshire.

Enquiries
Finsbury
Don Hunter  020 7251 3801

About PayPoint
PayPoint is a leading branded payment collection network used, primarily, for the cash payment of bills and services and prepayments for mobile telephones and energy meters. There are over 14,600 retail outlets using PayPoint’s payment collection systems.

PayPoint began trading in 1996 and initially collected payments through its network of retail agents for its founder client investors, who included British Gas, BT, BBC TV Licensing, London Electricity (now part of EDF Energy) and four water companies.

It now has more than 400 clients including many of the UK and Ireland’s major energy, cable, mobile and fixed line telephony companies. Its blue chip client list also extends to numerous water companies, local authorities and housing associations and a growing transport and travel base.