TerraPay and Sabre Expand Instant Cross-Border Payouts to 155 Countries

TerraPay and Sabre Expand Instant Cross-Border Payouts to 155 Countries

The new integration targets the 30% of travel payments that still move through slow, off-card rails.

TerraPay and Sabre have signed a multi-year strategic agreement to expand instant cross-border bank transfers for travel agencies, airlines, and hotels through the Sabre Direct Pay platform. The partnership connects Sabre’s payment infrastructure with TerraPay’s network, enabling instant bank transfers to recipients in more than 155 countries.

The Scale of the Integration

The TerraPay network spans over 7.5 billion bank accounts and 3.7 billion mobile wallets. For Sabre Direct Pay users, this means expanded non-card payout options alongside existing card-based methods within the same product interface.

Travel agencies and suppliers, including airlines and hotels, use Sabre Direct Pay for payment and settlement workflows. The partnership adds instant bank-transfer capabilities to the existing suite of payment methods.

Why This Matters for Travel Merchants

The travel sector relies on a mix of payment methods, with a significant share occurring outside traditional card schemes. Industry estimates suggest nearly 30% of travel payments move through slower, off-card rails. These transactions create settlement delays and additional administrative work for finance teams managing cross-border payments.

International travel payments typically pass through multiple intermediaries and banking systems. Suppliers must navigate local regulatory requirements and currency conversion, which extends settlement times and increases overhead, especially for high-volume businesses operating across multiple markets.

How the Integration Works

Under the agreement, travel agencies, airlines, and hotels using Sabre Direct Pay gain access to instant bank-transfer payouts across TerraPay’s network. This expansion broadens options for:

• Paying suppliers in markets where bank transfers are preferred
• Processing customer refunds outside card rails
• Managing cross-border settlement flows in regions with limited card acceptance

Sabre stated that the expanded coverage enables faster settlement in markets where traditional card acceptance is limited or where local banking infrastructure favors account-based transfers.

Executive Perspectives

Patricio Boccardo, Managing Director of Sabre Payments, emphasized the practical focus of the partnership: “Sabre Direct Pay continues to scale its global footprint and capabilities. Adding TerraPay’s network means travel suppliers can access instant payments in over 155 countries, supporting faster settlements and improved cash flow. Our focus is on delivering practical solutions that address the complexity of cross-border payments in travel.”

Valli Ardalan, SVP and Head of Europe at TerraPay, highlighted the infrastructure benefits: “Partnering with Sabre Direct Pay connects TerraPay to one of the most influential networks in global travel. Our infrastructure is built to move money instantly and securely across borders, and together we’re removing long-standing friction in how suppliers get paid and how travellers are served.”

The Broader Context

For Sabre, payments is a growth area alongside core travel technology and distribution services. Sabre Direct Pay focuses on settlement tools and payment options connecting travel sellers and suppliers across markets.

TerraPay operates a cross-border payments network regulated in more than 30 markets. The company positions its network as a single connection point for businesses moving money across borders through bank accounts and mobile wallets. TerraPay works with financial institutions, digital wallets, money transfer operators, and fintech platforms from headquarters in London and offices across Dubai, Milan, Miami, Singapore, Bogota, Johannesburg, Kampala, and Bangalore.

What Travel Merchants Should Watch

The partnership reflects a broader shift in travel payments toward infrastructure that supports multiple payment rails, not just cards. For merchants operating internationally, the ability to route payments through local bank networks rather than card schemes can reduce costs, improve settlement speed, and simplify reconciliation.

The companies did not disclose financial terms but stated the partnership will expand Sabre Direct Pay’s ability to offer both card and non-card payout options through a single integration point.

Sources: IT Brief Asia, Skift, Travel And Tour World