factual

Regarding Crowne Plaza, is the Bank responsible for Non-Bank Card transactions or Non-Bank Services?

Crowne_Plaza Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

pting these risks and that you are agreeing to comply with the rules and requirements of Visa®, Mastercard®, Discover®, American Express®, and other Card Organizations. With respect to Chargebacks – we do not decide which transactions are charged back and we do not control the ultimate resolution of Chargebacks. While we can attempt to reverse a Chargeback to the Issuer, we can only do so only if the Issuer agrees to accept it or the Card Organization requires the Issuer to do so after a formal appeal process. Sometimes, your customer may be able to successfully chargeback a Card transaction even though you have provided your goods or services and otherwise are legally entitled to payment from your customer. While you still may be able to pursue claims directly against that customer, neither we nor the Issuer will be responsible for such transactions. You are responsible for all Chargebacks and adjustments associated with the transactions that you submit for processing.

  • 1.4 Card Types. Your Agreement indicates the types of payments you are enabled to accept. Depending on the equipment you are using to accept Card transactions, you may not be able to accept Debit Cards through use of a PIN.
  • 1.5 Bank Responsibilities; Non-Bank Services. Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement to the contrary, Bank only provides, and its obligations and liability are limited to, sponsorship, settlement, and related Bank services for certain Card transactions, which do not include Non-Bank Card transactions or Non-Bank Services. Bank is not responsible for, and has no liability to you in any way with respect to, Non-Bank Card transactions or Non-Bank Services. See Section 16.1 for additional details.

2 Services And Third Party Services

  • 2.1 The Services. The term "Services" means the activities we undertake to authorize, process, and settle Card transactions undertaken by Cardholders at your Locations, and all other equipment, products, and services we provide under the Agreement. Subject to Card Organization Rules, Services may be performed by Servicers, only Processor, our Affiliates, our agents, or our service providers. You may use the Services only for your own proper business purposes and only in accordance with the Agreement. You may not use the Services for personal, household, or non-commercial purposes.
  • 2.2 Exclusivity. During the term of the Agreement, you will use us as your exclusive provider of all Services within the United States of America except with respect to POS terminal transactions initiated at parking, spa, gift shop, restaurant, bars, and lounge locations.
  • 2.3 Service Records. We will retain legible copies of all transaction records in accordance with Applicable Law and Card Organization Rules.

Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–424)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Crowne Plaza's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Bank is not responsible for Non-Bank Card transactions or Non-Bank Services. The document specifies that the Bank's obligations are limited to sponsorship, settlement, and related banking services for certain card transactions, explicitly excluding Non-Bank Card transactions or Non-Bank Services.

This means that Crowne Plaza franchisees cannot hold the Bank liable for any issues arising from Non-Bank Card transactions or Non-Bank Services. These services are provided by the Processor, not the Bank, and are governed by a separate agreement between the franchisee and the Processor.

For a Crowne Plaza franchisee, this distinction is crucial for understanding liability and responsibility. If issues arise with Discover, American Express, or other Non-Bank Card transactions, the franchisee must address those issues directly with the Processor or the relevant card organization, such as American Express, and not the Bank. This also means that the fees, terms, and conditions for Non-Bank Services are determined by the agreement with the Processor, not the Bank.

Therefore, Crowne Plaza franchisees should carefully review the terms and conditions related to Non-Bank Services in their agreements with the Processor to fully understand their rights and obligations. They should also be aware of the additional fees that American Express may charge for its services.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.