What services are Bank's obligations and liability limited to regarding Crowne Plaza card transactions?

According to the 2025 Crowne Plaza FDD, the Bank's obligations and liabilities are specifically limited to sponsorship, settlement, and related banking services exclusively for certain card transactions. These services do not extend to Non-Bank Card transactions or Non-Bank Services. This means that the Bank is not a party to agreements concerning transactions that the Processor sponsors and settles, nor does it bear any responsibility or liability for Conveyed Transactions.

For a Crowne Plaza franchisee, this distinction is crucial because it clarifies that the Bank's role is confined to traditional banking functions related to card payments. Any transactions involving Non-Bank Cards or Services are managed separately by the Processor, and the franchisee must understand that the Bank has no involvement or liability in these transactions. This includes Discover, American Express, and other Non-Bank Services, which are agreements solely between the franchisee and the Processor.

Furthermore, the FDD outlines that the Processor, not the Bank, will provide authorization responses for Conveyed Transactions. The Bank and Processor bear no responsibility for funding, sponsoring, or settling these transactions. Franchisees are required to establish a separate agreement with the Card Organization or Issuer for settling Conveyed Transactions and must address all related claims and disputes directly with them. This setup places the onus on the franchisee to manage relationships and resolve issues related to Non-Bank Card transactions independently of the Bank.

In essence, Crowne Plaza franchisees need to be aware that their agreements for card processing involve multiple parties with distinct responsibilities. The Bank's limited role means franchisees must engage directly with Processors and Card Organizations for Non-Bank Card transactions, ensuring they understand the terms and potential fees associated with these services. This division of responsibilities highlights the importance of carefully reviewing all agreements and understanding the specific roles of each party involved in payment processing.