What is the name of the agreement between IHG and FreedomPay that Even Hotels acknowledges?

According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Even Hotels acknowledges that IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and FreedomPay have an existing agreement called the "Secure Payment Solution Agreement" or "SPS Agreement." This agreement became effective in July 2021. The SPS Agreement allows IHG-branded hotels, like Even Hotels, to benefit from the Secure Payment Solution services that IHG and FreedomPay have agreed upon, provided the hotel executes a Participation Agreement.

This arrangement means that Even Hotels franchisees will utilize FreedomPay for payment processing services, but the relationship is managed through IHG. Even Hotels franchisees gain access to a pre-configured, hosted environment for payment processing, which they cannot customize individually. All payment-related interactions and service requests are facilitated by IHG, acting as an intermediary between the franchisee and FreedomPay.

For a prospective Even Hotels franchisee, this highlights the importance of understanding the terms of both the Secure Payment Solution Agreement and the Participation Agreement. While IHG handles the administrative and support aspects, FreedomPay is the actual service provider. Franchisees should be aware of the fees associated with transactions ($0.06 per transaction) and the monthly support fee ($140 per month), both payable to IHG. Franchisees should also note that IHG can lower the transaction fee but cannot increase it without notice. IHG may modify the support fee by no more than 10% annually upon notice to the Hotel.

Furthermore, Even Hotels franchisees are required to use IHG-approved equipment for the Secure Payment Solution, with pricing detailed in an equipment order form. The equipment itself is subject to a third-party warranty, which IHG will either assign to the franchisee or pass through the benefits of, offering some level of protection. Franchisees should also be aware that IHG has full access to all transaction data processed by FreedomPay on behalf of the hotel, including sensitive information like payment card data. This data access is crucial for IHG's management of the service relationship with FreedomPay.