TransFirst Transaction Express + ChargeAutomation
Using TransFirst to process payments? Connect Transaction Express Gateway to ChargeAutomation and automate guest payments, security deposits, and check-in — without changing your merchant account.
4 min read · Updated April 2026
Book a demo →Transaction Express Gateway explained
Transaction Express Gateway is a payment gateway service provided by TransFirst, a leading provider of transaction processing services and payment technology. It allows businesses to accept electronic payments securely over the internet — including credit card, debit card, and ACH transactions.Multiple payment options
Accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH bank transfers — online, in-store, hand-keyed, and via direct swipe.
Recurring billing
Automated recurring billing for long stays, monthly rentals, and repeat guests with card-on-file support.
Fraud prevention
Built-in fraud detection and encrypted transaction processing at every step of the payment lifecycle.
Reporting & analytics
Detailed transaction reporting to track payment status across your full property portfolio.
When to use Transaction Express with ChargeAutomation
Transaction Express is a versatile gateway designed for businesses that need to accept payments across multiple channels. Whether you process payments online, in person, or on the go, it connects directly to ChargeAutomation to automate the full guest payment flow.Sales transaction — direct swipe
Sales transaction — hand keyed
E-commerce websites
Mobile payments
Direct swipe via USB
What ChargeAutomation adds to Transaction Express Gateway
ChargeAutomation layers property management automation on top of your existing Transaction Express account — adding pre-authorization holds, security deposits, contactless check-in, and more, without requiring a new merchant account or gateway.Automated payment collection
Send payment links and collect balances automatically before check-in.
Security deposit automation
Hold, charge, or release security deposits without manual intervention.
Pre-authorization holds
Place pre-auth holds on guest cards before arrival — a ChargeAutomation layer on top of Transaction Express.
Card verification
Verify guest card details before arrival to reduce no-shows and fraud.
Upsells & add-ons
Offer early check-in, late check-out, and extras through the guest portal.
Contactless check-in
Let guests check in digitally — no keys, no staff required at arrival.
Everything in one integration
Connect Transaction Express once. Get the full ChargeAutomation stack — automations, guest tools, and protection — instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Is TransFirst the same as Transaction Express?
Yes. Transaction Express is the payment gateway product offered by TransFirst. You may see either name in your dashboard, documentation, or API credentials — they refer to the same gateway and the same account.
Do I need a new merchant account to use ChargeAutomation?
No. ChargeAutomation connects directly to your existing Transaction Express account. There is no need to switch processors, open a new merchant account, or change anything about your current payment setup.
What payment types does Transaction Express support?
Transaction Express supports credit card payments, debit card payments, and ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions — online, hand-keyed, via direct swipe, and via USB-connected devices.
Does Transaction Express support pre-authorization holds?
Pre-authorization hold is a feature that ChargeAutomation enables on top of Transaction Express Gateway. ChargeAutomation sends a pre-auth link to your guest, captures the hold, and releases it automatically after checkout — the gateway processes the instruction, ChargeAutomation automates the workflow.
Is the integration PCI compliant?
Yes. ChargeAutomation is a PCI DSS compliant solution. Card data is handled by Transaction Express directly, and ChargeAutomation never stores raw card numbers — keeping your operation inside a fully compliant payment flow.
Which PMS platforms work with ChargeAutomation?
ChargeAutomation integrates with a wide range of property management systems including Hostaway, Guesty, Lodgify, Beds24, Hostfully, and many others. Once Transaction Express is connected as your payment gateway, the full PMS sync works across all supported platforms.
Ready to automate payments with TransFirst Transaction Express?
Connect your Transaction Express Gateway to ChargeAutomation and start automating guest payments, security deposits, and contactless check-in. Free to start — no contract, no new merchant account needed.
Book a demo →