TheTrainline, the UK's main online rail ticket retailer, has signed a deal with Diners UK to offer business travel clients an MI, billing and credit service.
The Statement Account service is aimed at the SME market and companies which have a small rail spend. It complements a website TheTrainline launched in September for the SME market.
Dan Hart, head of sales for TheTrainline, said many organisations wanted to use the site but it lacked a credit facility which was a key selling point.
Under the new partnership, Diners UK would take the credit “risk” and also service the site.
Companies could sign up for the Diners UK facility on the SME site. All their rail bookings, updated MI, which could either be pulled from TheTrainline's system or provided through Diners UK, and billing information would be done online. Clients would then have 30 days to settle their account.
Mr Hart said: “We are continually looking for ways to further enhance our business proposition, and the new Statement Account simplifies the travel booking and reconciliation process for our customers, saving employees time and ultimately money. We're very excited about this partnership with Diners Club and feel that this new service will provide an excellent product for business rail customers.”
He said 215 customers had signed since the site was launched and he expected the number to increase bow the credit facility had been launched.
The service is currently available only for UK rail but Mr Hart said they hoped to extend it “shortly” to Eurostar and European services.
Bryan Davies, head of relationship and partnership management Diners UK added: “Our new partnership with TheTrainline will enable us to leverage our unique expertise in providing payment solutions.
“The combined power of TheTrainline and Diners Club offers businesses a fantastic product for managing rail expenditure.”