Tripdash vs other host agencies: an honest comparison from public information

There is no single best host agency for new travel agents. The right one depends on the split, the fees, whether leads are included and how long you are locked in. Fora, KHM Travel Group, Outside Agents, Avoya and Nexion all publish some of their terms. Published starting splits run from 70% to 80%, and published fees start at $26 a month (as published, checked October 2026).

Below is a side-by-side table built only from each host's own public pages, what each column means, and who each option fits. Tripdash is in the table too, with the same rules applied.

How this comparison was built

Every competitor figure comes from that company's own website or help center, as published and checked in October 2026. No review sites, forums or third-party summaries were used. If a host doesn't publish a term on the pages checked, the cell says Not published. That doesn't mean the host lacks it. It means you need to ask.

Terms change often. Check each host's current terms, and get them in writing, before you sign anything.

What is a host agency?

A host agency is a company that lets independent advisors book travel under its supplier relationships and credentials in exchange for a share of commission, a fee, or both. The host agency guide covers the basics, and host agency vs independent covers whether you need one at all. For the full launch plan, see how to start a travel agency.

Host agency commission splits and fees compared

All figures are as published, checked October 2026.

Read the split with the fee. A higher percentage with a higher fee can leave you with less in a slow year. The commission split models guide shows how to find the break-even point.

Read how the tier is measured. Fora counts the total value of commissionable travel booked, not the commission amount. KHM counts paid commission. Outside Agents counts commission earned over the prior 12 months. Those are three different yardsticks.

Do host agencies give you leads, training and insurance?

Some do, and the hosts differ most here. This table shows what each host says about leads, training and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which covers claims that you made a professional mistake.

When do host agencies pay commission?

It varies by host, and KHM ties payment to travel and supplier payment. The hosts that publish timing say so directly:

• KHM pays weekly by direct deposit, after travel departs and the supplier payment is received and reconciled.
• Outside Agents pays commission each week on Tuesdays.
• Nexion pays twice every month via direct deposit.
• Avoya says its agencies can get paid weekly (as received by suppliers) via direct deposit.
• Fora and Tripdash: not published on the pages checked.

Ask every host what happens to commission on trips that travel after you leave. Outside Agents says it pays pending commission to an agent who cancels if the bookings are still active, logged in its CRM, and no money is owed to it, clients or vendors. The switching host agencies guide covers the rest.

Other terms worth checking

Planning fees. Fora says you keep 95% of a planning or service fee, with 5% going to its payment partner, Stripe. Ask other hosts whether they take a cut of your fees.

Eligibility. KHM accepts only U.S. citizens living in the U.S., age 18 or older. Nexion welcomes independent, U.S.-based travel agents of all experience levels.

Upfront requirements. Avoya says completion of its Travel Agent Education Certification (TAEC) is required to join. Its Certification Package is listed at $399, and network affiliation after the exam at $395 (compared to the standard $495).

Resets. Fora's 80% split must be re-earned each calendar year. KHM's $5,000 threshold resets each year on January 1.

Who each option fits

This is practical guidance based on the published terms above, not a ranking.

• You want low fixed costs and no lock-in. Outside Agents publishes month-to-month membership with no setup fees, plans at $26 or $46 a month, and an 80% starting split. It fits a part-time advisor testing the business.
• You want a published split and free online courses, and you will find your own clients. KHM publishes an 80% start, a 90% tier for reaching and maintaining $5,000 in paid commission within the calendar year, and online education at no additional cost. Plan for the 12-month initial commitment.
• You expect high sales volume and want training and E&O in one fee. Fora's fee is $299 USD a year and includes training and E&O insurance, and its split rises to 80% at $300,000 in commissionable travel. Run your numbers at both tiers.
• You want leads and are ready to pay for structured onboarding. Avoya publishes a leads program with no program fee, with $495 or less in initial fees, $79 monthly fees and a 1-year initial agreement, and a required certification.
• You want in-person education and events. Nexion publishes up to 90% commission and a Bootcamp, a five-day Essentials class, regional events and an annual member conference. Ask for its fee schedule, since it isn't published.
• You want leads, training and booking tools in one place. Tripdash says it certifies travel advisors, sends qualified leads, automates follow-ups and includes booking systems. Its pricing isn't published yet, so ask before you compare totals.
• You need a published fee schedule before you decide. Fora, KHM, Outside Agents and Avoya publish fees today, so they are easier to compare on cost right now.

If you already have a full book of clients, leads matter less, and fees and split matter more. If you are starting from zero, the opposite is often true.

Questions to ask any host before you join

1. What is my split, how is the next tier measured, and when does it reset?
2. What do I pay in year one, including registration, monthly or annual fees, and required courses?
3. How long is the commitment, and what does it cost to leave early?
4. Do you provide leads? If so, does the split change on a lead you supplied?
5. Is E&O insurance included, and am I a named insured?
6. When is commission paid, and what happens to pending commission if I leave?

How Tripdash compares

Tripdash is a host agency platform that certifies travel advisors, sends qualified leads and automates follow-ups. Advisors keep 80%+ of every booking, with IATA accreditation, E&O insurance, and supplier access. See the Tripdash advisor program.

Sources

1. Fora Travel Help Center. How commission works at Fora, updated May 27, 2026. Checked October 21, 2026.
2. Fora Travel Help Center. What does it cost to join Fora?, updated May 27, 2026. Checked October 21, 2026.
3. KHM Travel Group. Commissions, checked October 21, 2026.
4. KHM Travel Group. Get started, checked October 21, 2026.
5. KHM Travel Group. Frequently asked questions, checked October 21, 2026.
6. Outside Agents. Frequently asked questions, checked October 21, 2026.
7. Outside Agents. Membership options, checked October 21, 2026.
8. Avoya Travel Network. Network cost comparison, checked October 21, 2026.
9. Avoya Travel Network. Travel agent education, checked October 21, 2026.
10. Nexion Travel Group. More profits, More education and Get started today, checked October 21, 2026.
11. Tripdash. Advisor program page, draft copy, October 2026.