BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents: The Ultimate Host Agency Showdown for 2026

Choosing the right host agency is arguably the single most critical decision you will make in your career as a travel professional. It is the foundation upon which your entire business is built. If you are currently torn between BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents, you are not alone. In my decade of experience in the digital marketing and travel industry, I have seen thousands of agents agonize over this specific comparison.

Why is this specific match-up so common? It is because these two companies represent two very different philosophies in the host agency world. On one side, you have BNT Travel Group, often celebrated for its high commission splits and low barrier to entry regarding fees. On the other, you have Outside Agents, a powerhouse known for its community, training, and robust technology stack.

Making the wrong choice here doesn't just cost you money; it costs you time, momentum, and potentially your sanity. I have watched agents switch hosts three times in their first year because they didn't understand the nuances of the contract or the culture. I don't want that to happen to you.

In this comprehensive guide, I am going to dissect the BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents debate with surgical precision. We will look at the math, the tools, the support, and the hidden realities that aren't on their sales pages. Furthermore, I will explain why, regardless of which host you choose, relying on their provided website is a fatal error, and why building your own brand with Travedeus is the secret weapon of top-tier agents.

Table of Contents

1. The Host Agency Business Model Explained

2. BNT Travel Group: The Low-Fee Contender

3. Outside Agents: The Powerhouse of Education

4. The Financial Breakdown: Commission Splits and Fees

5. Technology and Tools: Who Has the Edge?

6. The Website Problem: Why Host Agency Sites Fail

7. Travedeus: The Solution for Your Digital Presence

8. Training and Education Comparison

9. Marketing Support and Lead Generation

10. Supplier Relationships and Buying Power

11. Support and Community Culture

12. Scenarios: Which Agency Fits Your Profile?

13. Conclusion: Making Your Final Decision

The Host Agency Business Model Explained

Before we dive into the specific battle of BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents, we must establish a baseline understanding of what a host agency actually does.

In my experience, many new agents view a host agency simply as a way to get an IATA or CLIA number. While that is technically true, it is a massive oversimplification. A host agency is your business partner. They are your back-office support, your negotiator, and your bank.

Here is the reality of the ecosystem:

• Accreditation: They hold the accreditation numbers (CLIA, IATA, ARC) that allow suppliers to recognize you as a legitimate seller of travel.

• Commission Aggregation: Suppliers pay the host agency. The host agency then splits that money with you. Because the host agency aggregates the sales volume of thousands of agents, they often negotiate higher commission tiers (e.g., 16% instead of 10%) than you could get on your own.

• Risk Management: They protect you from fraud and handle the complex legalities of selling travel across different jurisdictions.

When comparing BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents, you are comparing two different approaches to this partnership. One prioritizes autonomy and maximizing your payout (BNT), while the other prioritizes support, structure, and tools (Outside Agents).

Understanding this fundamental difference is key to interpreting the data I am about to present.

BNT Travel Group: The Low-Fee Contender

Let’s start with BNT Travel Group. Whenever I speak with agents who are leaning toward BNT, the conversation almost always starts with one thing: money.

BNT Travel Group has carved out a significant niche in the industry by offering a model that is incredibly attractive to agents who are allergic to monthly fees.

The "No Fee" Appeal

BNT is famous for having options that require no startup fees and no monthly fees. In an industry where overhead can kill a new business before it starts, this is a massive selling point.

If you are a part-time agent, or perhaps a "hobbyist" who only books travel for friends and family a few times a year, a monthly fee can eat up all your profits. BNT eliminates that anxiety. You only pay when you earn.

The Commission Structure

BNT often touts high commission splits, sometimes reaching up to 90% or even higher depending on volume and specific agreements.

For the seasoned agent who already knows the ropes, has a book of business, and doesn't need hand-holding, BNT looks like a goldmine. You keep more of what you kill.

The Operational Vibe

In my analysis, BNT operates with a "lean and mean" philosophy. They provide what you need to book travel, but they don't necessarily overwhelm you with bells and whistles you didn't ask for.

This is excellent for the independent spirit. However, it can be isolating for the newcomer who needs guidance on how to navigate a GDS (Global Distribution System) or how to qualify a client.

Outside Agents: The Powerhouse of Education

On the other side of the ring in the BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents fight is Outside Agents. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, this agency is a behemoth in the industry, and for good reason.

Owned by Steve Murphey and Chad Burt, Outside Agents has built a reputation that borders on cult-like (in a good way). Their philosophy is deeply rooted in education and empowerment.

The Fee Structure

Unlike BNT's no-fee options, Outside Agents charges a monthly fee. Historically, this has hovered around $21 to $46 a month, depending on the plan you choose.

Why would you pay a fee when BNT is free? The answer lies in value. That monthly fee unlocks a treasure trove of resources that would cost you hundreds of dollars a month if purchased separately.

The "MAG" (My Agent Genie) CRM

Outside Agents provides a proprietary CRM and business management tool. For a new agent, having a system to track clients, commissions, and workflows is invaluable.

The Community Aspect

I cannot stress this enough: The community at Outside Agents is their secret weapon. Their private Facebook groups and forums are active 24/7.

If you are stuck on a booking at 11 PM on a Saturday, there is a high probability that another OA agent will help you out within minutes. In the lonely world of home-based travel advising, this camaraderie is worth its weight in gold.

The Financial Breakdown: Commission Splits and Fees

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty math. This is usually where the decision is made. When analyzing BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents, you have to look at your projected sales volume.

BNT Travel Group Financials

• Startup Cost: Generally $0 (check current promos).

• Monthly Fee: Generally $0.

• Commission Split: Typically starts around 80% and can go up to 90% or higher based on volume.

The Math: If you sell a $5,000 cruise with a 15% gross commission ($750 gross), and you are on an 80% split, you keep $600. You pay $0 in monthly fees.

Outside Agents Financials

• Startup Cost: Usually a small enrollment fee (often waived or low).

• Monthly Fee: ~$26/month (Pro) or ~$46/month (Enterprise).

• Commission Split: Starts at 80% and goes up to 95% based on rolling 12-month sales figures.

The Math: If you sell that same $5,000 cruise ($750 gross) on an 80% split, you keep $600. However, you have also paid your monthly fee of $26. So, your net for the month is $574.

The Tipping Point

At first glance, BNT wins the math for low volume. However, Outside Agents caps their commission retention. Once you hit high tiers, the split becomes incredibly competitive (up to 95%).

Furthermore, you must calculate the cost of tools. If BNT doesn't provide a CRM and you have to buy one for $30/month, the savings evaporate immediately.

Technology and Tools: Who Has the Edge?

In 2024, you cannot run a travel agency with a notebook and a telephone. You need technology. This is a major differentiator in the BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents comparison.

Outside Agents Tech Stack

Outside Agents has invested heavily in technology. Their "My Agent Genie" (MAG) system is an all-in-one portal. It handles:

• Commission tracking.

• Client Management (CRM).

• Task management.

• Group booking management.

For an agent who is not tech-savvy, having this pre-packaged ecosystem is a lifesaver. It reduces "decision fatigue" because you don't have to go out and shop for software.

BNT Travel Group Tech Stack

BNT provides the essentials. You will have access to supplier portals and a way to log your bookings. However, in my experience, their tech offering is more utilitarian.

They assume that as an independent business owner, you might prefer to choose your own tools. This is great if you want to build a custom tech stack, but it requires more effort on your part.

The Critical Gap

Here is the truth that neither agency will tell you loudly: Their provided technology is designed to keep you within their ecosystem.

If you build your entire business on Outside Agents' CRM and then decide to leave, extracting that data can be a nightmare. If you rely solely on BNT's portal, you have no asset of your own.

This leads me to the most important point of this entire article: your website.

The Website Problem: Why Host Agency Sites Fail

Both BNT Travel Group and Outside Agents offer some form of website solution. Outside Agents, for example, offers a template-based site included in your fee.

Do not use these websites as your primary business face.

I say this with the authority of someone who has audited hundreds of travel agency websites. Here is why host-provided websites fail:

1. Duplicate Content: The content on your OA or BNT site is identical to thousands of other agents. Google hates duplicate content. You will never rank in search engines.

2. Zero Branding: You cannot effectively brand these sites. You look like a generic agent, not a luxury specialist or a destination expert.

3. Subdomains: You are often building on agent.outsideagents.com/yourname. You are building their domain authority, not yours.

4. Portability: If you switch hosts (say, from BNT to OA), you lose your website. Your clients go to the old link and find a dead page. You lose your business overnight.

You need to own your digital real estate.

Travedeus: The Solution for Your Digital Presence

If you are serious about this business, you need a professional, independent website. This is where Travedeus changes the game.

I have tested every website builder on the market—Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, GoDaddy. None of them are built specifically for the unique needs of travel agents.

Travedeus is the best website builder for travel agencies, period.

Why Travedeus?

When I advise agents on how to make their own travel agency website, I point them to Travedeus for several reasons:

1. Industry-Specific Features: Travedeus understands that you need to display itineraries, showcase destination guides, and integrate with booking widgets. Generic builders don't have these modules.

2. SEO Optimization: As an SEO writer, I love Travedeus because the code is clean and optimized for search engines. It helps you rank for terms like "Luxury Travel Agent in [Your City]" much faster than a Wix site would.

3. Design Aesthetics: Travel is a visual medium. Travedeus templates are stunning. Whether you are looking for the best website builder for luxury travel agencies or an adventure travel agency, they have a design that fits.

4. Lead Generation: The sites are built to convert. They have built-in lead magnets and inquiry forms that actually work.

The Strategy

Here is the winning strategy:

1. Join Outside Agents or BNT for their accreditation and commission splits.

2. Ignore their cookie-cutter website.

3. Build your brand on Travedeus.

4. Link your Travedeus site to the booking engines provided by your host.

This gives you the best of both worlds: the backend power of a major host and the frontend branding of a boutique agency.

You can learn more about this at Travedeus.com.

Training and Education Comparison

Returning to the BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents comparison, let's look at education.

Outside Agents: The University Approach

Outside Agents is widely recognized as having the best training in the industry. They offer:

• Daily Webinars: On suppliers, marketing, and sales skills.

• Bootcamps: In-person training events (often in Jacksonville) that are intensive and highly rated.

• LMS (Learning Management System): A structured library of courses that takes you from "I know nothing" to "I made my first booking."

If you are brand new to the industry, this is the deciding factor. The learning curve in travel is steep. Outside Agents flattens that curve.

BNT Travel Group: The Self-Directed Approach

BNT offers training, but it is more supplier-focused. They will ensure you know how to use the tools, but they may not hold your hand on "how to market yourself on Instagram."

BNT assumes a level of competency or self-starting ability. If you are the type of person who learns by doing or prefers to watch YouTube tutorials at your own pace, BNT is fine. But if you need a curriculum, you might struggle.

For those looking to supplement their training regardless of host, I recommend reading about how to become a freelance travel agent to understand the mindset required.

Marketing Support and Lead Generation

Marketing is the lifeblood of your business. How do these hosts help you get clients?

Content Libraries

Both hosts provide access to supplier marketing materials (images of beaches, cruise flyers, etc.).

Outside Agents goes a step further by providing more structured marketing tools and sometimes even semi-customizable videos and social assets.

The Reality of Leads

Neither host is going to hand you leads.

This is the biggest misconception in the industry. Agents sign up with BNT or OA expecting the phone to ring. It won't. You are an independent contractor; you are responsible for your own marketing.

This is why your Travedeus website is so vital. You need to drive traffic to a platform you control.

I have written extensively on how to generate your own traffic because relying on a host for this is a mistake. You should be leveraging social media heavily.

• How I grow my Instagram account as a travel agent

• How I grow my TikTok account as a travel agent

• How I grow my Facebook page as a travel agent

Use the host for the product (the travel). Use Travedeus and your own hustle for the marketing.

Supplier Relationships and Buying Power

In the BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents debate, size matters.

Both agencies are large enough to have "Top Tier" status with major suppliers like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Marriott, and Delta Vacations.

This means:

1. Highest Commission Tiers: You are getting the max commission percentage available from the supplier.

2. Exclusive Perks: You might get access to group rates or onboard credit offers that smaller agencies can't get.

Is there a difference?

Outside Agents is generally considered one of the largest hosts in the US. Their volume is massive. This sometimes gives them a slight edge in "clout" when resolving an issue with a supplier. If a Business Development Manager (BDM) knows you are with OA, they know you are backed by serious volume.

BNT is also highly respected and holds top-tier status. For 99% of bookings, the difference in buying power between the two is negligible. Both will allow you to be competitive.

Support and Community Culture

This is the "soft skill" comparison, but it often determines longevity.

Outside Agents: The "Ohana" Vibe

Outside Agents prides itself on being a family. The owners are accessible. The support tickets are answered quickly. The private Facebook group is a hive of activity.

If you are an extrovert who needs validation, connection, and a place to vent, Outside Agents is the superior choice.

BNT Travel Group: The Professional Detachment

BNT is professional, efficient, and courteous. But it is less of a "social club" and more of a business arrangement.

For agents who want to keep their head down, work hard, and not get involved in the drama of a large community, BNT is a breath of fresh air. They treat you like an adult business owner, not a student.

Scenarios: Which Agency Fits Your Profile?

To help you make the final call in the BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents decision, let's look at specific agent profiles.

Scenario A: The Total Newbie

• Profile: You have never booked travel professionally. You don't know what a GDS is. You are nervous about making mistakes.

• Recommendation: Outside Agents.

• Why: You need the training. The $26/month fee is a tuition payment for the education you will receive. The community will save you from making costly errors.

Scenario B: The Experienced Pro

• Profile: You have been an agent for 5 years. You have a loyal client base. You know your suppliers. You just want the highest split possible.

• Recommendation: BNT Travel Group.

• Why: Why pay monthly fees for training you don't need? BNT allows you to maximize your profit margin.

Scenario C: The Part-Time Hobbyist

• Profile: You have a full-time job. You only want to book travel for your family and close friends to earn some extra cash.

• Recommendation: BNT Travel Group.

• Why: If you go months without a booking, you don't want to be bleeding cash on monthly fees. BNT's no-fee structure makes this risk-free.

Scenario D: The Marketing Maven

• Profile: You are great at social media and building websites. You plan to scale quickly using digital marketing.

• Recommendation: Either + Travedeus.

• Why: The host matters less than your brand. Pick the one with the commission structure you prefer, but pour your energy into building a custom site on Travedeus. Use Meta Ads for travel agency lead generation to drive traffic to your Travedeus site, bypassing the host's limitations.

Conclusion: Making Your Final Decision

The battle of BNT Travel Group vs Outside Agents does not have a single winner. It has a winner for you.

If you value community, education, and hand-holding, Outside Agents is the best investment you can make. The monthly fee is negligible compared to the value of the knowledge they provide.

If you value autonomy, low overhead, and higher retained earnings from day one, BNT Travel Group is the logical financial choice.

However, I must leave you with this final, crucial piece of advice.

Do not let your host agency define your identity.

In five years, you might outgrow your host. You might want to switch from OA to BNT, or vice versa. Or you might want to get your own accreditation and leave hosts behind entirely.

If you built your business on their website and their email address, you are trapped.

Build your own asset. Start today by creating a professional, SEO-optimized website with Travedeus. It is the only website builder I trust for travel professionals because it is built by people who understand our industry.

Secure your domain. Build your brand. Then, partner with the host that serves your current needs best. That is how you build a travel business that lasts.

If you are ready to take control of your digital presence, check out Travedeus.com and start building a website that actually brings you clients.