What payment options do you offer?

We offer highly flexible payment options to secure your booking online! 
However, it’s good to keep in mind that rental suppliers have a few specific guidelines when you arrive at the desk to pick up the car.

Step-by-Step Guide: 

1 Paying Online to Discover Cars (The Booking Payment) 
You have plenty of great options to pay for your booking online with DiscoverCars.com!

• Accepted: Credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Booking Credit.
• The Name Rule: The card you use for this step doesn't need to be in the Main Driver's name. 
  You're welcome to use a friend or family member's card to pay for the online reservation.

2 Paying at Pick-up to the car rental supplier (The Security Deposit) 
No matter how you pay online, the rental supplier will need to place a security deposit to hold the vehicle when you arrive at the desk. This is a standard practice across the car rental industry.

• Accepted: A physical credit card in the exact name of the Main Driver listed on your voucher.
• NOT Accepted: Virtual or digital cards (like Apple Pay on your phone), prepaid cards, "top-up" cards, cash, and Maestro/Switch cards generally aren't accepted for the deposit.
• The Debit Card Catch: While some specific suppliers do accept debit cards for the deposit, they usually ask that you purchase their own additional daily insurance at the counter to use one.

What Customers Often Expect vs What Actually Happens:

Expectation: "I paid for the rental online with Apple Pay/PayPal, so I can just tap my phone for the deposit at the desk."

Reality: Your online payment goes to DiscoverCars.com to secure the booking. At the desk, the rental supplier needs a physical, plastic card to place the security deposit for the vehicle. Without one, they might not be able to release the car to you.

Expectation: "I can use my spouse's credit card for the deposit since we are married and traveling together."

Reality: The credit card needs to be in the name of the Main Driver. If the Main Driver doesn't have a credit card, we can easily help you modify the booking in advance to make the person with the credit card the Main Driver!

💡Did you know?

If you choose a "Full Prepayment" option, you pay the entire rental cost online, but you'll still need a physical credit card at the desk for the security deposit. This hold isn't an actual charge, and the supplier releases it automatically after your rental as long as the car is returned in the same condition!

What To Do Next:

Take a quick look at the "Payment Policy" section of your specific Rental Conditions (you can find this on your voucher or during the search phase). This will show you if your supplier has any specific exceptions for things like debit cards or American Express.