Clear terms for your booking advance and balance
When you book a vehicle through 4Drive Germany, you pay a booking advance online by card. This advance secures your reservation and is processed immediately through our payment form. We do not accept cash payments online. The remaining balance is due when you collect the vehicle from the local rental company, and the method available for that balance - debit card, cash, or credit card - is shown during booking and confirmed in your voucher. Each vehicle listing specifies which payment types the rental company accepts for the balance.
The split-payment structure means you lock in your reservation with the advance, then complete the transaction at pickup. The voucher you receive after booking contains full payment details, including the exact balance amount and acceptable methods. If the vehicle requires a credit card for the balance or for the security deposit, that requirement is stated clearly before you confirm your booking. This transparency lets you prepare the correct payment method before you travel.
For the online booking advance, we accept the following card types through our secure payment gateway:
Debit and credit cards issued by Visa are accepted for the booking advance. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions.
Both Mastercard debit and credit cards are accepted. Check with your bank that online payments to service providers are permitted.
Maestro debit cards are accepted for the advance payment. Verify that your card supports online purchases, as some Maestro cards are restricted to in-person use only.
Prepaid cards and virtual cards may be declined depending on issuer restrictions. Use a standard bank-issued card for the most reliable transaction processing.
The balance payment is handled directly with the rental company when you collect your vehicle. If the car's listing specifies that debit card or cash is accepted for the balance, you can pay in euros using either method. Not all vehicles accept cash for the balance - some require card payment only. The voucher repeats this information so you know exactly what to bring. Currency is always euros when collecting from locations in Germany.
Bring sufficient euros in cash if that method is listed and you prefer to use it, or ensure your debit card has enough available funds. Some rental desks prefer card payments for audit reasons, even when cash is technically allowed. If the vehicle requires a credit card for the balance, that requirement is non-negotiable and will have been displayed during your booking process. Always read the payment terms in your voucher before you travel.
Certain vehicles on our site carry a "no deposit, no credit card" tag. This means the rental company does not place a hold or authorization on your card as security, and you are not required to present a credit card at pickup. You can collect such a vehicle using a debit card or cash for the balance, depending on what the listing permits. The excess (damage liability) still applies - no deposit does not mean no excess. These are independent terms.
Whether a vehicle requires a deposit or credit card depends on the specific car and the rental company's policy, not on the vehicle class. A compact from one supplier may require a deposit, while another compact from a different supplier does not. If you do not have a credit card and are booking a vehicle that requires one for a security deposit, consider increasing the spending or authorization limit on your debit card. Some rental companies will accept a debit card for the deposit if the limit covers the hold amount. Check the voucher and contact us at [email protected] if you need clarification before pickup.
If your chosen vehicle requires a security deposit, the rental company will place a hold on your card at pickup. The hold amount and the expected refund timeline are stated in the booking details and in your voucher. Refund of the deposit is managed entirely by the rental company, not by 4Drive Germany. Typical timelines range from a few days to two weeks, depending on the card issuer and the rental company's processing schedule.
Any deductions from the deposit - for fuel discrepancies, traffic fines, toll charges, or damage - are decided and processed by the rental company according to the rental agreement you sign at pickup. If you believe a deduction is incorrect, raise the matter directly with the rental company using the contact details in your voucher. Deposit terms vary by supplier, so always review the specific conditions for your booking before you collect the vehicle.
Cancellation terms for your booking are shown during the reservation process and confirmed in your voucher. Many bookings include a free cancellation window, allowing you to cancel up to a specified time before pickup and receive a full refund of the advance. If you cancel within that window, the refund is processed to the original card within a few business days. Outside the free cancellation period, cancellation fees may apply as stated in the booking terms.
To cancel, log into your booking or contact us at [email protected]. Refunds of the advance are handled by 4Drive Germany, while any deposit refund is managed separately by the rental company if you have already collected the vehicle. Review the full cancellation and refund policy in our terms and conditions.
All online card payments are processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway. We do not store your full card details on our servers. When you enter your card information during booking, the data is transmitted directly to our payment processor using industry-standard encryption protocols. Your card statement will show the charge from 4Drive Germany or our payment service provider.
If you notice an unfamiliar transaction or need a payment receipt, email [email protected] with your booking reference. We can issue a duplicate receipt or investigate any billing questions. For concerns about card security or suspected fraud, contact your card issuer immediately. Our office in Mitte, Berlin, Germany is available Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (GMT+1) for payment support.
No. The booking advance must be paid online by card to confirm your reservation. Only the balance is paid at pickup, using the methods specified in your voucher.
Contact your bank to ensure international online transactions are enabled and that your card has sufficient funds. Some banks block foreign payments by default. You can also try a different card.
No. Vehicles marked "no deposit, no credit card" can be collected without a credit card. You can use a debit card or cash for the balance, depending on what the listing allows.
Deposit refund timelines are set by the rental company and typically range from a few days to two weeks. The exact timeline is stated in your voucher. Contact the rental company directly if the refund is delayed.
No. All balance payments at pickup locations in Germany are in euros. Bring euros in cash or use a card that supports euro transactions.
For further questions about payment or billing, visit our FAQ page or email [email protected]. Our team in Berlin is available Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (GMT+1). You can also review our full terms and conditions for detailed policies on charges, refunds, and dispute resolution.