Secure booking advance online, flexible balance options at pickup
When you book through 4Drive France, you pay a booking advance online by card. This amount is charged immediately to confirm your reservation. Cash cannot be accepted for online transactions.
The remaining balance is paid when you collect the vehicle. The accepted payment methods for the balance are listed in your booking confirmation and voucher - they vary depending on the specific car you have reserved. Check your voucher carefully before arrival.
This two-stage process secures your booking while giving you flexibility at pickup. The local rental company that supplies your vehicle handles the balance payment at their desk or delivery point.
For the online booking advance, we accept the following card types through our secure payment gateway:
The balance payment method depends on the specific vehicle you have booked - not on the vehicle class or category. When you select a car on our site, the permitted payment methods are clearly shown alongside other vehicle details.
If a car accepts debit cards for the balance, you can use your Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro debit card at pickup. If cash is permitted for that particular vehicle, you can pay the balance in Euro banknotes at the rental desk. Many vehicles accept both options.
Check your voucher before you travel. It lists exactly which payment methods the rental company will accept for your vehicle. If you are unsure, contact us at [email protected] before your pickup date.
All balance payments are made in Euros. Rental companies in France do not accept foreign currency. ATMs are widely available at airports and in city centres if you need to withdraw cash.
Some vehicles on our site carry a "no deposit" tag. This means the rental company does not block a security sum on your card when you collect the vehicle. The excess (the amount you would pay if the car is damaged) still applies - these are independent parameters.
Vehicles marked as not requiring a credit card can be collected using a debit card or cash for the balance, depending on what is stated for that specific car. Requirements are set individually for each vehicle, not by class or category.
If you do not have a credit card and are booking a vehicle that requires one for the standard deposit process, contact your bank to raise the limit on your debit card. A higher limit allows the rental company to place a temporary hold without exceeding your available funds.
Always check the vehicle details page and your voucher for the exact payment and deposit requirements before you travel. If the voucher states a deposit is required, you will need a card with sufficient available limit or funds.
If your chosen vehicle requires a deposit, the rental company will block a sum on your card at pickup. This is a temporary hold, not a charge. The blocked amount is released when you return the vehicle undamaged and with the agreed fuel level.
Refund timescales are shown during booking and printed in your voucher. Typical release periods range from a few days to two weeks, depending on your card issuer and the rental company's processing cycle. The rental company controls the release process, not 4Drive France.
If you believe a deposit has not been refunded within the stated period, contact the rental company directly using the details in your voucher. Keep your rental agreement and vehicle condition report as evidence.
Cancellation terms are displayed during the booking process and confirmed in your voucher. Many bookings offer free cancellation up to a specified time before pickup. If you cancel within the free cancellation window, the booking advance is refunded in full.
Refunds are processed to the original card used for payment. The time taken for the refund to appear in your account depends on your card issuer - usually between three and ten business days.
If you cancel outside the free cancellation period, or if your booking has non-refundable terms, the advance may not be returned. Check the specific terms attached to your reservation. For questions about cancellation or refunds, email us at [email protected] or visit our FAQ page.
All online payments are processed through a secure, encrypted gateway. Your card details are transmitted directly to the payment processor and are never stored on 4Drive France servers. We do not have access to your full card number or security code after the transaction is complete.
Our payment system complies with industry standards for data protection. Look for the padlock symbol in your browser address bar during checkout to confirm the connection is secure.
If you notice any unusual activity on your card after booking, contact your card issuer immediately. For any concerns about payment security or to report an issue, reach us at [email protected]. Our office hours are Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT+1).
Read our full Terms and Conditions for detailed information on payment processing, liability, and dispute resolution. For general enquiries, visit the Contact page.
No. The booking advance must be paid online by card - Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro. Cash cannot be accepted for online transactions. The balance at pickup may be payable in cash if your specific vehicle permits it, as shown in your voucher.
Check that your card has sufficient funds or available limit to cover both the balance and any deposit hold. Contact your bank before travel to raise your limit if needed. If your vehicle accepts cash for the balance, you can use Euro banknotes instead.
If you cancel within the free cancellation window, the refund is processed to your original card within a few business days. It typically appears in your account within three to ten days, depending on your card issuer. Contact us if the refund has not arrived after two weeks.
No. The booking advance is the amount you pay online to confirm your reservation. The deposit is a temporary hold placed on your card by the rental company at pickup to cover potential damage or fuel charges. Deposit requirements are listed in your voucher.
Yes, as long as the card type is accepted for your specific vehicle. The card used for the balance does not have to be the same one you used for the booking advance. Check your voucher for the accepted payment methods at pickup.