Payment Methods

Transparent payment steps for your booking

How Payment Works

When you book a vehicle with 4Drive Bulgaria, you pay a booking advance online by card. This secures your reservation. The booking platform does not accept cash - payment must be made with a debit or credit card through our secure checkout. The advance amount and the remaining balance are both shown clearly during the booking process and confirmed in your voucher.

The remaining balance is paid when you collect the vehicle. The accepted payment method for the balance depends on the specific vehicle you have chosen. Some vehicles allow you to pay the balance with a debit card or in cash; others may require a credit card. The voucher you receive after booking lists exactly which payment methods the rental company accepts for that vehicle.

Accepted Cards

We accept the following cards for the online booking advance:

VisaDebit and credit cards issued worldwide, processed securely through our payment gateway.
MastercardDebit and credit cards, widely accepted for online bookings across all regions.
MaestroDebit cards issued in Europe and other regions, suitable for online advance payment.
EURAll transactions are processed in euros. Your bank may apply a conversion rate if your card uses a different currency.

Card details are handled by our payment processor; 4Drive does not store your full card number or CVV code.

Paying the Balance at Pickup

When you arrive to collect your vehicle, you settle the remaining balance according to the payment methods listed in your voucher. If the vehicle accepts debit card or cash, you can choose either option. If the voucher specifies credit card only, you will need a credit card in the main driver's name. Payment is made in euros.

The rental company's representative will confirm the total amount due, including any optional extras you have added - such as a second driver, child seat, vignette sticker for highways, or a cross-border permit for neighbouring countries. The contract you sign at pickup outlines the payment, the excess, and the terms of the rental period.

No Deposit and No Credit Card

Many vehicles in our inventory are marked "no deposit" and "no credit card required". This label means the rental company does not block a security amount on your card when you collect the vehicle, and you can complete the booking and pickup using a debit card or cash if those methods are listed for that vehicle.

The "no deposit" feature is independent of the excess. Every rental includes an excess amount stated in the booking details and in the voucher; this is the maximum you may be charged if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. The absence of a deposit simply means no hold is placed on your card at the counter.

Payment requirements vary from vehicle to vehicle, not by class or category. If you do not have a credit card and are booking a vehicle that requires one, we recommend contacting your bank to increase the authorisation limit on your debit card temporarily.

Deposit Refunds

If you choose a vehicle that does require a deposit, the rental company will place a temporary hold on your card at pickup. The hold amount and the refund timeline are shown during booking and confirmed in your voucher. Refund speed depends on the rental company's payment processor and your card issuer; most holds are released within seven to fourteen days.

Any deductions from the deposit - for example, if the vehicle is returned with damage recorded in the contract - are decided by the rental company and explained in the final settlement document. If you have questions about a deposit refund, contact details for the rental company are provided in your voucher.

Cancellation and Refunds of the Advance

Cancellation terms are displayed during the booking process and included 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 to the card you used for payment. Refunds are typically processed within five to ten business days, depending on your card issuer.

If you cancel outside the free cancellation period, cancellation fees may apply as outlined in the booking terms. Any applicable refund is returned to the original payment method. For questions about cancellation or refund status, contact us at [email protected] or visit our contact page.

Payment Security

All online payments are processed through an encrypted gateway that meets international security standards. When you enter your card details, the information is transmitted directly to the payment processor. 4Drive Bulgaria does not store your full card number, expiry date, or security code on our servers.

You can review our approach to data handling in our privacy policy and the full legal framework in our terms and conditions. If you notice any irregular activity or have concerns about a transaction, contact your card issuer immediately and inform us at [email protected] so we can assist with any investigation.

For general questions about payment methods, timing, or documentation, visit our FAQ page or send an email to our team. Our office at Oborishte, Sofia, Bulgaria is open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT+2).

Can I pay the booking advance with cash?

No. The booking advance must be paid online by card - Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro. Cash is not accepted for online bookings. You may pay the balance at pickup in cash if the vehicle listing and your voucher allow it.

Which currency will I be charged in?

All bookings and payments are processed in euros. If your card is issued in a different currency, your bank or card issuer will convert the amount and may apply a foreign exchange fee.

What if my vehicle requires a credit card but I only have a debit card?

If the vehicle listing specifies credit card required, you will need a credit card in the main driver's name at pickup. If you do not have one, consider asking your bank to raise the authorisation limit on your debit card temporarily, or choose a vehicle marked "no credit card required".

How long does it take to receive a refund after cancellation?

Refunds are typically processed within five to ten business days from the date of cancellation, depending on your card issuer. If you cancel within the free cancellation window shown in your voucher, the full booking advance is returned to your original payment card.

Is my card information stored by 4Drive Bulgaria?

No. Card details are transmitted directly to our secure payment processor. We do not store your full card number, CVV code, or expiry date. Only transaction references are kept for booking records and customer support.