Pricing & rates · Travelers + trade
Pay-at-counter rate
Also called pay later, pay at pickup, pay locally rate
The short answerA rate where you reserve now and pay the rental company at pickup.
What it means
A pay-at-counter rate reserves the car without taking payment up front. You pay the rental company when you collect the car, in the location's currency, along with any extras and fees. Cancellation is often more flexible than for prepaid rates.
Why it matters
It keeps plans flexible, but the price you pay is converted at the exchange rate of the day of pickup, and the rental company may set different terms at the counter.
Related terms
- Prepaid rateA rate you pay in full when you book, rather than at the rental counter.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)An offer at payment to be charged in your home currency instead of the local one, at an exchange rate set by the merchant's provider.
- Security depositAn amount the rental company holds on your card at pickup and releases after the car comes back without new charges.
Also related Pay locally, Local currency