Pricing & rates · Travelers + trade
Prepaid rate
Also called pay now, prepaid booking
The short answerA rate you pay in full when you book, rather than at the rental counter.
What it means
A prepaid rate is paid at the time of booking, to the booking site or rental company. The counter then only charges for anything not included, such as extras, local fees or the deposit. Prepaid rates often come with stricter change and cancellation terms than pay-at-counter rates.
Why it matters
Paying up front can lock in a price, but read the cancellation and no-show terms before you choose it.
Related terms
- Pay-at-counter rateA rate where you reserve now and pay the rental company at pickup.
- Free cancellationYou can cancel without a fee up to a stated deadline before pickup.
- Merchant of RecordThe business that legally sells to the customer and charges their card; its name appears on the card statement.
Also related Part prepaid / deposit rate, Pay locally