How payments, holds and cancellations work
June 10, 2026
No surprises with money — here is the exact lifecycle of every euro in a booking.
Quick answer: when is a renter charged?
When a renter sends a request, the card is placed on hold. The renter is charged only after the host confirms. If the request is declined, expires or is cancelled while still pending, the hold is released. The host payout is scheduled for trip start, not the moment of booking.
When you book
When you send a booking request, we place a hold on your card for the total amount. You are not charged yet. If the host declines or doesn't answer within 7 days, the hold is released in full and you pay nothing.
With Instant Book listings there is no waiting — the booking confirms immediately.
When the host accepts
At confirmation the hold becomes a real charge. You'll see the full breakdown before paying: the rental price, any delivery fee and the service fee — the total at checkout is the total on your statement.
When the host gets paid
The host's share is paid out at trip start, not at booking. That keeps things fair: if a trip is cancelled before it begins, the money hasn't gone anywhere yet and refunds are quick.
If you cancel
While the request is still pending, cancelling is free — the hold is simply released. After confirmation, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup; only the non-refundable payment-processing fee is kept, and everything else returns to your card.
Deposits
Most listings have no deposit. Where a host sets one, it is shown clearly before you book, held separately, and released after the car is returned in order.
Questions about a specific booking? Open the trip page — the full payment breakdown is always there.
FAQ
Do I pay before the host accepts?
No. A hold is placed on the card when you request the car, but the actual charge happens only if the host accepts.
What happens if the host declines?
The hold is released in full and you pay nothing.
When does the host receive the money?
The host's share is paid out at trip start, which keeps refunds and cancellations simpler before the car is handed over.