Payment Methods

Clear terms for every transaction

How Payment Works

Booking a vehicle through 4Drive Egypt splits the total into two parts: an advance paid online when you confirm the reservation, and a balance settled when you collect the keys. The online advance is processed by card immediately - cash payments are not accepted during the booking stage. Once the transaction clears, you receive a voucher by email listing the balance amount, the method permitted for paying that balance, and the pickup location.

The remaining balance is due at the rental desk or delivery point. Your voucher specifies whether the supplier accepts debit cards, cash, or credit cards for that final payment. Each vehicle listing on the website shows which payment methods the supplier will accept, so you know the requirements before confirming.

Accepted Cards

We process the booking advance through a secure gateway that supports the following card networks. All transactions are denominated in Egyptian pounds (EGP) and converted at the prevailing exchange rate set by your card issuer.

Visa Debit and credit cards issued worldwide. The most widely accepted network for online reservations.
Mastercard Debit and credit cards from any country. Full support for 3D Secure authentication.
Maestro Debit cards issued in Europe and select regions. Verify with your bank that online international transactions are enabled.
Egyptian Pound (EGP) All prices and charges are quoted in local currency. Foreign cards are converted by your issuing bank.

Paying the Balance at Pickup

When you arrive to collect the vehicle, the rental company will request the balance shown on your voucher. If the listing specified "debit card or cash accepted," you can choose either method; if it stated "credit card required," you must present a credit card in the main driver's name. The currency for the balance is always Egyptian pounds, and exchange bureaux are available at Cairo International Airport (CAI) and in city centres.

Suppliers set their own balance-payment rules based on vehicle type and insurance package. A Toyota Corolla may accept debit cards, while a Land Cruiser with a higher excess might require a credit card. Always check the "Payment at pickup" section on the vehicle page before you book, and refer to your voucher for the confirmed method.

No Deposit and No Credit Card

Many vehicles in the 4Drive Egypt inventory carry a "no deposit" label, meaning the rental company will not place a hold or pre-authorisation on your card when you collect the keys. This feature is independent of the insurance excess - a vehicle can be deposit-free yet still carry a deductible that applies if damage occurs. The two parameters are separate and both are displayed clearly on each listing.

If you do not own a credit card, look for vehicles marked "no credit card required" and "no deposit." For cars that do need a credit card but waive the deposit, ensure your debit card has a daily spending limit high enough to cover the balance payment. Contact your bank before departure to raise temporary limits if necessary. Requirements vary by individual vehicle, not by class or size.

Why Requirements Differ

Each rental supplier assesses risk according to the vehicle's value, the coverage selected, and local regulations. A compact hatchback in Cairo may need only a debit card, while a 4x4 approved for Sinai Peninsula travel may require a credit card even when no deposit is taken. We list the exact requirements for every car so you can filter and compare before booking.

Deposit Refunds

When a vehicle does require a deposit, the rental company will block a sum on your credit or debit card at pickup. That hold is released after you return the vehicle undamaged and with a full fuel tank, according to the inspection recorded in the rental agreement. Refund timeframes - typically seven to fourteen business days - are noted in the vehicle listing and printed on your voucher.

The supplier controls the release process. If a deduction is necessary to cover fuel top-up, traffic fines, or repair costs, the company will itemise the charges and refund the remainder. Any dispute over deductions should be raised directly with the supplier using the contact details on your rental agreement. 4Drive Egypt can forward your query to the company if you email [email protected] with your booking reference.

Cancellation and Refunds of the Advance

Cancellation terms appear on the vehicle listing page and are repeated in your voucher. Many bookings offer free cancellation up to a specified number of hours before pickup; if you cancel within that window, the advance is refunded in full to the original card. Cancellations made after the free window may incur a partial or total forfeit of the advance, depending on the supplier's policy.

Refunds are processed within five to ten business days of approval. If you need to cancel, log in to your account or email [email protected] with your booking number. For detailed rules on changes and cancellations, visit our terms and conditions page.

Payment Security

All card transactions are handled through PCI-DSS-compliant payment gateways that encrypt data in transit. 4Drive Egypt does not store your full card number or CVV code; only masked references are kept for record-keeping. Your bank may prompt you to complete 3D Secure verification - a one-time code sent by SMS or app - to authorise the booking advance.

Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar when entering payment details. If a transaction fails, check with your card issuer that international e-commerce is enabled and that your balance or limit covers the advance amount plus any foreign-transaction fee. For further questions on secure processing, contact us at [email protected].

Can I pay the full amount in cash when I pick up the car?

No. The booking advance must be paid online by card when you confirm the reservation. Cash is not accepted during the online booking process. At pickup, you can pay the balance in cash only if the vehicle listing and your voucher state that cash is permitted for that specific car.

Which cards do you accept for the online booking advance?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro debit and credit cards issued anywhere in the world. All transactions are processed in Egyptian pounds, and your bank will apply its exchange rate if your card is in a different currency.

Do I need a credit card if the vehicle is marked no deposit?

Not always. Many no-deposit vehicles also accept debit cards or cash for the balance at pickup. Check the "Payment at pickup" section on the vehicle page - it will specify whether a credit card is required. If you do not have a credit card, filter for cars labelled both "no deposit" and "no credit card required."

How long does it take to refund a deposit after I return the car?

Refund timeframes are set by the rental company and are listed in the vehicle details and on your voucher. Typically, holds are released within seven to fourteen business days after the supplier confirms no damage or outstanding charges. Contact the supplier directly using the details on your rental agreement if the refund is delayed.

What happens if I cancel my booking?

If you cancel within the free-cancellation window shown on your voucher, the booking advance is refunded in full to your card within five to ten business days. Cancellations outside that window may result in a partial or total forfeit, depending on the supplier's policy. Full terms are available on our terms and conditions page.

For billing questions or payment issues, email [email protected] or visit our FAQ and contact pages.