Avis Pay Now Discount – Is It a Good Deal?

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Avis Pay Now Discount: Save 10-30% on Car Rental, But Watch Out for the Cancellation Fees

Even if you are using coupon codes and AWD number discounts, you can save an additional 10-30% on any Avis car rental by paying in advance rather than when you pick up or return the vehicle.  Combine (“stack”) this discount with Avis AWD numbers and coupon codes, and you could realize some pretty impressive savings, especially for premium car and multiple-day rentals.

You’re allowed to make multiple changes to the reservation without incurring any fees. The problem is that if something unexpected happens and you need to cancel an Avis prepaid reservation, it will cost you a $25 cancellation fee (for cancellations up to 6 hours before the rental is to begin).  If you have to cancel with less than 6 hours notice or if you don’t show up to pick up the car, the no-show fee is $100.

Here’s the details:



  • You can rent with either a debit or credit card (be aware that not all Avis locations accept debit cards). Debit cards are not accepted in Canada. Prepaid debit cards are not accepted.
  • Your card will be charged for the entire rental amount. You can’t change the method of payment once the rental is confirmed.
  • At the time of rental, a hold will be placed on your card of the rental amount or $200 ($100 for debit cards), whichever is greater. Debit cards may not be accepted for this hold at all Avis locations.
  • If you cancel the reservation more than 6 hours in advance, you’ll be charged a cancellation fee of $25.
  • If you cancel the reservation less than 6 hours in advance, you’ll be charged a no-show fee of $100.
  • If you end up returning the car early resulting in lower charges than you already paid, you’ll get a refund for the difference after the rental agreement is closed.

So is an Avis prepaid reservation a good deal or not?  It depends on how likely it is that your plans may change, and how important it is to you to save money on the rental.  It also depends on the amount of the discount – at 30% savings, a prepaid rental becomes a lot more attractive than one that’s only 10% off.

How to Get This Deal

More Avis coupon codes and discounts: USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands

More Avis coupon codes and discounts: International rentals

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