EconomyBookings

EconomyBookings is a company that has been operating in the online car rental industry since 2008. It started with an affiliate program in Spain and then expanded its services to other countries. Today, EconomyBookings is a market leader in Europe, offering car rentals in over 150 countries.

The company’s analysts monitor rental prices worldwide on a daily basis, allowing them to offer competitive rates. EconomyBookings partners with at least 3–4 car rental providers in each city, which helps ensure a high level of service. However, customer reviews are mixed. There are many complaints about the service and other aspects of the company’s operations. To determine whether EconomyBookings is trustworthy or potentially a scam, it’s worth reading this in-depth review of the service.

Why EconomyBookings?

EconomyBookings is a car rental broker that aggregates offers from various rental companies for drivers, providing a wide selection of vehicles across all classes. Thanks to partnerships with hundreds of rental providers, EconomyBookings can offer some of the best deals for trips of any kind.

The company operates a multilingual call center across different countries, where staff are ready to assist with any inquiries. When you change the country on the website, the local contact number is displayed on the homepage. EconomyBookings guarantees secure payments. All information provided by clients during the booking process is confidential and protected with SSL technology.

Some key advantages of the service include:

• Over 20,000 rental locations in 150 countries across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
• Partnerships with more than 800 car rental companies.
• Affordable prices.
• A wide range of vehicles in various classes.

The company has developed a user-friendly website at economybookings.com, which offers detailed information about rental terms and contact details for all locations. At the top of the homepage, you will find a button to create an account. You can also track your bookings without registration using the “My Booking” button, which opens a window where you simply enter your email and booking number to view your order details.

Additionally, at the top of the homepage, you can select your country of residence, preferred language, and currency. Just below that, there is a search bar for finding rental cars. You need to enter the pick-up location, booking, and return dates. You can also check the boxes for “Return in a different location” and “Driver’s age.”

The homepage also features popular travel destinations, answers to frequently asked questions (also available in the FAQ section), customer reviews, and links to mobile apps.

In the “Contact” section, you’ll find phone numbers for call centers in different countries, as well as office addresses in Europe and the U.S. This section also shows the call center’s operating hours and includes a contact form. To use it, simply enter your name, phone number, and email address, choose a topic, and write your message.

In addition, the economybookings.com website includes sections with customer reviews, rental locations, the privacy policy, and detailed terms and conditions. There’s also a separate page for requesting a Full Coverage refund, where you can fill out a form if you need to apply for a reimbursement.

EconomyBookings’s Fleet

The selection of cars is extensive, as they are offered by local rental companies in the customer’s desired location. To help users navigate such a wide range of options, filters are available for class, price, transmission type, and more. The company notes that a different vehicle may be provided. The selected car will be available to the driver only if it is in stock. If the chosen vehicle is not available, a similar or higher-class car will be offered at no extra cost.

Rental Locations

The list of rental locations can be found in the dedicated “Rental Locations” section on the website economybookings.com. To begin, you need to select the continent where you want to rent a car—Europe, America, Africa, Asia, or Australia. Once you’ve opened the relevant list, choose the country you plan to visit.

A new page will display a list of cities where cars are available for rent within the selected country. Below, you’ll also find the name of the capital city, the local language, the currency, and information about which side of the road people drive on in that country. After choosing a city, the customer will see a list of all available rental offices operating in that location.

Personal Account

An EconomyBookings account is designed to help customers manage their bookings. You can use the “My Booking” button at the top of the page by entering your email address and booking number, if you’ve already made a reservation. In this case, the system will prompt you to create an account.

If a new customer hasn’t made a booking yet, they can register by clicking on the “Log in to Account” button. You’ll need to enter your email and password, and optionally agree to receive exclusive offers from the company. A confirmation email will then be sent to your inbox. Once the email is confirmed, you’ll be able to use the “My Booking” section both on the website and in the app, as well as receive special offers from EconomyBookings.

Mobile App

EconomyBookings has developed a mobile app for Android and iOS devices to make the rental process more convenient for its users. The app allows you to rent a car in any of the 150 available countries directly from your mobile device.

All you need to do is enter the pick-up and drop-off locations, choose a suitable vehicle from the available options, add any extras you need, and place your order. Once your booking is confirmed, a voucher will be sent to your email address. The order details will also appear in the “My Booking” section, where you can make changes or cancel your reservation if needed.

The app has a 4.3 rating on Google Play, but there are many complaints from users. Customers note that the app does not allow them to choose the engine type, and that when modifying a booking, the date resets—causing users to mistakenly reserve a car for the wrong time. Other common complaints include the inability to access an existing booking without first starting a new rental request, the lack of access to previous orders, and missing payment details (such as rental fees, insurance, etc.).

The iOS app has a 4.2 rating, but users have also reported inconvenience and hidden charges that are automatically added to the booking.

Rental Conditions at EconomyBookings.com

To rent a car at the pick-up location, you must present the voucher sent to your email, your driver’s license (requirements for which are listed in the voucher), and a credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Maestro, Switch, and cash deposits, as well as debit cards, are rarely accepted. If you need to use one of these alternative methods, you must contact the company’s support team to resolve the issue.

At the time of pick-up, you’ll be required to leave a deposit with the local rental provider. This deposit will be blocked on the driver’s credit card.

Before receiving the vehicle, you must present all required documents and ensure your account has sufficient funds to cover the rental. Carefully review the rental agreement, check the details of the insurance coverage, and confirm that any optional insurance has been paid. It’s also important to inspect the vehicle for any damage and report it to a company representative. If you requested any additional equipment, check that it has been provided—it must be paid for at the rental office.

When returning the car, inspect it again for damages. If any issues arise, be sure to inform the rental provider immediately. If you’re requesting a refund, it must be submitted in writing. The driver should also ensure that the rental return is properly documented and signed by a company representative.

If necessary, you may cancel your booking. This can be done through the “My Booking” section on the company’s website, and is subject to the following conditions.

• Once the rental period has started, the booking cannot be canceled. However, up to 24 hours before the rental begins, the customer may modify the booking through the company’s website. Any changes—including pick-up or drop-off location, car class, rental duration, or personal information—may affect the rental cost. As a result, the final price may differ from the one originally shown during the booking process.
• The prices are based on the pick-up and return time and date selected when booking. If the driver picks up the car later or returns it earlier than scheduled, no refund will be issued for the unused time.
• The standard insurance for a rental car typically includes collision damage coverage and theft protection. These may either be included in the rental price or purchased directly from the rental company. This type of insurance may also be offered by the driver’s credit card issuer.
• If you plan to drive outside the country where the car was rented, you must check the rental terms, as some companies prohibit cross-border travel. If permitted, additional charges or insurance may apply.
• It’s also important to review the fuel policy of the rental company. This policy defines how fuel charges are handled and whether the tank must be full upon return. These terms are stated on the website, in your voucher, and in the rental agreement you will sign when picking up the vehicle.
• In the event of an accident or vehicle damage, you must immediately contact the rental company. The driver should keep copies of all signed documents, including the accident report and incident statement, if applicable.
• If you’re picking up the car at the airport, you must provide your flight number and arrival time in advance—either by phone or email. If this information is not available at the time of booking, it must be provided no later than one week before departure.

Service Fee at economybookings.com

Rental rates depend on the selected car class, rental duration, country, city, and other factors. Prices are displayed after you choose the pick-up location—in a table listing available offers.

A deposit will be charged to the customer’s credit card. It typically includes the deductible (excess), fuel charges, and taxes. This deposit serves as a guarantee that the customer will be able to cover part of the costs if the vehicle is damaged. The amount of the deposit depends on the car category selected. If the car is returned in the same condition, the amount will be unblocked by the company.

The deductible is the maximum amount that the company may withhold from the deposit if the car is damaged or stolen during the rental period.

Depending on the rental company’s policy, EconomyBookings accepts either partial or full prepayment. If partial prepayment is made, the remaining amount to be paid at pick-up will be shown in the voucher under the line “Pay on Arrival.” If this field shows “0,” it means the rental has been fully prepaid and the customer only needs to present documents and a credit card at pick-up.

Additional charges may apply when returning the car. For example:

• If the fuel level doesn’t match the company’s fuel policy at return, a fuel fee may be charged.
• A fee may be added for returning a dirty car (interior or exterior), especially if it prevents proper vehicle inspection.
• If the car is returned later than agreed, extra hours or days will be charged.
• If the car will be driven by multiple drivers, make sure to check the rental company’s terms regarding this. In some cases, one or more additional drivers are included in the price. In other cases, a surcharge applies for each extra driver and is paid at pick-up.
• All additional drivers must be present when signing the rental agreement and must bring their passports and driver’s licenses.

The agreement may also include extra fees, such as:

• Airport surcharges
• Winterization fees
• One-way rental fees
• After-hours service fees
• Cross-border service fees

Economy Class

This class includes the most affordable options. Prices vary depending on the chosen country, city, and vehicle model. The minimum cost for such a car can start at $35 in New York, USA. The maximum price for a car in this class can reach $65.

You can also choose the compact class, which features popular models of this type. Their prices fall within the same range as the economy class.

Mid-Size Class

This class includes popular passenger cars and crossovers suitable for light off-road driving. These vehicles are more comfortable than economy class but come at a higher price. For example, in New York, the rental cost for a car in this class can start from $75.

Business Class

There is no separate category specifically labeled “Business Class” in the list. Comfortable cars of this class can be found under the sections for standard, premium, special, and luxury vehicles.

Luxury Cars, SUVs, Vans

Every customer can choose vehicles that suit their needs on the economybookings.com website. The site offers a wide range of categories, including not only economy and mid-size cars but also many others. These categories include standard, premium, special, full-size, luxury, and large vehicles. Popular models from each class are represented in these categories.

The most expensive cars on the site are luxury and large vehicles, with prices starting at $150 in New York.

How to Rent a Car on EconomyBookings

You can rent a car either on the company’s website or through the mobile app designed for smartphones and tablets. In both cases, booking a rental car is easy because the booking process is very straightforward.

Online Rental

After selecting the car location in the “Car Rental” section, the customer will see a list of the most popular available cars for rent. By clicking the “Show More” button, you can go to a new page to search for the ideal vehicle. There, you can set parameters such as pick-up and return dates, rental company, and car class.

Filters are available for price, pick-up location, rental provider, rating, fuel policy, equipment, transmission type, and vehicle type. After applying these filters, you will see a list of matching options.

Each option includes a photo of the car, its name, class, number of seats, number of doors, trunk size, transmission type, daily price, rental terms, and fuel policy. Additionally, there is a list of what is included in the rental for that particular vehicle. If any free services are offered, they will be mentioned as well.

After selecting a suitable car, the customer needs to click the “Book” button and follow the subsequent instructions. Once the car is reserved, a company representative will contact the rental provider to confirm the booking. After confirmation, EconomyBookings will send a voucher to the specified email address within 1 to 48 hours. This voucher contains all the necessary information needed before arriving at the rental location.

If the booking is made less than 2 days before the rental, the voucher—which must be printed and presented when picking up the car—can be sent at the last minute, up to 10 minutes before the pick-up time.

EconomyBookings does not guarantee a specific make or model of the vehicle. The car shown on the voucher represents the most common model in the selected class and will be provided if available. Otherwise, the customer will receive an equivalent or higher-class vehicle at no extra cost.

When picking up the vehicle, the driver must present a valid passport and a credit card in the name of the primary driver as shown on the voucher. Although payment on the website can be made with a card in a different name, the credit card in the primary driver’s name is mandatory at pick-up.

Additional Services on economybookings.com

The website offers several additional services.

Booking Voucher

The company offers customers a Booking Voucher, which provides extra flexibility for drivers who are uncertain about their travel plans. This is a unique code applied to future bookings. Its value equals the amount deducted at booking and is valid for 2 years. The voucher can be used for any rental location and car type. It can also be used multiple times if the voucher amount exceeds the cost of the next booking.

Full Protection

Another additional service is Full Protection. It covers the deductible amount the driver must pay if the body, windows, tires, or other parts of the rented vehicle are damaged. The rental cost may include accident insurance provided by the rental company. This insurance limits liability for the rented vehicle to the deductible amount—the maximum sum the rental company charges if the vehicle is damaged. The coverage includes windshields, locks, wheels, undercarriage, and keys.

If the customer purchases Full Protection along with the rental car, it will cover unexpected expenses according to the local rental agreement. This insurance option does not cover damage caused by drunk driving, using the wrong type of fuel, off-road driving, violations of laws or traffic regulations, or any situations where the rental agreement terms were not followed. Additionally, damage resulting from terrorist acts or natural disasters is not covered.

You can cancel this service no later than 24 hours before the rental begins via the “My Booking” section. If canceled less than 24 hours before the rental, the service fee is non-refundable. Ordering Full Protection does not waive the security deposit. The rental company will still block the required amount on the credit card as a guarantee upon car pick-up.

To request a refund for this service, you must fill out a form in the corresponding section on the company’s website. The request must be submitted within two weeks after the rental ends. You will also need to attach the following documents:

• Rental agreement and a document confirming the vehicle’s condition at the time of signing
• Proof of charge on your credit card
• A copy of your driver’s license
• A description of the insurance claim, including photos if available
• A document confirming the rental duration
• Witness statements or a police report, if applicable

Cancellation Protection

Cancellation Protection is a service that frees you from paying a penalty if you cancel your booking before the rental begins. Cancellation fees are detailed on the website. If you cancel before the rental start date, you will receive a full refund—except for the cost of the Cancellation Protection service itself. You can cancel this service within 24 hours of adding it to your booking.

How to Pay for Services on the EconomyBookings Website

The service accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards. When picking up the vehicle, bring a credit card with a balance at least equal to the deposit amount. This amount will be blocked until the car is returned.

Payment via Personal Account

Full or partial prepayment will be charged after booking the car and logging into your account.

Other Payment Methods

Partial or full prepayment is possible. No other payment methods are provided.

Bonuses for Economy Bookings

The company does not offer any bonuses.

Discounts

There are discounts on certain car options, which may range from 1% to 16%. No other bonuses or privileges are provided.

Complaints About EconomyBookings

The company’s website features many positive reviews about its service. However, on app stores and third-party websites, there are numerous complaints about the service. Some issues arise because customers do not carefully read the terms and conditions before booking a rental car. Common complaints related to user oversight include:

• Non-refund of money for canceled bookings. Information about cancellation penalties is available on the website.
• Refusal to accept debit cards instead of credit cards. The site clearly states that a credit card is required.
• Long delays in deposit refunds. This is beyond EconomyBookings’ control.
• Having to pay for damages that were already on the car. Sometimes rental company agents ask customers not to mark minor scratches when picking up the car but later charge for them upon return. Drivers should carefully inspect the car for even minor scratches and take photos if necessary.
• Having to pay for a full fuel tank. Each rental company has its own fuel policy, so you must study it carefully and refill the amount of fuel required. The same applies to cleanliness—the car must be returned clean and free of trash.

On the Google Play Store, complaints include the inability to view past bookings without entering the specific date, and the app not allowing users to select the engine type, which frustrates customers. Some users also report paying for certain services but receiving different ones.

There are even more complaints on third-party websites. Many clients say they were offered cheap options that turned out to be unavailable, and that booking prices increased just hours before the rental. Other money-related issues have also been reported.

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Regulatory Authorities and Laws

The main office of EconomyBookings is located in Latvia. The company is registered as a legal entity (registration number 40103168996) and operates in accordance with international financial law and Latvian legislation.

EconomyBookings.com User Agreement

The text of the user agreement can be found in the “Terms” section on the economybookings.com website. This document outlines the general rental terms, data protection policies, details about booking, cancellation and modification procedures, payments, and pricing. It also includes driver requirements, rules for vehicle pick-up and return, information about full protection and cancellation protection, as well as discounts and promotions.

Additionally, you can review other provisions listed on the site.

Customer Service

You can contact customer support by phone. Call center numbers for different countries are listed in the “Contacts” section on the company’s website. The section also provides EconomyBookings’ addresses in the USA and Europe, as well as a feedback form to submit questions to the service administration.

Website Security

The website is protected by a universal SSL security certificate, so visitors can rest assured that their personal data is kept safe.

Is EconomyBookings a Scam?

EconomyBookings is an intermediary between car rental companies worldwide and drivers who need to rent vehicles. The company partners with many service providers and offers more than 175,000 cars across 20,000 rental locations in numerous countries on all continents.

While the company’s website features many positive reviews, complaints about EconomyBookings can be found on third-party sites. However, some of these complaints result from customers not carefully reading the terms and conditions before booking. The company encourages users to thoroughly review the service policies prior to renting to avoid future issues and disputes.

There are also complaints related to service quality. Some customers reported not receiving their reserved cars or additional paid options. Many are dissatisfied with the lack of refunds upon booking cancellations, which are subject to penalties. There have also been cases of overcharging or changes in booking conditions.

Competitive prices, a multilingual call center staffed by representatives from various countries, and a wide selection of vehicles speak in favor of the company. However, the numerous negative complaints cannot be ignored.

Since EconomyBookings is part of the SIA Booking Group holding, it is difficult to imagine it as a fraudulent scheme. Most likely, EconomyBookings is not a scam but a broker that occasionally faces customer service issues. Customers should be careful when making bookings, and the company should provide clearer terms on the main website page.

Conclusion

EconomyBookings has long been offering car rental services in various countries around the world. Customers can book a car through the website, which allows searching across all rental companies partnered with the broker, as well as through a mobile app. The booking process is quick and straightforward.

Many clients consider EconomyBookings an experienced broker with affordable prices and often turn to it to find the right car. However, some are dissatisfied with the service, additional charges, and other issues. If you have used EconomyBookings’ services, please leave your comments on this page. Since the situation with the company is mixed, every review can help determine whether it is a fraudulent scheme.