Avis's cancellation terms depend entirely on how you booked — a prepaid "Pay Now" reservation carries real cancellation fees, while a standard "Pay Later" booking can usually be canceled free.
Prepaid Bookings Aren't Fully Refundable if You Cancel Late
Per Avis's own official policy, canceling a prepaid ("Pay Now") reservation more than 24 hours before pickup costs a $50 processing fee, deducted from your refund. Cancel within 24 hours of pickup, and the fee jumps to $150. Don't show up at all, and none of the prepaid amount is refunded. "Pay Later" reservations avoid these fees entirely for standard bookings, though the car is only held for a short grace period past your scheduled pickup time before it can be released to someone else.
| Prepaid ("Pay Now") reservation, canceled more than 24 hours before pickup |
$50 processing fee deducted from the refund |
| Prepaid ("Pay Now") reservation, canceled within 24 hours of pickup |
$150 processing fee deducted from the refund |
| Prepaid reservation, no-show |
No portion of the prepaid amount is refunded |
| "Pay Later" standard reservation |
No cancellation fee, but the car is only held for a short grace period (typically 1-2 hours) past the scheduled pickup time |
| "Pay Later" specialty reservations |
A $75 fee may apply if not canceled at least 24 hours before pickup |
| Refund timing |
Approximately 7 business days, credited to the original payment card |
Cancel online before your scheduled pickup time to receive the applicable refund. Confirm the exact terms for your specific booking type before canceling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Avis charge a cancellation fee?
It depends on the booking type. Prepaid reservations carry a $50-$150 fee depending on timing, while standard Pay Later bookings are usually free to cancel.
What happens if I don't cancel a prepaid Avis reservation and never pick up the car?
No portion of the prepaid amount is refunded.
How long does an Avis refund take?
Approximately 7 business days, credited back to the original payment card.
How long will Avis hold a Pay Later reservation if I'm late?
Only a short grace period past your scheduled pickup time, typically 1-2 hours, before the car can be released.
