Frequently Asked Questions

We release the bond as soon as the vehicle is returned (as long as all rental terms have been met and there is no damage to the vehicle).

It is then up to your bank to release the bond, this process can take up to 28 days depending on your bank.

There are a number of options, including prepayment or paying at the counter. If you wish to prepay when you complete your reservation, select the Pay Now or Book over the Phone option to process your payment.

Please be aware that even if the booking is prepaid, you must present a physical credit/debit card at the time of collection and pay the applicable bond.

All charges will be in Australian dollars. We can not accept responsibility for the fluctuating currency conversion if monies outside of AUD are used.

Please Note: Alpha Car Hire does not accept cash, gift cards, travel cards, diners, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any Tap & Go options using a phone or watch.

All rentals require a bond, the amount of which depends on the selected excess coverage. For passenger vehicles, bonds range from $250 to $1000, while commercial vehicles have a $1250 bond.

For local renters, the standard bond and vehicle liability excess is $2500 and $4400 respectively. However, if you have a history of renting vehicles with Alpha, we’ll be happy to reduce the bond to $1000 when you collect your rental vehicle.

You may receive a refund of your booking fee, minus any applicable cancellation fees. We do not charge cancellation fees for bookings cancelled more than 48 hours before pickup. Otherwise, for cancellations within or less than 48 hours of pickup, a fixed $75 cancellation fee will be applicable.

Bond payment

• A valid Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card must be supplied at collection.
• You must present the physical card.
• The card must be in the name of the hirer.
• If you cannot present a card in the hirer’s name, please contact us for assistance.
• We do not accept cash, gift cards, travel cards, EFTPOS cards, diners, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any Tap & Go options using a phone or watch.

*Please note credit card surcharges may apply to your booking.

Booking payment

• A valid Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card must be supplied at collection.
• We accept Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards, EFTPOS and Visa/Mastercard travel cards for the booking payment.
• We do not accept cash, gift cards, American Express, Diners, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any Tap & Go options using a phone or watch.

*Please note credit card surcharges may apply to your booking.

If you exceed the kilometre limit in your travels, you’ll be charged an extra 32.5 cents for each kilometre over the limit.