The Ultimate EconomyBookings Review 2025: Incredible Savings vs Hidden Pitfalls

When planning a trip, one of the biggest questions is: how do you find a rental car that’s both affordable and reliable? For many travelers, the answer often comes down to car rental comparison platforms. That’s where EconomyBookings steps in — a site that promises cheap deals, wide coverage, and easy booking in over 150 countries.

At first glance, it looks like the perfect solution. The website is clean, the prices are attractive, and you’ll often find rates much lower than booking directly with brands like Avis, Hertz, or Sixt. For budget-conscious travelers, this can feel like a game-changer.

But here’s the catch: as with many online booking intermediaries, what you see isn’t always the whole story. The “too good to be true” prices often come with fine print that matters a lot when you’re standing at the rental desk. Things like large deposits, mandatory credit cards in the driver’s name, reimbursement-style insurance, and varying supplier policies can make or break your rental experience.

In this brutally honest EconomyBookings review, I’ll share my own experience using the platform, highlight the main pros and cons, and compare it to other big players like DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.com. My goal is not just to give you a surface-level overview, but to help you decide whether EconomyBookings is the right choice for your next trip — or whether you’d be better off booking direct.

Table of Contents

What is EconomyBookings?

EconomyBookings is a car rental broker, not a direct rental company. That means it doesn’t own a fleet of cars — instead, it acts as a middleman, displaying offers from both international giants (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) and smaller local agencies.

Think of it like Booking.com for hotels or Skyscanner for flights. You search once, compare multiple suppliers, and book the deal that fits your needs.

👉 The key advantage? Price comparison. Because EconomyBookings aggregates suppliers, you can often score deals that are 20–40% cheaper than booking directly.

Find Your Car on EconomyBookings

How Does EconomyBookings Work?

Here’s what the booking process typically looks like:

Search: Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, dates, and driver details.
Compare: Browse results, filter by price, car type, fuel policy, mileage, and deposit.
Select: Choose a car and check the Rental Conditions carefully (deposit, driver’s license rules, credit card requirements).
Book: Pay either in full or a deposit now, with the balance due at pickup.
Pickup: Present your voucher, passport, driver’s license, and credit card in the driver’s name.

💡 Pro tip: Always read the Rental Conditions — this is where you’ll find details about deposits, insurance, and restrictions.

The Pros of EconomyBookings

After using the platform in Europe and Asia, here’s what I liked:

✅ Wide Global Coverage: Available in 150+ countries, from major airports to smaller cities.
✅ Competitive Prices: Often cheaper than booking direct, especially in Europe.
✅ Lots of Options: Both major brands and local providers, giving you flexibility.
✅ User-Friendly Website: Clear filters for fuel policies, deposits, mileage, and insurance.
✅ Full Coverage Insurance Option: Lets you claim back costs if charged by the rental company.

The Cons of EconomyBookings

It’s not all sunshine and savings. Here are the downsides I noticed (and what other travelers complain about):

❌ Not the actual rental company: EconomyBookings is just a broker — your experience depends on the supplier.
❌ Confusing Insurance: The “Full Coverage” option is a reimbursement policy. You’ll still need to leave a deposit at pickup and file a claim if charged.
❌ High Deposits: Some rentals require €800–€1,200 deposit on your credit card.
❌ Mixed Supplier Quality: Big names are usually fine, but some smaller local companies get bad reviews.
❌ Customer Support Issues: EconomyBookings may act as a middleman, which sometimes slows down refunds or complaint resolutions.

My Experience with EconomyBookings

On my last trip to Spain, I booked a car through EconomyBookings because it was almost 30% cheaper than booking directly with Avis. The booking went smoothly, the website was intuitive, and I liked being able to filter by “Full-to-Full” fuel policy (always my preference).

At pickup, however, I ran into the deposit issue. The rental desk required a €1,000 hold on my credit card. Thankfully, I had enough credit available, but for travelers with limited card limits, this could be a deal-breaker.

I didn’t need to make an insurance claim, so I can’t speak from experience, but other travelers have mentioned that EconomyBookings’ Full Coverage insurance works — it just requires paperwork and waiting for reimbursement.

Overall, my experience was good for the price, but I had to stay sharp and read all the conditions.

EconomyBookings vs Competitors

Here’s how it stacks up against other popular car rental platforms:

Platform	Best For	Pros	Cons
EconomyBookings	Travelers hunting for the cheapest deal	Large selection, competitive prices, local & global suppliers	High deposits, insurance confusion, mixed support
DiscoverCars	First-time renters	Very clear rental conditions, transparent insurance	Slightly higher prices
Rentalcars.com	Frequent Booking.com users	Huge network, easy integration	Supplier reviews vary, not always cheapest
Direct Booking (Avis, Hertz, Sixt)	Premium travelers	Loyalty programs, clear policies, direct customer service	Usually more expensive

💡 My take: If you’re budget-focused, EconomyBookings is a great option. If you value simplicity and fewer surprises, DiscoverCars or direct booking might be better.

Compare with DiscoverCars

Tips for Using EconomyBookings Safely

If you decide to book, here are some insider tips to avoid surprises:

Bring a credit card in the driver’s name. Debit cards are usually not accepted.
Read the Rental Conditions carefully. Check for mileage limits, fuel policy, and deposit size.
Consider credit card insurance. It may already cover rentals, saving you money.
Take photos of the car at pickup and drop-off. Always protect yourself from false damage claims.
Book early. Prices rise closer to the pickup date, especially at airports.

Final Verdict: Is EconomyBookings Worth It?

So, is EconomyBookings a scam or a hidden gem?

Based on my experience and research, EconomyBookings is legit — but it’s not perfect. It’s best for:

Travelers who want to save money and don’t mind reading the fine print.
People who can handle credit card deposits without stress.
Experienced travelers who know how rental companies work.

It may not be the best choice if:

You want zero hassle and prefer direct customer support.
You don’t have a credit card with high limits.
You want instant, no-questions-asked insurance coverage.

👉 My advice? Use EconomyBookings as a price comparison tool, but always read conditions carefully and consider comparing with DiscoverCars or Rentalcars.com for clarity.

Check Deals on EconomyBookings Compare with DiscoverCars

✅ Summary: EconomyBookings is a solid option for budget-savvy travelers who want to compare prices and don’t mind handling deposits and insurance claims. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes clear rules and premium service, you may prefer direct booking or DiscoverCars.