Card Price vs. Cash Save Price (COD): Which Should I Choose?
Note: Car shipping offers two payment options: pay the full amount by card, or save money by paying the carrier balance in cash at delivery. Here is how each works and which to choose.
Two Prices, One Decision
When you get a car shipping quote from Web Auto Transport, you will see two price options: a Card Price and a Cash Save Price. Both prices cover the exact same service, the same carrier network, the same RateShield guarantee, and the same level of care for your vehicle. The only difference is how and when you pay.
This article explains what each option means, why the prices differ, and which one makes sense for your situation.
What Is the Card Price?
The Card Price is the all-in total when you pay the full amount by credit or debit card.
Here is how payment works under this option:
- At carrier assignment: A full payment is charged to your card once a verified, FMCSA-licensed carrier is assigned to your shipment. Nothing is charged before that. Card payment gives you the convenience of a single payment method throughout the process. Your card handles everything. No cash to arrange, no trip to the bank, no coordination on delivery day.
What Is the Cash Save Price?
The Cash Save Price is a lower rate available when you agree to pay the carrier balance directly to the driver at delivery in cash, cashier's check, or money order. This payment method is also known as Cash on Delivery (COD)
Here is how payment works under this option:
- At carrier assignment: A small partial payment is charged to your card.
- At delivery: The remaining carrier balance is paid directly to the driver. The driver does not accept personal checks or credit cards. Payment must be in cash, cashier's check, or money order for the exact amount.
The Cash Save Price is typically $50 to $150 less than the Card Price on the same shipment.
Why Is There a Price Difference?
The difference reflects credit card processing costs. When you pay by card, the payment processor charges a fee on every transaction, typically around 2.9% + 30ยข of the transaction value plus a flat fee. On a $1,200 shipment, that is roughly $35 to $40 in processing fees.
When the carrier balance is paid in cash at delivery, that processing fee does not apply. The savings are passed to you as the lower Cash Save Price.
There is no difference in service quality, carrier selection, or priority between the two options. The price difference is purely a reflection of payment processing economics.
A Real-Life Example: Tom's Coast-to-Coast Move
Tom was shipping his 2021 Ford F-150 from Portland, Oregon to Nashville, Tennessee. His quote showed a Card Price of $1,145 and a Cash Save Price of $1,095. The difference was $50.
Tom was relocating for work and his company was reimbursing the shipping cost. He needed a single card transaction and a clean receipt for his expense report. He chose the Card Price without hesitation. The administrative simplicity was worth $50 to him in his specific situation.
His colleague at the same company, Amy, was shipping her own car at the same time on a similar route. She was paying out of pocket and had no expense report requirement. She chose the Cash Save Price, stopped at her bank the morning of delivery to get a cashier's check for the exact carrier balance amount her coordinator had confirmed, and handed it to the driver when he arrived.
Same service. Same carrier quality. Same transit time. Tom paid $50 more for the convenience of card-only payment. Amy saved $50 by handling the carrier payment in cash.
Both made the right choice for their situations.
Practical Comparison
|
|
Card Price | Cash Save Price |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | Higher | Lower (typically $50-$150 less) |
| Payment at carrier assignment | Card charge | Card charge |
| Payment at delivery | Not applicable | Cash, cashier's check, or money order to driver |
| Personal checks accepted at delivery | Not applicable | No |
| Credit cards accepted by driver | Not applicable | No |
| Convenience | Simpler, one payment method | Requires cash or certified funds preparation before delivery |
| Best for | Convenience, expense reports, corp. reimbursement | Saving money, flexibility |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Card Price if:
You want one payment method throughout the entire process with no coordination required at delivery. Your employer is reimbursing the cost and you need a clean card receipt. You are not confident you can arrange a cashier's check or the exact cash amount before delivery. The delivery timing is uncertain enough that planning a bank visit beforehand is inconvenient.
Choose the Cash Save Price if:
You want to reduce your total cost and are comfortable arranging a cashier's check or cash before delivery. You have a confirmed delivery window that gives you time to prepare the payment. You are paying out of pocket and the savings are meaningful to your budget.
Important Notes on Cash Save Payment at Delivery
The driver requires payment before releasing your vehicle. This is a standard industry requirement. The carrier balance must be paid in full at delivery before the driver will complete the handover.
Prepare the exact amount. Your logistics specialist will confirm the exact carrier balance before delivery day. Get a cashier's check or prepare cash for that exact figure. Drivers do not carry change.
Cashier's checks are the safest option. They are accepted by every carrier, they eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash, and they provide a clear paper record of payment. Most banks issue them for a small fee, typically $5 to $10.
Personal checks are not accepted. Carriers will not accept personal checks at delivery. If you arrive at delivery with a personal check and no other payment, the vehicle cannot be released until payment is arranged.
Confirm the carrier balance amount in advance. Do not wait until delivery day to ask what you owe. Your logistics specialist will provide the exact amount during the delivery notification call, typically 24 to 48 hours before arrival.
Q&A
Q: Can I switch from Cash Save Price to Card Price after booking?
Yes, contact us before carrier assignment and we can update your payment preference. After a carrier is assigned, the delivery payment terms are committed and may not be changeable.
Q: What if I show up at delivery without enough cash or a cashier's check?
Call us immediately at (760) 932-2886. We will work with you and the carrier to arrange a solution, but this situation creates a genuine problem on delivery day. Avoid it by confirming the carrier balance amount at least 24 hours before delivery and preparing your payment the day before.
Q: Can the driver accept Venmo, Zelle, Cash App or other digital payments?
This varies by carrier. Some drivers accept digital payment apps, but it is not guaranteed and should not be assumed. Stick to cash or cashier's check to ensure no issue at delivery.
Q: Is the Card Price higher because the service is better?
No. The service is identical. The price difference reflects only the cost of credit card processing.
Q: Does choosing Cash Save Price affect my RateShield guarantee?
No. RateShield applies to both payment options equally. Your quoted price is locked for 30 days regardless of which payment method you choose.
Q: Will I get a receipt for the cash or cashier's check payment at delivery?
Your signed delivery Bill of Lading serves as the record of vehicle receipt and payment completion. Keep a copy. If you pay by cashier's check, keep the stub from your bank as additional documentation.
Payment questions? Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotransport.com.
