Bolt is an Estonian mobility company that offers affordable, safe and fast ride-hailing services. The company also provides micromobility rental, food and grocery delivery and carsharing services.
Bolt app is one of the all-in-one mobility apps that allows you to get a ride in minutes. However, we are not going to bolt reviews. Rather, we will walk you through Bolt payments methods and how to order ride in advance.
In a nutshell, we will discuss everything about Bolt payments both in-app and web, including Bolt Pay Later, whether it accept PayPal or Google Pay, and how change payment method during ride.
However before that, let me quickly share with you the latest development of Bolt company. The company has recently expanded into Cairo in Egypt, offering 15% commission to drivers and 50% discounts to riders for the next six months.
This expansion is part of Bolt's plan to investing $500 million into Africa market by the end of 2024. However, Bolt's entry into Cairo makes the company to be competing with existing players (Uber, Careem, DiDi and InDrive) in the city. Learn more about Bolt in Egypt.
In another recent development, Bolt has reportedly been said to be coming to Malaysia. This information was gathered through the company's post on LinkedIn, citing that the ride-hailing company is looking person who can become the company's country manager.
Bolt's expansion into cities is aimed at enhancing its ride-hailing services across the world and creating jobs opportunities to many youth and adults who are idle.
Bolt Payments and Earnings for Drivers
Although, Bolt payment is applicable to both drivers and riders, but we will discuss the driver's payments in this section. As a driver, you will be paid 80% of the amount earned and Bolt will take the remaining 20%. This method is applicable to payment via cash, card and in-app payments.
However, all your earnings will be calculated automatically biweekly and Bolt's 20% commission will be deducted from it and the remaining balance will be paid to you. You can login to your Bolt app to see the sum of the commission fee charged in the Earnings view.
If you're are booked by a rider, the amount the rider will pay you are calculated based on these factors; base fare, minute rate, distance rate, dynamic pricing and additional fee e.g airport fee.
However, you should take note that distance are set automatically on the Bolt app, but you can set yours if the automatic distance rate pricing will not pay you. And if you prefer using the automatic distance rate, do note that factors like traffic and road conditions may extend trip duration and of course affect the pricing. In other words, the final price can differ from the predicted price if the destination is changed mid-trip.
Bolt calculates drivers' payments biweekly, and if you reach the payment threshold, bolt will definitely send your earnings to your linked bank account or mobile wallet during the first half of the following week.
However, it's important to note that Bolt payment may take up to 2 business days to finally arrives in your bank account. According to the ride-hailing company, "local bank's processing time" may have impact on your payout. To analysis your payment, go to the "Earnings view" from the main tab in your Bolt app.
Bolt Payment for Riders
Riders can pay Bolt drivers in cash, using debit card or credit card, and in-app using third party payment service like Apple Pay and PayPal.
However, note that the payment methods accepted on your Bolt app depends on your country. For instance, if you're in Germany, you can link your PayPal to your Bolt profile to order rides.
In some countries, only debit/credit cards are allowed. However, cards that are accepted includes MasterCard, VISA, AMEX, Discover, ApplePay, China UnionPay, Carte Bancaire, Diners, JCB, and MIR. Cards that are not accepted includes GooglePay, Maestro, Verve and Virtual cards.
Follow these steps to add a payment method to your Bolt account:
- Login to your Bolt app and click on the "Profile" icon in the menu.
- Choose your preferred payments method.
- Let's take for instance, you prefer the "Card Payment Method." Add the card details in the relevant text fields and tap the "Add Card" button.
When you add a new card, Bolt will automatically validate the card with a reversible transaction. This means that Bolt will charge a tiny amount from the card and reverse it. However, it can take up to 14 days for the amount to be reversed.
Change Payment Method during Ride is Impossible.
It's important to let you know that you cannot change your Bolt payment while hailing in Bolt taxi. To change your payment method, you must change it before booking a ride.
However, to change payment method for a particular ride or driver, login to your Bolt app >>> Profile >>> Payment tab and choose your preferred payment method. This change will apply to the trip only.
Bolt Payment Methods
Bolt typically offers several payment methods depending on the country and region where you're using the ride-hailing services. For riders using the Bolt ride-hailing app, here are some common payment methods used with Bolt:
- In-App Payments: Bolt Taxi App usually allows riders to pay for rides directly within the app using various payment options. This often includes credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and sometimes even PayPal. This payment method is usually refers to as Bolt Balance; that's you can simply top up a Bolt account balance and use that for ride fares.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Riders can link their credit or debit cards to their Bolt account and use them to pay for rides. This is a convenient option for many users who prefer cashless transactions.
- Mobile Wallets: In some regions, Bolt integrates with popular mobile wallet services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or local mobile payment platforms to allow Riders to pay for their hailing. Riders can simply add funds to their mobile wallets and use them to pay for Bolt rides directly.
- Cash Payments: While Bolt primarily operates on a cashless basis, in some regions, the ride-hailing company may offer the option for riders to pay for rides with cash directly to the driver at the end of the trip. However, this option may not be available in all locations. In a nutshell, Cash is still accepted for ride fares in some markets.
- Vouchers and Promo Codes: Bolt often allows riders to apply vouchers, discounts, or promo codes to their rides, which can reduce the overall fare. These vouchers can be obtained through promotional campaigns, referral programs, or special offers.
- Corporate Billing: In addition to individual payments, Bolt may offer corporate billing solutions for businesses that use their services for employee transportation. This allows companies to manage and pay for rides on behalf of their employees.
However, it's important for you to check your Bolt app for the specific payment methods available in your region, as the taxi app's payment method vary depending on local regulations and partnerships. Additionally, Bolt may periodically introduce new payment options or features to enhance riders experience and accessibility.
How to book a ride in Advance
Yes, you can book a ride in advance on the Bolt app. Bolt allows you to book a ride in advance from 30 minutes to 3 days before your trip. To book a ride in advance on the bolt app, follow these instructions:
- Login to your Bolt app
- Tap on "Reserve a Ride" icon
- Now, set your preferred pick-up time, location and destination.
- Review your order and tap on "Reserve"
Congratulations, you've successfully booked a ride in advance on the Bolt app. You can navigate to "My Rides" >> "Upcoming Rides" to review your order or to cancel your order. However, do note that you may be charged a cancellation fees.
Bolt PayLater
Bolt Buy Now PayLater, offers by Estonian Fintech Startup ESTO, is a consumer credit services that allows Bolt's customers to split payments for the goods and services purchased in-store. After you've used the PayLater services, you'll be given 30 days to repay your loan without any additional cost.
However, it's important to let you know that Bolt Pay Later is a BNPL payment option that can only be used in stores and online shops. It does not apply to the mobility or delivery services of Bolt and Bolt Food. If you're riding with Bolt taxi, you will have to pay for your mobility service using any of your preferred payment options that's available on your Bolt's profile.
To use the Bolt BNPL service, kindly select "Bolt PayLater" at your checkout page or on the cashier's counter in-store to use the service.
Bolt Payment FAQs
Can I change payment methods in Bolt app during ride?
No, you cannot change payment option while hailing in Bolt taxi. However, if you need to change payment method you ought to have done that before you book a ride.
Does Bolt accept PayPal?
Yes, in some countries like Germany and Kenya, Bolt does accept PayPal payment option. However, in countries like Nigeria and Ghana where there's no room for PayPal services, you will not be able to use PayPal to pay for your ride services in Bolt taxi app.
What is Bolt Taxi Payment?
Bolt ride-hailing payment is the payment made to driver to cober your trip services. This payment can be made through various payment options including credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Cash.
Does Bolt accept Google Pay?
No, cards like GooglePay, Maestro, Verve and Virtual cards are not acceptable on Bolt taxi app.
Can I pay Cash with Bolt Taxi?
Yes, you can definitely pay in cash to Bolt driver. However, it's important to choose cash payment before you order a ride. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to change payment method while riding. Learn more about Bolt Cash Payment.