What payment methods do you accept?

Credit/debit card via Stripe, SEPA bank transfer (with discount), and direct bank transfer for vessels in regions where card processing is restricted.

Blue Rides accepts the major payment methods used in international travel: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover via secure Stripe checkout, plus SEPA bank transfers for European customers (typically with a small discount because we save on card processing fees) and direct international bank transfers via Wise for customers outside the SEPA zone.

For a small number of vessels — currently those operating exclusively in regions where Stripe does not process payments (Cuba, Iran, North Korea) — we offer bank transfer only. The bank details for these vessels are shown directly on the payment page after booking, with the booking number as the payment reference.

All payments are processed in your trip's invoiced currency (typically USD or EUR). Currency conversion to your home currency happens at your card issuer's exchange rate. We never add hidden FX markups.

For larger bookings (full-cabin charter, full-boat charter, group bookings >6 guests), we can issue a proforma invoice and accept staged wire transfers. Contact bookings@bluerides.com to arrange this.

Most bookings use a 2-stage payment plan: a deposit (usually 25-30%) at the time of booking to secure the cabin, and the balance due 60-90 days before departure depending on the operator's terms. You'll receive automated email reminders well before each payment is due, and you can pay any time via the secure link in your booking confirmation — no login required.