Budget security deposit depends on the exact booking and pickup terms. The 2 research notes below show what is documented, which conditions matter, and where a branch confirmation is still needed.
Advertisement
Before you rely on a policy
Amounts and eligibility can change by branch, vehicle, card, and booking. A pending hold is different from a settled charge.
What the policy actually says
| Policy point | Applies when | Amount / status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay later general authorizationverified scoped | Reservation: pay later | Up to $200 extra hold | Official policy ↗ |
| Prepaid pickup authorizationverified scoped | Reservation: prepaid | $250 | Official policy ↗ |
- Budget may hold estimated rental charges plus up to $200 when paying at the counter.
- A separate $250 authorization may apply to certain prepaid bookings at pickup.
Advertisement
Check the rule against your booking
- Find the deposit or authorization line in the location terms.
- Ask whether your payment method changes the hold.
- Keep enough available funds for the hold without treating it as a final fee.
- Save the location terms and signed agreement before leaving the counter.
What to do next
Use the related tool for a conditional estimate. If your location is not covered by a verified rule, the result will remain unverified instead of using another branch's rate.
Advertisement
Official sources
- Required credentials and card hold ↗ www.budget.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
- FTC consumer guidance on renting cars ↗ consumer.ftc.gov · reviewed 2026-11-02
Research checked 2026-11-02. Pickup terms and signed agreements can change. Verify your booking details before paying.
Related guides
Advertisement