A security deposit can be a temporary card authorization or a debit that is later refunded. Check the transaction type and the pickup rule before treating it as a final charge.
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.
Explore specific questions
What to check first
- Compare the estimate on your reservation with the pickup authorization.
- Ask whether a prepaid booking still needs a separate pickup hold.
- Keep available credit or cash above the quoted charge until the branch confirms its rule.
Documented policy examples
These examples are scoped to the condition shown; they are not default U.S. prices.
| Policy point | Applies when | Amount / status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| No return itinerary, conditional credit depositverified scoped | Ticketed return travel: No; Payment: credit; Market: US | $200–$850 | Official policy ↗ |
| Without ticketed return itineraryverified scoped | Ticketed return travel: No; Market: US | $300–$400 | Official policy ↗ |
| Without ticketed return itineraryverified scoped | Ticketed return travel: No; Market: US | $300–$400 | Official policy ↗ |
| Debit hold upper exampleverified scoped | Payment: debit; Market: US | Up to $500 | Official policy ↗ |
| Debit hold exampleverified scoped | Payment: debit | $500 | Official policy ↗ |
| Credit vs debit authorizationverified scoped | Market: US | Conditional formula | Official policy ↗ |
| Pay later general authorizationverified scoped | Reservation: pay later | Up to $200 extra hold | Official policy ↗ |
| Prepaid pickup authorizationverified scoped | Reservation: prepaid | $250 | Official policy ↗ |
How to check your own rental
- Open the company policy and your pickup location terms.
- Match the card, age, vehicle, location and reservation type.
- Get a complete quote and save it with your agreement.
Common questions
Is a rental car security deposit a charge?
It is often a temporary authorization rather than a settled purchase; the method and release process vary by company and payment method.
Why is the pending hold larger than my reservation total?
A pickup hold may include estimated rental charges and a separate security deposit. Verify the branch and car class.
When will my rental car deposit return?
The rental company may release the hold after a qualifying return, but your bank can take additional time to restore available credit or funds.
Official sources
- FTC consumer guidance on renting cars ↗ consumer.ftc.gov · reviewed 2026-11-02
- Payment cards and deposits ↗ www.enterprise.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
- Payment methods ↗ www.nationalcar.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
- Credit and debit payment options ↗ www.alamo.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
- Accepted credit and debit cards ↗ www.hertz.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
- Payment methods and deposits ↗ www.dollar.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
- Reservation policy ↗ www.thrifty.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
- Required credentials and card hold ↗ www.budget.com · reviewed 2026-11-02
Research checked 2026-11-02. Pickup terms and signed agreements can change. Verify your booking details before paying.