Updated June 17, 2026
When the deposit applies, when it's released and what happens if a charge fails.
A security deposit applies to US self-drive bookings (chauffeured and event rentals don't carry a renter deposit). The minimum is the equivalent of $200. If your card is a debit card the amount is deducted; if it's a credit card the amount is pre-authorised.
The deposit is secured before the trip, typically at the later of the owner's approval or 72 hours before the start, and released after you return the car in the condition you first rented it. Depending on your bank, it can take up to 7 business days for the funds to be available again.
If the deposit charge fails you have 24 hours to update your payment details. If it remains unpaid your trip is automatically cancelled before start and the rental fee is not refunded.
What changed: deposits are now scoped to US self-drive rentals rather than applied to every booking.
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