
The deposit for a Sixt car rental, often called a "security deposit" or "authorization hold," is not a single fixed amount. It's a temporary hold placed on your credit or debit card to cover potential charges. The amount is typically between $200 and $500, but it can be significantly higher for premium, luxury, or larger vehicle classes. The final amount depends on the car group you select, the rental location, rental duration, and your payment method.
This hold is released upon the vehicle's return, but it's crucial to understand that the funds are temporarily unavailable in your account. Renting with a debit card often involves a more stringent process and a higher risk of a larger hold. The most accurate way to determine the exact deposit is to proceed with a mock booking on Sixt's website or app, as the final checkout page will display the specific hold amount for your reservation.
| Factor Influencing Deposit | Typical Impact on Deposit Amount | Example / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Class | Higher cost/luxury vehicles increase the hold. | An economy car may have a $250 hold, while a luxury SUV could be $750+. |
| Rental Duration | Longer rentals may increase the hold amount. | A 7-day rental might have a larger hold than a 2-day rental. |
| Renter's Age | Young drivers (under 25) often face a higher deposit. | A Young Renter Surcharge and a larger security hold are common. |
| Payment Method | Debit cards usually have a higher hold than credit cards. | Some locations may not accept debit cards for the initial security hold. |
| Geographic Location | Airport locations may have different policies than city branches. | Deposits at major airports can be standardized at a higher rate. |
| Additional Services | Adding a GPS, child seat, or extra driver can increase the hold. | Each added service adds to the total potential charges covered by the hold. |
The key is to ensure your card has enough available credit to cover the estimated rental cost plus the security deposit hold. The release of the hold after you return the car can take 3-14 business days, depending on your bank's policy, so planning your finances accordingly is essential.

From my experience, budget for a hold of at least $300 on your card, maybe more for a fancy car. It’s not a charge, just them making sure they’re covered. The exact number pops up right before you confirm the booking online. I always use a credit card for this; it’s way easier than a debit card and doesn’t tie up my actual cash. Just make sure you have enough room on your card’s limit.

Think of it as a safety net for Sixt. The deposit varies a lot. For a basic sedan, it might be around $250. If you're getting a 7-seater SUV for the family trip, expect that hold to jump up to $500 or more. The biggest factor is the car itself. Your best bet is to simply go through the booking process on their website—it shows you the exact security hold amount before you have to pay anything.

Yeah, so it’s not like a set fee. They basically put a temporary lock on some of your card funds. I’ve seen it be like $200 for a small car and way higher for something cool. Pro tip: Use a credit card, not your debit. That way it’s just credit limit stuff and not your real bank balance being frozen. It unlocks a few days after you bring the car back, no scratches, no problem.


