A rental car deposit, often called a "hold" or "authorization" on your credit or debit card, typically ranges from $200 to $500 for a standard sedan. However, the final amount depends heavily on the vehicle class, rental company, location, and duration. The most significant factor is your payment method; using a debit card often results in a much higher deposit, sometimes including an additional security cash hold.
This amount isn't an extra charge but a temporary hold to cover potential additional costs like fuel, tolls, or damage. The hold is released upon the vehicle's return, but it can take your bank 3-14 business days to remove it from your available balance.
| Factor | Typical Deposit Range | Details & Examples |
|---|
| Vehicle Class | $250 - $500+ | Economy cars are on the lower end; luxury SUVs and premium vehicles are higher. |
| Rental Company | Varies by policy | Major brands like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have similar but not identical policies. |
| Rental Location | Airport vs. Neighborhood | Airports often have higher deposits due to additional fees and taxes. |
| Rental Duration | Per rental period | A 7-day rental will have the same hold as a 3-day rental; it's not daily. |
| Payment Method: Credit Card | $200 - $400 | The preferred method; the hold is a simple authorization. |
| Payment Method: Debit Card | $500+ | Often requires a credit check and an additional cash security deposit. |
| Young Renter Surcharge | Additional $50 - $100+ | Drivers under 25 may see a higher total deposit amount. |
| Additional Driver Fee | Varies | Adding a driver may increase the total security hold. |
To avoid surprises, always ask the rental company for the exact deposit amount when booking and ensure your card has sufficient available credit. Using a credit card is strongly recommended over a debit card for this process.
