
An ACE Rent A Car deposit, also known as a hold, typically ranges from $200 to $500 on top of the rental cost. The exact amount isn't fixed; it depends heavily on the location, the class of vehicle you're renting, your payment method, and your own rental profile. This hold is a pre-authorization on your credit or debit card, not an immediate charge, and it's released upon the vehicle's safe return.
The primary factors influencing the deposit are the vehicle's value and the associated risk for the company. Renting a standard economy car will generally require a deposit on the lower end of the scale, while reserving a premium SUV or a luxury model will likely trigger a higher hold, sometimes exceeding $500. Your method of payment is also critical. Renting with a debit card often results in a higher deposit compared to using a major credit card. Furthermore, local state laws and specific franchise policies can cause variations, so the deposit in a major airport location might differ from a suburban branch.
It's crucial to plan your finances for this. The deposit hold, plus the initial rental cost, will temporarily reduce your available credit or banking balance. The release of the hold after you return the car can take several business days, depending on your bank's policies, so it won't be immediate.
| Factor | Typical Impact on Deposit Amount |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Class | Economy: ~$200; Standard: ~$300; Premium/SUV: ~$400+ |
| Payment Method | Credit Card: Standard hold; Debit Card: Often $100+ higher |
| Renter's Age | Under 25: May incur a young renter fee and higher deposit |
| Rental Location | Airport locations may have slightly different policies |
| Rental Duration | Longer rentals might see a proportional increase in the hold |
| Additional Drivers | Adding extra drivers may increase the deposit amount |
The most reliable way to know your exact deposit is to simulate a booking on the ACE website or app, as the final checkout process will display the total amount to be held before you confirm.

Plan on them putting a hold of about $300 or so on your card, maybe more for a bigger vehicle. It's not a charge, just a temporary hold to cover them in case of any issues. I always make sure I have enough room on my card for the rental cost plus that extra cushion. The key is to use a credit card if you can—it makes the whole process smoother, and the hold drops off faster than with a debit card.

The deposit isn't a single price. It's a hold based on what you rent and how you pay. For a compact car with a credit card, expect around $250. If you use a debit card or book a premium SUV, that number can easily jump to $400 or $500. Always check your payment card's available balance to ensure it can cover the rental fee plus this significant hold. This information is always disclosed before you finalize your reservation online.

From my experience, the deposit is the tricky part people forget to budget for. You pay for the rental, and then ACE places an authorization on your card for potentially another $400. This ties up your money until a few days after you return the car unscathed. My advice is to call the specific ACE location you're renting from. Their policies can vary, and they can give you the most accurate estimate for your situation. Confirming this directly prevents any surprises at the counter.

Think of the ACE deposit as a refundable deposit, similar to what you'd pay for an apartment. The amount is variable. Key factors are the car category—a minivan will require a larger hold than a sedan—and your choice of payment. Using a debit card introduces more risk for the company, so they offset that with a larger deposit. To avoid confusion, complete a mock reservation on their official website. The final summary page will explicitly state the total amount for the rental and the separate security deposit hold before you have to enter any payment details.


