The rental car deposit (hold) explained - and how to avoid it
Quick answer: most rental desks pre-authorise (block) €1,000-€2,500 on the main driver’s credit card for the whole rental, as security for the excess. It isn’t spent, but it ties up your credit limit and can take weeks to be released. The No Deposit option removes the hold entirely - nothing is blocked, and no credit card is needed at the counter.
The deposit is the part of car rental that catches people out most - not because it’s a charge, but because it quietly freezes a big chunk of your spending money for the whole trip. Here’s exactly how it works and how to avoid it.
What the deposit is
When you collect the car, the desk takes a pre-authorisation on a credit card in the main driver’s name. That amount is reserved by your bank - you can’t spend it - for the duration of the rental. It exists to cover the excess if the car is damaged or stolen, plus possible fuel shortfalls, tolls or fines. At the end, assuming all is well, the hold is released.
Why it’s a problem on holiday
- It can swallow €1,000-€2,500 of your available credit for the whole trip.
- It usually requires a credit card (not debit) in the main driver’s name, with enough limit.
- The release can take days to weeks, so the money seems to “disappear” after you get home.
- Disputes over small damage can be deducted from it before you can argue.
How the No Deposit option works
Instead of holding security against the excess, an all-inclusive No Deposit rate builds the cover into the price. The excess is waived or refunded, so there’s no risk amount for the desk to secure - which means nothing is blocked, and you don’t need a credit card at all. You pay online (debit card, bank transfer or PayPal), complete the online check-in, and just sign at the counter.
| Standard rate | No Deposit (DisDou) | |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked at counter | €1,000-€2,500 | Nothing |
| Credit card required | Usually yes | No |
| Excess | You carry it | Waived / refunded |
| Refund wait | Days-weeks | None |
Drive off with nothing blocked
Choose the No Deposit option and keep your full spending limit on holiday.
Search no-deposit carsFrequently asked questions
How much is a rental car deposit?
Typically €1,000-€2,500, depending on the car category and location. It is held (pre-authorised) on the main driver’s credit card for the whole rental and released after return.
Why do rental companies hold a deposit?
The deposit covers the excess in case of damage, theft, fuel shortfalls, fines or tolls. It is security against costs the company might incur - not a payment.
How long until my rental deposit is refunded?
The hold is usually released within a few days of return, but it can take up to 2-4 weeks to reappear depending on your bank - which is why a No Deposit option is so useful.
Can I rent a car without a deposit?
Yes. With the No Deposit option, nothing is blocked at the counter - no credit card and no cash deposit required. Cover is built into the rate instead.