While our blog usually focuses on renting cars and traveling around Georgia, we’re making an exception this time — too many of our readers have run into trouble with car rental deposits abroad. Especially in the US and Europe, where the rules can confuse even seasoned travelers.
Renting a car can feel like the most straightforward thing in the world. You show up at the counter, flash your driver’s license, swipe your card, and off you go, cruising down the coast or weaving through a new city. But beneath that smooth surface, there’s one thing that still manages to surprise even seasoned travelers: the deposit.
You think you’re paying $35 a day for a compact, but next thing you know, there’s $300 missing from your account. And that’s just the beginning.
Why Car Rental Deposits Still Catch People Off Guard
You’d think with all the progress in digital payments and travel apps, car rental companies would make the process smoother. In some ways they have — mobile bookings, self-check-in, and paperless agreements are now the norm. But when it comes to deposits, things haven’t changed that much.
Deposits are often vaguely mentioned in the fine print, buried in the “terms and conditions” you click through without reading. Some companies call it a “security hold,” others refer to it as “a pre-authorization,” but it all comes down to the same thing: a chunk of your money is locked up for days, sometimes weeks.
The worst part? It varies wildly depending on the company, the location, and how you pay.
What’s Actually Happening When You Swipe Your Card
When you rent a car, the rental company doesn’t just charge you the base rate. They also place a hold on your credit or debit card — an amount that covers potential damages, fuel charges, late returns, or additional fees. This hold can be as low as $100 or as high as $1,500, depending on where you are and who you’re renting from.
For example, if you’re renting from Enterprise at Los Angeles International Airport, you might be quoted a $50/day rate, but they’ll still block an additional $250 on your card. They’ll tell you it’s “standard procedure,” but it can mess with your plans if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
In Europe, the story’s similar but with different numbers. Rent a car in Rome, and you might find €600 frozen on your credit card. In Amsterdam, it could be €850. And if you’re paying with a debit card? Good luck — many rental desks won’t even take it without proof of return flights, extra documents, or a larger deposit.
Pre-Authorization Isn’t a Charge — Until It Feels Like One
Technically, a pre-authorization is just a hold. It’s not supposed to affect your available balance long-term. But if you’ve ever had $500 tied up for a week while your bank “processes the release,” you know it doesn’t feel that way.
Take the case of Marcus from Chicago. He rented a car in Miami for a four-day weekend trip. The rental cost? $180. The deposit? $300. After returning the car in perfect condition, he was told the hold would “drop off in a few business days.” It took ten.
It Gets Worse Abroad: A Look at Getmancar in Berlin
Even in tech-savvy cities like Berlin, renting a car comes with deposit surprises. Take Getmancar, a service that’s popular across Eastern Europe and now operating in Berlin. Unlike traditional rental desks, Getmancar runs on a car-sharing model where everything happens via app.
Sounds easy, right? It is — until you notice that depending on the vehicle category, Getmancar may block between €200 and €500 as a deposit. This is clearly stated in the app, but for travelers used to smaller holds in the U.S., it can come as a shock. And yes, even though the funds are returned automatically within 3–10 days, the timing depends heavily on your bank’s policies, not just the company’s.
It’s worth noting that Getmancar uses a dynamic deposit system — meaning the amount changes based on your rental history, driving record, and even the time of day. That’s not something you’d know unless you dig into the FAQ or experience it yourself.
Different Cities, Different Rules
Let’s say you rent a car in Boston. You might be charged a $200 deposit if you’re lucky. But go to Las Vegas during spring break, and the same car from the same company might require $500 upfront. Why? Higher risk, more demand, and stricter policies during peak seasons.
In London, Avis might block £300 for a standard rental. In Madrid, the same class of vehicle might require €900. There’s no global standard — and that’s the problem. You never know what you’re walking into unless you’ve rented in that city before.
Why Renting with a Debit Card Is a Gamble
Let’s be honest — not everyone has or wants a credit card. But if you’re renting a car with a debit card, you’re already at a disadvantage. Most car rental companies treat debit card users like high-risk customers. And they don’t hide it.
In the U.S., some companies (like Alamo or Thrifty) may allow you to rent with a debit card, but only if you present a return airline ticket, a utility bill, or pass a credit check. At Denver International Airport, for instance, a traveler was denied his prepaid reservation simply because he didn’t have a return flight booked — even though he lived in Colorado and was just renting for a weekend road trip.
What’s worse, the deposit amounts for debit card renters are often higher. Instead of the usual $200 hold, expect something closer to $500–$1000. Some locations even take the money directly from your account — not just as a hold — meaning it’s actually gone until they process the refund. And if you return the car on a Friday? Don’t expect your funds back until at least the middle of the next week.
In Europe, it’s even more complicated. In countries like Spain or France, many rental desks simply don’t accept debit cards unless they’re branded as credit (like Visa Debit) and issued by specific banks. Travelers from the U.S. have been turned away at the counter, even with reservations in hand.
Insurance: You Think You’re Covered… But the Deposit Says Otherwise
You’ve got travel insurance. You paid extra for full coverage at checkout. Maybe your credit card promises rental car protection. So why is the company still blocking $800?
Because insurance doesn’t always mean less deposit — especially not with car rental companies. They’ll tell you that your coverage is “third party,” or that it doesn’t eliminate their liability. That means they still hold onto your money “just in case.”
Even with “Full Coverage” add-ons, some companies (especially in Italy or Portugal) will still place a hefty deposit on your card. Why? Because most of these policies are handled by external insurers. So if something goes wrong, the rental company doesn’t get paid instantly. They want your money as collateral — whether it makes sense or not.
This leads to some awkward conversations at the counter:
“But I bought full coverage.” “Yes, but that’s through a third party. We still need €900 on your card.”
It’s legal. It’s common. And it’s maddening.
When Deposits Turn Into Disputes
Returning your car is supposed to be the end of the transaction. But with deposits, it’s often just the beginning.
Some companies are quick to release the funds. Others… not so much.
In Chicago, one customer rented a car through Budget, returned it without a scratch, and was told the $300 hold would be released “immediately.” A week later, nothing. Two calls to Budget. Three calls to his bank. Still nothing. Only after tweeting at the company did things move forward.
In Berlin, a traveler using Getmancar returned the car on time, with a full tank and no damage. But €300 stayed on hold for ten days due to a national holiday delay in processing. Even though the car was perfect, the funds weren’t accessible for over a week — and there was nothing the company could do. It was the bank’s system, not theirs.
Another common issue? “Cleaning fees” or “fuel corrections” that come out of the deposit without your knowledge. These charges often appear days after drop-off — and if you didn’t take photos, it’s your word against theirs.
Why You Should Always Assume the Worst (And Hope for the Best)
We’re not saying every car rental company is out to trick you. Most do a decent job, and millions of rentals go smoothly every year. But when things do go wrong, it usually involves the deposit.
The problem isn’t the concept of holding funds. It’s the lack of transparency. The inconsistent policies. The vague explanations. And the fact that customers often find out too late — when they’re already on the road, or standing at the counter with luggage and no options.
So What Can You Actually Do About It? (Without Turning It Into a Full-Time Job)
The truth is, dealing with car rental deposits doesn’t have to be a nightmare — but you do need to stay one step ahead. That starts with reading the fine print. Yes, it’s boring. Yes, it’s written in legalese. But buried in those 25 paragraphs of rental terms is usually one lonely line that says exactly how much they’ll block on your card — and for how long.
Another smart move? Call the rental location directly. Not the main corporate number, but the actual desk where you’ll be picking up the car. Ask them: how much is the deposit? Do they take debit cards? What if I have my own insurance? This ten-minute call can save you a ton of frustration at the counter.
It also helps to document everything. Take photos of the car before and after, especially the fuel gauge, the odometer, and any scratches — even if they seem minor. You’re not being paranoid. You’re being prepared. If anything happens and your deposit gets dinged, you’ll be glad to have a digital paper trail.
And most importantly — don’t rely on your bank to be fast. If you’re renting a car right before a big purchase, a vacation splurge, or a move, just assume those funds will be frozen for a week or more. Budget accordingly. Better yet, use a credit card if possible, so the hold doesn’t affect your available cash.
In the end, renting a car is still one of the most convenient ways to explore a new place — whether you’re cruising through Arizona’s red rocks or navigating Berlin’s ring roads with Getmancar. Just don’t let the deposit ruin the ride.
