Car rental companies will require you to leave a bond, and providing there are no additional charges at the end of your rental, the bond will be returned to your same card.
The deposit or security bond can vary between hire car providers and according to the type of vehicle rented. Keep in mind that the deposit is fully refundable upon the safe and undamaged return of the rental vehicle. If you’re paying for your vehicle with a debit card, this can also affect the bond amount as some depots may charge a larger bond amount to customers paying with a debit card.
If there are any outstanding charges for damage, these may be taken directly from your security bond, meaning that you may not be refunded the full amount of the deposit or security bond.
Normally, renters should get their deposit back between five to ten business days (or less) once the vehicle is returned. The time taken for the return of the funds will depend on both the rental car provider and the policies of your bank, as some banks take longer than others to refund the security bond. If you book during busy periods such as Christmas and Easter, it may also take longer for your bond to be refunded.
If you have not received your bond after ten business days, feel free to contact our Customer Care Team and we will follow up with the car rental company for you.
Important InformationMeg pays the deposit for her rental car in Glasgow
Meg rents a car from Glasgow. When she arrives to pick it up, the car hire company representative notifies her that they will need to freeze an amount on her credit card as a security deposit. Since Meg is only renting a compact car, the deposit amount is £250. The car hire company representative tells her that this amount will be refunded to her credit card after she returns the vehicle, provided there is no damage in the car.
