How much is a Budget car rental deposit?

Whether you’re renting for a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip, the deposit (security hold) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354 protects Budget against potential extra costs — like fuel, damages, or additional rental fees 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Below is a breakdown of how the Budget handles deposits, what to expect, and common questions with clear answers 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354.

📌 What Is the Budget Deposit — And Why It’s Needed
The “deposit” for Budget isn’t always a separate upfront cash payment 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. In most cases, Budget places a hold (authorization) on your credit or debit card at the time you pick up the vehicle 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+2carrentalbasics.com+2

This hold covers estimated rental charges plus a buffer amount to cover potential additional expenses (fuel, tolls, damages, late return, etc.) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Pocketsense+2CarInsurent+2

Once you return the car — undamaged, with agreed-upon condition and fuel level — Budget releases the hold (unused portion returns to you) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+2ICC+2

💵 Typical Deposit / Hold Amounts with Budget
What you’ll need to have available on your card depends on a few factors (payment method, rental type, location, vehicle type) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Here’s a general guideline:

For many standard rentals (with a credit card), Budget often places a hold equal to the estimated rental cost plus either 25% of rental cost or US $200 — whichever is greater 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+2Pocketsense+2

In some cases (e.g. prepaid rentals, insurance replacement rentals, tours) the minimum authorization hold might be only US $100 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+1

If you use a debit card at a location that accepts debit — Budget may still accept it, but they may require a hold that includes estimated cost + extra buffer; the hold amount can vary 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+1

Minimum deposit/hold requirements and policies vary by location 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. For example, in some U.S. regions or for certain vehicle types, a higher hold may be required 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Car And Rentals+2budgetkc.com+2

Bottom line: Typically expect a deposit hold in the ballpark of US 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354 $200–$300 or more (depending on rental cost and conditions). In special cases, it could be as low as US 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354 $100 — or higher, depending on location, vehicle or payment method 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354.

⚠️ What Affects the Deposit Amount
Several factors can influence how much Budget will hold on your card at rental time:

Payment method — Credit cards are usually simpler; debit cards may trigger extra hold or screening 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+2budgetkc.com+2

Vehicle type — More expensive or specialty cars may require bigger security holds 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. budgetkc.com+1

Rental duration & estimated charges — Longer rentals with higher estimated cost → larger hold amount 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Pocketsense+1

Location / local policy — Some locations may have stricter requirements or higher minimum holds 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+1

Renter’s age or rental type — Some rentals (like insurance replacement or prepaid tours) have different hold rules 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+1

🔄 When and How You Get Your Deposit Back
The hold is released when the car is returned, provided there are no additional charges (damage, fuel, late return, etc.) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. budgetkc.com+2ICC+2

With a credit card, the hold generally disappears once the rental is closed out (though how quickly it shows as available depends on your bank) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. ICC+1

With a debit card, return-to-account timing depends on the bank; some holds may take several business days to release 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+1

📝 Important Things to Know Before You Rent with Budget
Prepaid cards or gift cards are usually not accepted for the deposit hold at pickup 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. carrentalbasics.com+1

If using a debit card, some locations require extra ID or even a credit check before allowing the rental 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+2CarInsurent+2

Always ensure your card has enough available balance — the hold will freeze the funds until the rental is closed 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354.

Understand that the hold is not a fee — it’s a temporary hold. If there are no extra charges, it’s released 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354.

❓ FAQs: Budget Car Rental Deposit
Can I rent from Budget using a debit card?
Yes — at many U.S. locations Budget allows debit-card deposits, but sometimes with extra requirements (credit check, ID match, larger holds) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+1

Is the deposit refundable?
Yes. The deposit is a hold — once you return the vehicle in acceptable condition and settle any charges, the unused portion is released back to your account 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+1

How much will the Budget hold on my card?
Often the hold is the estimated rental cost plus either 25% or US $200 (whichever is greater) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. For certain rentals (prepaid, insurance replacement, tours), the minimum can be as low as US $100 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. Budget | Rent a Car+2Car And Rentals+2

Will the hold always be $200–$300?
Not always. The amount varies depending on vehicle type, rental duration, location, and payment method. It may be higher (especially for premium vehicles or special rental conditions) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. budgetkc.com+2Pocketsense+2

When will I see the deposit release on my account?
If you used a credit card — typically once the rental is returned and closed out (though the exact timing depends on your bank) 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354. If you used a debit card — it may take several business days after return 📞 +𝟭 — 𝟴77 — 684— 4354.