How long does a deposit refund take?

When you rent a car, a refundable deposit is taken at the handover as security. It is returned to you after the rental, but many customers want to know exactly how long that takes. The honest answer is that it depends on your payment method and your bank, so this guide explains what to expect.

How Long Does the Refund Take?

Once you return the car in good condition and it has been checked, the deposit is released back to you. The timing depends on how you paid:

The difference is mainly down to how banks process refunds. Debit card refunds often take longer to show in your account than other methods, even after we have released the deposit on our side.

Why Does a Debit Card Take Longer?

This is the most common question, and it is worth understanding. When a deposit is refunded, we release it promptly on our side, but how quickly it appears in your account is then up to your bank. Debit card refunds typically pass through more banking steps and can take from 7 to 20 days to show, depending on the bank and the country. This is normal and not unusual for car rental or other deposits. If you paid by debit card, it is best to expect the longer end of that range so the timing is not a surprise.

When Does the Refund Start?

The refund is processed after two things happen: you return the car, and the vehicle is checked to confirm it is in good condition with no outstanding charges. Once that is done, the deposit is released. So the countdown to your refund starts at return, not at the moment you drop the keys, but very shortly after, once the quick check is complete. Returning the car on time, refuelled to the level you received it, and in good condition helps the refund go through smoothly.

What Could Delay or Reduce the Refund?

In most cases the full deposit is returned. It could be delayed or reduced if there is something to resolve first, for example:

If any of these apply, we will contact you to explain before settling. If none apply, the full deposit is returned on the timeline above.

How Is the Refund Paid Back?

The deposit is returned to the same method you paid it with, your debit card, credit card, or e-wallet. The deposit cannot be paid in cash, so the refund always goes back to a card or wallet. Keeping your receipt or record of the deposit is helpful, as it makes confirming the amount and method straightforward.

What Should I Do If the Refund Is Taking Too Long?

First, check the expected timeline for your payment method: up to 7 days for most methods, and up to 20 days for debit cards. If it has been longer than that, the first step is to check with your bank, since the delay is often on the banking side after we have released the deposit. If your bank has no record and the expected time has clearly passed, contact us with your booking details and we can confirm when the deposit was released on our side and help resolve it.

Understanding the deposit is part of understanding the full cost of your rental. For more, see our guide on the deposit and extra charges, or read whether you can rent without a credit card. When you are ready, book your car online.

This article answers common questions about deposit refunds, including: