How Much Deposit Is Blocked on a Rental Car?

There's no single answer to how much deposit is blocked on a rental car: the amount varies by vehicle group, brand and model, and by the rental company. The Avis Türkiye page doesn't list a fixed TL amount; Carjet and Auto Europe also don't give a figure. The exact amount appears in your reservation terms. Make sure your card has a limit covering the rental fee plus the deposit combined.

In short

• The deposit is not fixed; it varies by vehicle group, rental type and company. Read the amount in your reservation terms.
• For Avis's online prepaid reservation, only a personal credit card is accepted; ask other companies about their card requirements in advance.
• The card limit must cover the rental fee plus the deposit combined; otherwise the vehicle may not be handed over.
• At Avis, refunds reflect on the card within 3-5 business days after the return process.
• Photograph the vehicle at pickup and drop-off, and keep the closing document.

The core rule: the deposit amount is not fixed

The deposit is a security amount requested in addition to the rental fee. Avis Türkiye states that, in addition to the rental fee, a certain deposit rate is collected according to the brand and model of the rented vehicle; its page does not list a fixed TL amount. According to Carjet's help page, in most offers the deposit is temporarily blocked on the main driver's credit card for the duration of the rental. Auto Europe Türkiye writes that a security deposit block is applied at vehicle pickup, and that the main credit card is most likely required.

The process can differ from company to company and offer to offer. So there isn't a single correct figure. Read the amount from the item listed as deposit in your reservation terms or confirmation email. If it's not stated there, don't complete the reservation without asking the company. Also confirm with your contract and your bank how the amount will appear on your card — whether it's a block or a charge — since the sources don't use the same wording on this point.

Your card needs a limit covering the rental fee plus the deposit combined.

What determines the deposit amount

Three factors determine the amount: vehicle group, rental type, and rental company. In Avis Türkiye's online prepaid reservation, the deposit amount varies by rental type and vehicle group; the page does not give a TL figure.

Figures on comparison sites

On the comparison site Enuygun's Avis listing, the deposit varies by vehicle: 3,000 TL for a Kia Picanto, 3,000 TL for a Nissan Sunny, and 100,000 TL for a Hyundai i10 and i20. These figures appear on an intermediary site, not the official Avis page. They show how much amounts can differ by vehicle; but don't apply them to your own reservation — the figure that applies is the one in your contract.

What to do when comparing

• Look for the deposit item in the reservation summary.
• When comparing the same vehicle across several channels, note the deposit amount alongside the rental fee.
• Calculate your card limit based on the sum of the rental fee and the deposit.

A rental that looks cheap can fill your card's limit because of a high deposit. In that case there may be no limit left for other expenses during the holiday.

Which card is accepted

In Avis Türkiye's online prepaid reservation, the deposit is only taken with a personal credit card; cash and debit cards are not accepted. This rule has only been confirmed as fact for that reservation type. Check the terms on the reservation page for other reservation types and other companies.

According to Carjet's help page, in most offers the block is made on the main driver's credit card. Auto Europe Türkiye says the main credit card is most likely required. The practical consequences are:

• Prepare the card in the main driver's name; if bringing a spouse's or friend's card, get written approval from the company beforehand.
• The card's limit must cover the rental fee plus the deposit combined. Carjet states that the vehicle may not be handed over if there is insufficient balance on the card.
• Confirm with your bank that the card is open to overseas transactions.

If renting abroad, the driving licence is a separate matter. Check How to Get an International Driving Licence? Application and Documents for when an international driving licence is required. If there's a card or licence issue at the drop-off desk, the vehicle may not be handed over; the fate of the prepayment depends on the company's cancellation conditions.

How long does the deposit refund take

According to Avis Türkiye, the deposit refund reflects on the credit card within 3-5 business days after the return process is completed. This duration is given for Avis. For other companies' timeframes, check the rental terms and find out the duration at the reservation stage.

What to do during the return

• Have the vehicle checked with an attendant and request the damage-free delivery document.
• Photograph the fuel level, mileage and the vehicle's general condition at drop-off.
• Keep the closing document or email.

When the period has passed

Weekends don't count in business-day calculations; plan your timeline accordingly. If the period has passed and the refund hasn't appeared on your card, first contact the rental company, then your bank. Keep the closing document and transaction date on hand. If a deduction was made, ask the company for an itemized breakdown and submit your objection in writing. When the refund appears on your statement may also depend on your bank's processing speed.

Common mistakes

Deposit problems often stem from the same few mistakes.

• Showing up with a debit card or cash. Avis Türkiye's online prepaid reservation requires a personal credit card; cash and debit cards are not accepted. Read the terms of other companies in advance.
• Calculating the limit based only on the rental fee. The card must have a limit covering the rental fee plus the deposit combined. Insufficient limit can lead to the vehicle not being handed over.
• Bringing someone else's card. According to Auto Europe and Carjet, the main driver's card is required; the requirement may differ at other companies. If the cardholder and driver are different, problems may arise at the drop-off desk; get approval in advance.
• Taking the vehicle without documenting it. If you don't record scratches and dents at pickup, you'll have no evidence in a deduction dispute at return.
• Treating figures on comparison sites as final. Amounts on comparison sites are not the official company page; the exact amount is written in your reservation terms.

If you see offers with a low deposit or no deposit, read the extra insurance fee and damage deduction conditions. There's no confirmed general rule on this; check the company's current terms.

Step by step what to do and checklist

Step by step

• Find the deposit item and refund condition on the reservation page; if missing, write to the company.
• Prepare a personal credit card in the main driver's name.
• Check the card limit and overseas transaction permission with your bank.
• Leave free limit equal to the rental fee plus the deposit combined; request a limit increase if necessary.
• See the deposit amount on the contract or receipt at the drop-off desk.
• Document the vehicle with photos and video.
• Get the closing document at return and note the refund date.

Your transport plan on arrival also matters. If the flight is delayed or the card is rejected, the office may already be closed; booking an airport transfer for the first night is a safe backup. In regions with early-morning activities like Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour and Nature Activities, starting with a transfer and leaving the car rental for the next day can also be considered.

Checklist before setting off

• Personal credit card, in the main driver's name
• Driving licence and international driving licence if needed
• Card limit higher than the rental fee plus deposit combined
• Overseas transaction permission obtained from the bank
• Reservation confirmation, deposit and refund condition printout ready
• Phone charged for taking photos at drop-off
• Return date and expected refund period noted

Frequently asked questions

Is the rental car deposit paid in cash?

In Avis Türkiye's online prepaid reservation, the deposit is only taken with a personal credit card; cash and debit cards are not accepted. Terms may differ at other companies and reservation types. Check your reservation terms in advance.

Is the deposit charged from the card or blocked?

According to Carjet, in most offers the deposit is temporarily blocked on the main driver's credit card for the duration of the rental. Avis Türkiye, on the other hand, states that the deposit is collected. Confirm the process with your contract and your bank.

How many days does the deposit refund take to appear on my card?

According to Avis Türkiye, it reflects on the credit card within 3-5 business days after the return process is completed. For other companies' timeframes, check the rental terms. If the period passes, contact the company first, then your bank.

What happens if my card doesn't have enough limit?

According to Carjet, if there is insufficient balance on the card, the vehicle may not be handed over. Calculate the limit based not only on the rental fee but on the rental fee plus deposit combined. Request a limit increase from your bank if necessary.

Can I rent a car with someone else's credit card?

Auto Europe Türkiye states that the main credit card is most likely required; according to Carjet, in most offers the block is also made on the main driver's card. If you plan to use a different card, get written approval from the company first.

Is the deposit amount the same for everyone?

No. The amount varies by vehicle group, brand and model, rental type and company. Figures on comparison sites are not the official company amount; the amount that applies appears in your reservation terms.

Sources

• Car Rental Terms - Insurance Terms — avis.com.tr
• Will I need to leave a deposit when picking up the vehicle? — support.carjet.com
• Credit Card and Deposit FAQ — autoeurope.com.tr
• Avis Car Rental, Compare 100+ Rent a Car Prices — enuygun.com