15 Car Rentals w/ the Lowest Deposit Ranked (No Deposit?)
Car rentals typically charge a security deposit when the renter collects the vehicle and return the full amount at the end of the rental (if all goes well).
Unfortunately, if you’re hunting for a US-based car rental company with no security deposit required, there isn’t one presently.
Still, it’s handy to know which car rental company charges the least deposit to lower your initial outlay.
The 15 Car Rentals with Low Deposits (from Cheap to Expensive)
This list starts with the car rental that charges the lowest security deposit.
#1 Getaround
Deposit amount: $150.
Website: https://www.getaround.com/
Getaround is one of the popular car-sharing networks and a convenient way to find a host with the right make and model that suit your needs.
Although the deposit starts at $150 for first-time guests, it can increase depending on the car, trip length, and Getaround’s discretion.
The security deposit is on a per-trip basis, and Getaround will refund the amount, minus any unpaid sums, within 14 days from the end of the trip.
#2 Silvercar
Deposit amount: $200.
Website: https://turo.com/
Silvercar is a unique car rental service by Audi. Its all-Audi fleet should delight Audi loyalists wishing to try a different Audi model on their business trips or family vacations.
Further, the entire rental process is contactless, where guests will receive instructions on their phones, which they also use to unlock the vehicle before commencing the trip.
Silvercar authorizes the payment card up to the estimated total amount plus the $200 security deposit at the outset of the rental.
#3 Sixt
Deposit amount: $200.
Website: https://www.sixt.com/
Sixt’s $200 deposit is the lowest among traditional car rentals (that aren’t a car-sharing platform).
The amount may be higher for high-value luxury cars. Still, Sixt will charge $200 for security purposes for most vehicles, including minivans and large SUVs like Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban.
Although Sixt will initiate the refund within 24 hours of the end of your trip, it typically takes days before the money reaches your payment account.
#4 Dollar
Deposit amount: $200 for credit cards; $500 for debit cards.
Website: https://www.dollar.com/
Hertz Corporation owns and operates Dollar, Hertz, and Thrifty car rentals, so they have similar deposit requirements.
When you pick up the car, Dollar will place an authorized hold on your credit or debit card for the estimated total plus the security deposit.
From the deposit standpoint, using a credit card is more beneficial as the amount is considerably lower than a debit card – $200 vs. $500.
Cards bearing the American Express, Carte Blanche, China Union Pay, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard, or Visa logo are acceptable.
#5 Hertz
Deposit amount: $200 for credit cards; $500 for debit cards.
Website: https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/
As Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty come under the same parent company, opting for Hertz will give your more vehicle choices.
The security deposit amount is $200 and $500 for credit and debit cards, respectively.
#6 Thrifty
Deposit amount: $200 for credit cards; $500 for debit cards.
Website: https://www.thrifty.com/
While Thrifty rental locations in the US will require a $200 or $500 security deposit via a hold on the payment card, renters in Canada will pay CAD$350 regardless of card type.
However, it’s worth knowing that Thrifty’s Blue Chip members will not have this incidental hold on their payment card if they have a non-prepaid Visa saved in their profile after the first rental.
If you’re considering a Thrifty car rental, it might help to understand Thrifty’s common issues and complaints, as it didn’t score highly in JD Power’s annual satisfaction survey.
#7 Turo
Deposit amount: Minimum $200; can go up to $750, depending on the car and renter’s age.
Website: https://turo.com/
Turo is the most renowned car-sharing platform, and it’s an excellent pick for travelers who want infinitely more car choices at unbeatable rental rates.
Turo cars may be mileage-limited, but the allowance will suffice for most use cases (rpd). For those needing more miles beyond the allocation, the fee per mile over the limit is reasonable and depends on the vehicle type.
As the security deposit amount varies by host, be prepared to pay more for larger or more expensive cars, especially the younger drivers.
#8 Avis
Deposit amount: $250-$300.
Website: https://www.avis.com/en/home
Avis competes with Hertz and Enterprise as the largest car rental companies in North America and globally.
Like other traditional car rentals, Avis places a $250 deposit hold on the payment card on top of the estimated total rental cost, whether you choose the prepay or pay later option.
The next two car rentals on this list operate under the Avis Budget Group, so expect their security deposits to be similar to Avis.
#9 Payless
Deposit amount: $250 for credit cards; $300 for debit cards.
Website: https://www.paylesscar.com/en/home
Payless car rental is the least known of the three under the Avis umbrella, with incredibly low rental rates.
The security deposit it holds isn’t the cheapest, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable rental car than at Payless – but beware of the hidden charges.
However, its limited branches mean you’re less likely to find one in your destination.
#10 Budget
Deposit amount: Up to $300 ($100 for prepaid rentals).
Website: https://www.budget.com/en/home
Regardless of credit or debit card, Budget will charge up to $300 as a security deposit; the amount may vary by location.
Budget will impose the lower $100 deposit hold for the following:
- Prepaid rentals through the Budget.com website.
- Insurance or auto repair replacement rentals.
- Tour rentals.
While the $300 amount is industry-average for US rentals, the Canadian counterparts will need to fork out CAD$500 for the first day and CAD$75 for each additional rental day.
#11 Alamo
Deposit amount: $300-$400.
Website: https://www.alamo.com/en/home.html
Alamo is a reliable car rental and ranked among the most trusted in the industry, behind Enterprise and National, its corporate siblings.
While its deposit requirement isn’t the highest, $300 to $400 (depending on the location) is a reasonable amount to secure an above-average service.
Alamo also has a significant number of rental branches and a broad array of vehicles to meet most needs.
#12 Kyte
Deposit amount: $300 for credit cards; $500 for debit cards.
Website: https://drivekyte.com/
Kyte’s uniqueness is its rental car delivery and pickup at the end of the trip without refueling like traditional rental companies.
Although the $300 deposit isn’t cheap, it’s an acceptable sum for the convenience of having the car delivered to where you need it and not worrying about additional transportation when your trip ends.
The hassle-free experience, excellent service, and professionally-maintained fleet are top reasons to use Kyte over traditional rental services.
#13 National
Deposit amount: $300-$400; up to $800 for high-end cars.
Website: https://www.nationalcar.com/en/home.html
National is a reputable car rental with top-quality service to boot.
It offers great customer satisfaction, although its rental rates are probably the highest of all companies.
The security deposit National car rental imposes starts at $300 but increases to as high as $800 for the most expensive cars.
The credit cards it accepts for US and Canada rentals include Amex, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
#14 Advantage
Deposit amount: $350 or 25% of the rental amount, whichever is higher.
Website: https://advantage.com/
As the list nears the bottom, the deposit amount increases, and Advantage, a lesser-known service, charges one of the highest amounts for security purposes.
Advantage only has a handful of rental locations, so chances of needing its services are minimal.
#15 Enterprise
Deposit amount: $400-$850, depending on the car class.
Website: https://www.enterprise.com/en/home.html
According to JD Power, enterprise enjoys the highest customer satisfaction, and its security deposit demands reflect it.
Enterprise isn’t your go-to option if you’re looking to pay the least security deposit.
What About Cash and Debit Card Deposits?
While car rentals prefer credit cards when renters pick up the vehicle, alternative payment methods may be possible.
Head to these posts for details:
