When you collect a rental car, the supplier places a bond (security deposit) on your card. It is not a charge, but it ties up part of your credit limit or bank balance until a few days after you return the car.
At a glance
1How Much Is the Bond?
Bond amounts vary by supplier, location and vehicle. VroomVroomVroom gives a range of around A$100 to A$1,100, with A$200 as an example for a compact car at Sydney Airport. Larger, premium and 4WD vehicles usually have higher bonds, and paying by debit card can increase the amount.
Some suppliers lower the bond if you buy their excess reduction. If you use standalone excess insurance instead, expect the full bond.
2How Long Until You Get It Back?
| Supplier | Stated release time |
|---|---|
| Hertz | 2 to 10 business days |
| Thrifty | 3 to 5 business days |
| Avis and Budget | Up to 10 business days, up to 28 for foreign cards |
| Europcar | About 7 to 14 days, up to 30 with some building societies |
| East Coast Car Rentals | Up to 31 days to show as available credit |
Release times as summarised by VroomVroomVroom. Your bank controls when the hold disappears from your account.
3What Can Be Deducted
- Fuel, if you return the car with less than the agreed level.
- Tolls and fines, plus admin fees.
- Cleaning, if the car is returned very dirty or smelling of smoke.
- Damage up to the excess, if not covered.
- Late return fees.
4Bond vs Excess: Not the Same Thing
The bond is a temporary hold on your card at pick-up. The excess is the maximum you pay if the car is damaged or stolen. If you damage the car, the supplier can charge up to the excess, which may be much more than the bond. Reducing the excess with the supplier often lowers the bond too.
| Bond | Excess | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A temporary hold on your card | Your maximum liability for damage or theft |
| Typical amount | About A$100–1,100 | Commonly A$4,000–8,000 on standard cover |
| When it is used | Fuel, tolls, fines, small costs | Damage or theft claims |
| How to reduce it | Credit card, supplier excess reduction | Supplier reduction or standalone insurance |
5If Money Is Deducted
- Ask for an itemised breakdown and supporting evidence (fuel receipt, toll statement, photos, repair quote).
- Compare with your own photos and receipts.
- Raise disputes with the supplier in writing first, and keep copies.
- If you paid by credit card and cannot resolve it, your bank may be able to help.
6Bond Checklist Before You Travel
- Note the bond amount in your booking conditions.
- Make sure your available credit (or balance, for debit cards) covers the bond plus your other travel spending.
- Tell your bank you will be travelling, so the hold is not blocked as unusual activity.
- Keep the pick-up and return paperwork until the hold has cleared.
- If you change the car or add cover at the desk, ask whether the bond changes.
7Credit Card vs Debit Card Bonds
| Credit card | Debit card | |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted | By all suppliers | By many, for standard cars |
| Bond size | Standard | Can be larger |
| Effect on your money | Reduces available credit | Money unavailable until released |
| Premium and 4WD | Accepted | Often not accepted |
8How to Get Your Bond Back Quickly
- Return the car on time, during opening hours, and have it checked with you.
- Refuel close to the depot and keep the receipt.
- Photograph the car, the fuel gauge and the odometer at return.
- Use a credit card rather than a debit card where possible.
- Contact the supplier if the hold has not dropped after the stated time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the bond on a rental car in Australia?
Usually between about A$100 and A$1,100, depending on supplier, location and car.
Is the bond charged to my card?
It is a hold (pre-authorisation), not a charge, unless costs need to be deducted.
How long does it take to get a rental bond back?
Typically 3 to 10 business days after return, longer for some banks and foreign cards.
Can I pay the bond with a debit card?
With many suppliers, yes, for standard cars. The bond may be larger, and prepaid cards are usually refused.
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