How do security deposit refunds work with car hires in the United States?
When you arrive at the branch to pick up your vehicle, we collect the full cost of the car hire and a security deposit. The amount of the deposit will vary, based on the cost of the car hire. Once you return the vehicle, the branch will refund your security deposit in full, unless there are additional unplanned charges – such as fuel replacement, vehicle damage or a late return. The time it takes to receive your refund is based on the method of payment used to pay for your car hire.
Security deposit refunds for credit card
If you pay by credit card, the full cost of the car hire and the security deposit will be authorised on your card when you pick up your vehicle. When you return the vehicle, Enterprise immediately releases the authorisation and only charges your card the full amount of the car hire.
Security deposit refunds for debit card
If you pay by debit card, the full cost of the rental and security deposit will be charged to your current account when you pick up your vehicle. Once the vehicle is returned, Enterprise will refund your current account the amount of the deposit. The time it takes to post the refund to your account will depend on your bank. Typically, you should see a refund in approximately 5 to 10 business days. If you do not see your refund after 10 business days, please call the branch you rented the vehicle from, so we can review your charges with you.
Security deposit refunds for cash, cheque, or money order
If you pay with cash, cheque or money order, any funds owed to you will be refunded by cheque and posted to you within 20 business days after we confirm there are no additional unplanned charges – like fuel replacement, vehicle damage or a late return.
My refund was less than I expected. What should I do?
If the refunded deposit was less than you were expecting, you may have been charged for fuel replacement, vehicle damage or a late return. The best way to find out why is to check your rental receipt. If you have additional questions about your charge, please call the branch you rented the vehicle from, so Enterprise can review the charges with you.
