Why has my security deposit not been returned yet?
Security deposits are usually released back to your account within 21 business days (about 30 calendar days) after you drop off your vehicle. The exact timing just depends on how quickly your bank and the rental supplier process the transaction.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Count the days since your rental ended. It can sometimes take up to 30 calendar days for the release to fully clear the banking system.
Most deposits are temporary holds rather than actual charges. When a hold is released, it simply disappears from your pending transactions. Instead of seeing a new refund line added to your statement, you'll just notice your available balance goes back up.
Look for the original negative entry from the start of your rental. If the release has been processed, that entry will likely no longer appear in your history.
If it's been more than 30 days, we recommend asking your bank if they see any pending authorisations from the rental desk waiting to clear on their end.
If it’s been more than 21 business days and your bank doesn't see the release, just send us a quick message with a screenshot of your statement. We’ll gladly step in to assist you further.
"I will see a refund transaction of +$500 appearing on my card today."
Since most deposits are temporary holds rather than actual charges, the hold simply disappears when it's released. Rather than seeing a separate refund line, you'll just see your available credit limit increase.
"I returned the car yesterday, so the money should be back today."
Releasing the funds involves the local rental desk, the credit card processor, and your bank. Because of this communication chain, it usually takes about 20 to 30 days for everything to fully clear.
💡 Did You Know?
The local rental supplier holds your deposit directly, rather than DiscoverCars.com.
However, we're always here to act as your advocate if things take a little longer than expected!
What To Do Next:
If it’s been less than 21 business days, just give the banking system a little more time to update.
If it’s been longer than that, simply grab a copy of your bank statement and reach out to our team — we’ll be happy to look into it for you.
If more than one month has passed, we recommend contacting your bank and requesting a dispute for the security deposit hold. This can often help speed up the release of the funds.
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