How and when your authorization or deposit is released depends on your payment method. With a credit or major debit card, the amount is held and released by your card provider (within up to 28 days). With a Maestro or V PAY debit card, the amount is debited directly and refunded after return (usually within 10 business days).
When paying by credit or major debit card
Step 1 — Contact your bank
Ask your bank to check for a SIXT authorization with the amount and date. In most cases SIXT has already released the hold, but your bank may take a few further days to clear it
Step 2 — Contact us
If more than 28 days have passed since the end of your rental and the hold has still not been released after checking with your bank, send us a message on WhatsApp or Live Chat with your rental agreement number — we'll check the status for you
When paying by Maestro or V PAY debit card
Step 1 — Check your final invoice
Sign in on the SIXT website or in the SIXT app, open My Bookings and download your final invoice. If there are additional charges (e.g. a refuelling fee), your deposit may have been partially or fully used to cover them
Step 2 — Contact your bank
Ask your bank to check for a SIXT refund with the amount and date — in most cases SIXT has already issued the refund
Step 3 — Contact us
If more than 10 business days have passed since the end of your rental and the deposit has still not been refunded after checking with your bank, send us a message on WhatsApp or Live Chat with your rental agreement number — we'll check the status for you
Still need help? Find our contact options below — please have your rental agreement number ready.
","actions":[{"key":"FAQ.bookingList","displayValue":"Manage booking"}]},{"text":"How much deposit does SIXT take in the USA?","href":"/help-center/articles/how-much-deposit-does-sixt-take-in-the-usa/","content":"SIXT in the USA requires a security deposit at pick-up. The exact amount depends on the vehicle category driven and the pick-up location. Non-airport branches in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana have higher deposit requirements than other locations.
Important: The deposit is based on the vehicle you drive, not the one originally booked. If you receive an upgrade at pick-up, the higher vehicle category deposit will apply.
Non-airport locations (TX, CO, LA, MN, IL, IN)
Standard vehicles: Rental amount + USD 300
Full-size/Premium SUVs, 7+ seaters, luxury vehicles:
USD 500 or rental amount + USD 300 (whichever is higher) — credit card required
Sports & luxury vehicles:
USD 2,500 or rental amount + USD 300 (whichever is higher) — credit card required
All other USA locations
Standard vehicles: Rental amount + USD 200
Full-size/Premium SUVs, 7+ seaters, luxury vehicles:
USD 500 or rental amount + USD 200 (whichever is higher) — credit card required
Sports & luxury vehicles:
USD 2,500 or rental amount + USD 200 (whichever is higher) — credit card required
How the deposit works
The deposit is a pre-authorization on your credit card. It is released after the vehicle is returned in the same condition. The timing of the release depends on your bank..
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
"}]}}}