Sixt's security deposit is a hold on your credit card, not a charge you pay upfront
Sixt places a security deposit hold on your credit card when you rent a vehicle. The amount varies by car type and location, but typically ranges from $200 to $2,500. This is a temporary hold, not a deduction from your account — the money stays in your bank until Sixt releases it, which usually happens 5 to 14 business days after you return the car.
The deposit covers potential damage, fuel shortages, tolls, parking violations, or late fees. If you return the car in the condition you rented it, with a full tank and no violations, Sixt releases the full hold and you see no charge on your statement. If there are damages or other charges, Sixt deducts those costs from the hold before releasing what remains.
You do not need to pay the deposit separately or in cash. Sixt straightforward authorizes the amount on your card at pickup and removes the authorization at return. The key difference from a damage waiver or insurance product is that you only lose money if something actually happens to the car — there is no upfront fee for the deposit itself.
Key Takeaways
- Sixt holds money on your credit card at pickup and releases it after return, typically within 5 to 14 business days.
- The deposit amount depends on the vehicle class and rental location, and Sixt shows you the exact hold amount before you confirm the reservation.
- You get the full deposit back if you return the car undamaged, with a full tank, and with no toll or parking violations.
- Damage charges, fuel shortages, and violation fees are deducted from the deposit hold, and you receive an itemized receipt showing what was charged.
How much Sixt holds depends on the car type and where you rent
Sixt does not publish a single deposit amount — it varies by vehicle class and rental location. A compact economy car typically has a lower hold than an SUV or premium sedan. Airport locations and major cities often have higher holds than suburban or smaller-market branches.
You see the exact deposit amount during the booking process, before you complete the reservation. The confirmation email also lists the hold amount. If the hold seems high or you want to know the reason for a specific amount, contact Sixt customer service with your reservation number — they can explain the hold for your location and car class, though they cannot reduce it without changing your vehicle or location.
Some credit cards decline large holds if your available credit is low. If this happens at pickup, you can ask Sixt to use a different card, or you may need to increase your available credit before returning to complete the rental.
When Sixt releases the deposit and what delays the refund
Sixt typically releases the deposit hold within 5 to 14 business days of your return. The exact timing depends on your credit card company — Sixt initiates the release, but your bank processes it on their schedule. Weekend and holiday processing can add a few extra days.
The hold is released faster if there are no charges. If Sixt finds damage, fuel shortage, or violations, they first send you an itemized invoice showing what they are charging. This invoice process can take 7 to 10 days, and the hold remains in place until Sixt deducts the charges and releases the remainder.
If you dispute a charge, the hold may stay longer while Sixt investigates. Request a copy of damage photos or violation documentation from Sixt if you believe a charge is incorrect — this speeds up the dispute process.
Damage charges and other deductions from your deposit
Sixt deducts from the deposit hold for any of the following: exterior or interior damage beyond normal wear, mechanical damage, missing or damaged equipment (floor mats, keys, etc.), fuel not returned at the agreed level, tolls or parking violations, late return fees, or traffic citations issued during the rental period.
Sixt's damage assessment happens at return. The agent inspects the car and documents any damage with photos. You receive a receipt at that time noting any visible issues. If additional damage is discovered later (for example, a dent reported by the next renter), Sixt contacts you within a few days with photos and a charge estimate.
Fuel charges are straightforward: if you return the car below the fuel level you rented it at, Sixt charges you for a refill. The rate varies by location but is typically higher than gas station prices. Returning the car with a full tank avoids this charge entirely.
How to avoid losing money from your deposit
Return the car on time, with a full tank, and in the same condition you rented it. Before you drive away from the pickup location, walk around the car with the agent and confirm that any existing damage is noted on your rental agreement. Take photos of the car's condition yourself if possible — this creates a record if a dispute arises later.
Check the fuel gauge before you leave the lot and know what "full" means for that car. Some vehicles have a reserve tank, and Sixt may charge if you do not fill it completely. Ask the agent to show you the fuel level at pickup so you know exactly what you are returning to.
Obey traffic laws and parking rules during the rental. Tolls and parking violations are charged to your deposit, and some violations can take weeks to appear on the invoice. If you use a toll road, ask Sixt whether they handle the toll or whether you pay it separately — this varies by location and road.
Return the car to the same location you rented it from, unless Sixt approved a one-way rental. Returning to a different location may trigger additional fees that come out of your deposit.
Deposit holds and your credit card limit
The deposit hold counts against your available credit, even though you are not charged. If your card has a $3,000 limit and Sixt holds $1,500, you have $1,500 left to spend. This can affect your credit utilization ratio, which factors into your credit score.
The hold is temporary and does not appear as a charge on your statement. Your credit card company shows it as a pending authorization. Once Sixt releases it, your available credit returns to normal within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
If you are concerned about the hold affecting your credit limit, use a card with higher available credit, or contact Sixt before booking to ask whether they offer a deposit waiver or reduction for certain card types or membership programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the deposit in cash or can I use a credit card?
Sixt only accepts credit cards for the deposit hold — not debit cards or cash. The hold must be on a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) in your name. If you do not have a credit card, you cannot complete a Sixt rental.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late return fees are deducted from your deposit hold. The fee amount depends on how late you are and your rental agreement terms. Sixt charges by the hour or day, and the charge appears on your invoice after return. Contact Sixt when ready if you know you will be late — some locations offer grace periods or can adjust your reservation.
Can I get my deposit back if I cancel my reservation?
Sixt does not place a hold until you arrive for pickup. If you cancel before pickup, there is no hold and nothing to release. If you cancel after pickup (after the hold is placed), the hold remains until Sixt releases it, which typically takes 5 to 14 business days.
Will the deposit hold show up on my credit report?
No. A hold is not a charge or debt — it is a temporary authorization that does not appear on your credit report. It affects your available credit temporarily but does not impact your credit score or history.
What if Sixt charges me for damage I did not cause?
Request photos and documentation from Sixt showing the damage and when it was discovered. If you believe the charge is incorrect, dispute it in writing with Sixt customer service within 30 days of the charge, including your evidence. Sixt investigates disputes, and if they find the charge was in error, they refund it to your card.