Deposit & bond
How much is the rental car deposit (bond) in Australia?
Short answer
$1,000 AUD (est. $700) with standard cover. The security bond is pre-authorized at pickup on a credit card in the main driver's name and released after you return the car: it's held, not charged. With zero deductible cover there's no security bond, just a $1 AUD check on the same card (tolls and fines are billed to that card later). Either way you'll need a credit card in the main driver's name. The bond isn't your deductible (called the excess in Australia).
Last checked Nov 11, 2026By Brett Gould
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Do I need an IDP?What's the deductible?How do I contact you?Sydney, Jan 4 – Jan 12, automatic, I'm 24Cairns, Dec 20 – Jan 3, an SUV, zero deductible
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The practical details
- The deposit is a temporary hold to cover the deductible and any charges like tolls or fuel. Your money isn't taken - the amount is simply reserved on your card, so make sure your available credit covers it.
- It's placed on a credit card in the main driver's name; cash, prepaid and virtual cards aren't accepted for the bond. The cards accepted for your rental are shown on your booking before you pay.
- The hold depends on the cover you choose: $1,000 AUD (est. $700) with standard cover, or just a $1 AUD check with zero deductible cover. The figure that applies to your car is shown on your booking before you pay.
- After you return the car undamaged, the hold is released. How quickly it clears is up to your bank, not the rental company - usually a few business days.
Common pitfalls
- Confusing the deposit (a hold, $1,000 AUD (est. $700) with standard cover, released after you return the car) with the deductible (the most you'd owe only if the car is damaged). They're two different numbers.
- Turning up with only cash or a prepaid card - the bond needs a credit card in the driver's name.
- Not leaving enough available credit on the card for the hold on top of the rental cost.
Our recommendation
- Bring a credit card in the main driver's name. With standard cover, leave at least $1,000 AUD (est. $700) available for the hold; with zero deductible cover it's just a $1 AUD check.
- Choose a higher coverage tier if you'd rather lower the deductible (and the risk the bond covers).
- Check the exact bond on your booking summary - it's always shown before payment.
Related questions
Deductible & coverageWhat is a rental car deductible in Australia?It's the most you'd pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen.Licenses & IDPDo you need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Australia?Usually not. A full US, Canadian or UK driver's license in English is accepted on its own to rent a car in Australia.One-way rentalsOne-way car rental in AustraliaYes, on some routes. In our live check on October 21, one-ways were offered between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, from Adelaide to Melbourne,...Cover, explainedZero deductible car rental in AustraliaCredit card coverDoes my credit card cover a rental car in Australia?It might, but only your card's terms can tell you.
Quick answers
How much is the deposit to rent a car in Australia?
$1,000 AUD (est. $700) with standard cover, held (not charged) on a credit card in the main driver's name at pickup and released after you return the car. With zero deductible cover there's no bond, just a $1 AUD check.
Can I pay the deposit in cash or with a prepaid card?
No. It's a credit card in the main driver's name; cash, prepaid and virtual cards aren't accepted. Only have another kind of card? Message us before you book and we'll check with the rental company.
Do I get the deposit back?
Yes. The hold is released after an undamaged return; how fast it clears depends on your bank, usually a few business days.
Is the bond the same as the deductible?
No. The bond is a temporary hold. The deductible is the most you'd pay if the car is damaged or stolen, and zero deductible cover takes that to zero.
Does zero deductible cover remove the bond?
Yes. With zero deductible cover there's no $1,000 AUD (est. $700) bond, just a $1 AUD check on your credit card at pickup (tolls and fines are billed to that card later).
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