Car rental, decoded
Security deposit
Also known as: hold, pre-authorization
An amount held (often blocked, not charged) on the main driver's card at pickup to cover potential charges, fuel, or damage. Released after return, sometimes days later.
What you may think
The deposit was charged to my card.
What is actually happening
A deposit is usually held (blocked) rather than charged, and released after return, which can take several days to clear.