At SIXT we want our customers to know exactly what they’re paying for and get the best possible rental experience. This includes complete transparency around pre-authorisation of payment when a vehicle is picked up, and how held funds are released by the customer’s bank when the vehicle is returned.
When picking up your vehicle we’ll request that your bank place a hold or freeze against the funds on either your debit card or credit card.
The funds don’t leave your account, but appear as a pending transaction and won’t be available to spend.
If there are any changes – for example you decide to switch vehicle class – we will either increase or decrease the original pre-authorisation to match the new rental charges.
Please note that the deposit amount will vary depending on the type and class of vehicle.
When a vehicle is returned we charge the final amount to your card and the hold will be released by your bank.
Customers may see completed and pending transactions after the vehicle has been returned. The pending release can take up to 7-10 working days, but this period is determined by your bank.
SIXT suggests customers contact their bank if the held funds have not been released after that 10 working day period.
For long-term rentals, we will take payment in 28 day cycles. The authorisation amount will be the total cost due for the 28 day period plus the deposit/bond amount which will be authorised at the beginning of each cycle.
Customers will need to have the total credit available for us to authorise when each cycle commences. Failure to have the available funds will result in the vehicle needing to be returned.
On day 28 the previous 28 day cycle authorisation will be captured, and the release of previous deposit/bond will occur.
When the rental is completed we will release the final deposit/bond. The release may take 7 - 10 business days pending your banking institution. If you still notice a hold in your bank statement after 10 working days, we suggest reaching out to your bank to have it released.