The rental price might fit your budget, but the security deposit can be a different story. When you rent a car in Réunion, the rental company usually places a refundable hold on your credit card. If your card cannot cover the car rental deposit, you might not get the keys, even after paying. Our guide explains what happens when your card limit is too low and what you can do before pickup.
What Happens When Your Réunion Car Rental Deposit Fails?
If your bank declines the hold, the rental company cannot complete your pickup. You may need to present another accepted credit card or contact your bank to resolve the problem.
If neither option works, the company may cancel your booking. You could also lose your prepayment or face a no-show charge, depending on the cancellation terms.
Available Credit vs. Your Total Credit Limit
Rental companies check your available credit, not your total limit. Your available credit is what's left after existing purchases and pending holds.
For example, a €1,500 credit limit with €1,100 already spent leaves €400 available. If the required deposit is €1,200, your bank will decline the authorisation. Even a card with a high limit can fail if you've already used most of it.
Why Prepaid Car Rentals Still Require a Deposit
Paying the rental costs in Réunion upfront doesn't remove the deposit requirement. Your payment covers the rental price, while the security deposit covers potential charges for damage, missing fuel, or fines.
The deposit is usually a temporary hold rather than an immediate charge. However, it reduces your available credit until the hold is released. After you return the car and settle any outstanding charges, your bank may take several days or weeks to release the funds.
Ways to Handle a Deposit Above Your Credit Limit
If your reunion car rental deposit exceeds your available credit, you still have a few options. Start sorting things out early, since some changes may take time to process.
Requesting a Temporary Credit Limit Increase
Contact your bank and explain how much credit you need for the deposit and when you're travelling. Ask whether a temporary credit limit increase is possible and how long approval might take.
You can also pay off some existing charges to free up credit. However, check when your payment will appear on your account, as the balance may not update immediately. Your bank can also confirm whether your card is ready for international transactions.
Using Another Credit Card or Cardholder
If you have another credit card with enough available credit, you can use it for the deposit. However, the card must belong to the main driver named on the rental agreement.
If someone travelling with you has a higher credit limit, ask whether you can change the main driver. The person must meet the rental requirements and become the main renter before their card can be used.
Choosing a Rental Car With a Lower Deposit
Different car categories may have different deposit requirements. At Final Rentals, the refundable deposit ranges from €1,200 to €1,500, depending on the car category.
Economy and compact cars generally have lower excess amounts than larger categories. Choosing a smaller car could reduce the amount you need available on your card.
Another option is the Super Collision Damage Waiver, which reduces your damage excess to zero for covered claims and lowers the refundable deposit to €200. However, you'll pay an additional daily fee for the cover.
Takeaway
Your Réunion car rental deposit is worth sorting out while you're still at home, with time to change plans. Keep some credit available for your first days on the island, not just the car.
Rent a car in Réunion with Final Rentals and choose optional Super Collision Damage Waiver to reduce your refundable security deposit. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit card do I need to rent a car in Réunion?
Most agencies require a major credit card in the main driver's name with enough unused credit. Premium cards may include insurance, but cannot replace available credit. Debit and prepaid cards aren't accepted for its deposits. Check the Réunion car rental credit card requirements before booking.
How much is the security deposit for a car rental in Réunion Island?
The car rental deposit in Réunion Island varies by company, car category, and coverage. Final Rentals normally holds €1,200 to €1,500. Optional Super Collision Damage Waiver lowers its refundable hold to €200. The amount usually reduces your available credit rather than appearing as a payment.
Can I rent a car in Saint-Denis with a low-limit card?
Yes, if your available credit covers the hold. Economy cars may require smaller deposits, and optional cover may reduce them. Ask the desk at Saint-Denis about different car groups or another card in your name before pickup.
