In short
- The deposit is a temporary block on your card: AED 3,000 on most cars and AED 5,000 on Lamborghini models.
- It covers fines, damage or late return and is released after the car comes back in the condition it was received.
- Banks typically take 7 to 21 business days to show the release in your account.
What is a car rental security deposit?
A security deposit is a temporary block on your payment card. It is not a rental fee, and it is released after the car is returned in the condition it was received.
Think of it as a guarantee held by the bank. The amount is set aside from your card limit, so you cannot spend it during the rental, but it is not paid to the rental company unless something has to be settled.
Because it is a block and not a payment, the money is released rather than refunded. This is why the release can take days to appear: the timing depends on your bank, not on the rental company.
Make sure your card has enough available limit for the deposit on top of your normal spending in Dubai. A low card limit is the usual cause of problems at handover. Which card types are accepted is confirmed at booking.
How much is the deposit for a rental in Dubai?
On our cars the deposit is AED 3,000 for most models and AED 5,000 for Lamborghini models. The amount is shown on every car page.
The deposit does not change with the daily rate. A Mercedes-Benz C 300 and a Ferrari SF90 Stradale both carry AED 3,000, while the Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder and the Urus Performante carry AED 5,000.
The table shows the pattern across our fleet. Rental prices are per day, excluding 5% VAT.
| Car | Price per day (AED, excl. 5% VAT) | Deposit (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C 300 | 399 | 3,000 |
| Nissan Patrol | 599 | 3,000 |
| Porsche 911 GT3 | 3,499 | 3,000 |
| Ferrari SF90 Stradale | 9,000 | 3,000 |
| Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder | 3,000 | 5,000 |
| Lamborghini Urus Performante | 3,400 | 5,000 |
What can be deducted from the deposit?
The deposit covers fines, damage or a late return. Damage beyond the standard insurance cover may also be deducted from it.
Our published terms state that the renter is responsible for Salik tolls, fuel, parking and traffic fines incurred during the rental. Dubai uses automatic toll gates and camera-based fine systems, so these charges are linked to the car and can appear after the rental has ended. How they are billed is confirmed at booking.
All our vehicles are comprehensively insured under UAE law, and a police report is required for the insurance to apply after an incident. Details of cover and any excess are confirmed at booking.
For a full breakdown of tolls and fines, read our guide to Salik, parking and fines.
When is the deposit released?
The deposit is released once the car is returned in the condition it was received. Banks typically take 7 to 21 business days to show the release.
The release has two steps. First, the car is checked on return and the rental is closed. Second, your bank processes the release and shows the available limit again. The second step is outside the rental company's control and varies between banks.
Fines and tolls can be registered with a delay. For that reason the way open items are settled is confirmed at booking, and you should keep your phone number active after the rental.
How can you get your deposit back without delay?
Return the car on time, in the same condition and with your documents in order, and keep your photos from the handover.
Photograph the car on all sides at pickup and again at return. Our handover and return checklist explains what to record.
Extend before the end time rather than returning late; extensions are possible subject to availability, so contact our team early. Stay within the 250 km per day included, because extra kilometres are charged per km at the rate on the car page.
- Check the deposit amount on the car page before you book
- Take photos and a short video at pickup and return
- Stay inside the included 250 km per day or plan for extra km
- Respect parking rules and speed limits during the rental
- Keep your contact number active for fine notices
Does the deposit differ between cars and rental lengths?
The amount depends on the car, not on the daily rate. For longer rentals the conditions are confirmed at booking.
Browse the fleet to see the deposit on each car, or look at the Lamborghini range for the AED 5,000 models. For longer periods, see our page on monthly car rental and ask for the deposit on your chosen period.
More answers are in the FAQ.
What should you do if the release takes longer than expected?
Wait for the bank's timeframe first, then contact your bank and our team with your rental dates.
The usual range is 7 to 21 business days, so a release after one or two weeks is normal. If it still has not appeared after that period, check with your bank first, because the block is held on its side.
Contact our team if a deduction appears that you do not understand. Have your photos from handover and return ready, together with the dates, because they make any question easier to clear up. The FAQ explains the basics, and you can reach the team on the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the deposit charged to my card?
It is blocked, not charged. The block is released after the return.
Is the deposit the same for every car?
No. It is AED 3,000 for most cars and AED 5,000 for Lamborghini models, shown on each car page.
How long does the release take?
Banks typically take 7 to 21 business days to show the release in your account.
Can my deposit be used to pay fines?
Yes. The deposit covers fines, damage or late return. Tolls and fines during the rental are the renter's responsibility.
Can I pay the deposit in cash?
This is not published on our site. Accepted payment and deposit methods are confirmed at booking.
General information for renters, written by 5 Stars Car Rental. Stand: October 2026. Rules and fees in the UAE can change; this is not legal advice. Our own rental conditions are confirmed at booking.
