Ace Rental Car Deposit Basics
Ace Rental Car holds a deposit when you rent a vehicle, usually charged to your credit card at pickup. The deposit is not a fee you keep — it is a hold that Ace releases after you return the car undamaged and settle your bill. The amount varies by vehicle type and location, but typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars for standard cars. Ace does not charge a separate deposit fee; the hold itself costs you nothing if the car comes back in the condition you rented it.
The deposit protects Ace against damage, fuel shortages, tolls, and unpaid charges. When you return the vehicle, Ace inspects it, charges any damage or missing fuel to the deposit, and releases the remainder back to your card. The timeline for release depends on your credit card company — most deposits show as available again within three to five business days, though some banks take longer.
Key Takeaways
- Ace holds a deposit on your credit card at pickup, typically several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the car type and location.
- The deposit is released after you return the vehicle undamaged and your rental charges are settled, with no separate deposit fee charged.
- Damage, fuel shortages, tolls, and other charges are deducted from the deposit before Ace releases the remainder to your card.
- Most deposits reappear in your account within three to five business days after return, though your bank's processing time affects the exact timeline.
- You can reduce the deposit amount by purchasing Ace's damage waiver or declining optional coverage, though this changes your liability for damage.
How Much Ace Holds and What It Covers
Ace's deposit amount depends on the vehicle class you rent. Economy and compact cars typically have lower holds than SUVs or premium vehicles. The exact amount also varies by rental location and local regulations — some states or cities set minimum or maximum hold amounts. When you book or arrive at the counter, Ace will tell you the specific hold amount for your reservation.
The deposit covers damage to the vehicle, missing or damaged parts, fuel shortages, tolls, parking tickets, and any other charges related to your rental. If you return the car with a full tank, no damage, and no outstanding charges, the entire deposit is released. If Ace documents damage during the return inspection, they deduct the repair cost from the deposit. If fuel is missing, they charge the cost to refill the tank. Any remaining balance goes back to your card.
Damage Waivers and How They Affect Your Deposit
Ace offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) that you can purchase at rental time. This waiver reduces or eliminates your liability for damage to the vehicle, though it does not cover fuel, tolls, or other non-damage charges. If you buy the waiver, Ace may lower your deposit hold or remove it entirely, depending on the location and your rental agreement.
The trade-off is that the waiver costs money — typically a daily fee added to your rental bill. Whether it makes sense depends on your credit card's rental car coverage and your comfort level with risk. If your credit card already covers rental damage, you may not need Ace's waiver. If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you are responsible for repair costs up to the full value of the vehicle. Read the waiver terms carefully, because most have exclusions — they do not cover damage from reckless driving, off-road use, or violations of the rental agreement.
When Ace Charges Your Deposit
Ace places the deposit hold on your credit card at the rental counter when you pick up the vehicle. The hold appears when ready in your account, reducing your available credit even though the money has not actually left your bank. This is a temporary authorization, not a charge. Your card issuer typically removes the hold within a few days if Ace does not capture the funds.
Ace captures (actually charges) the deposit only if there are deductions to make — damage, fuel, tolls, or other rental-related charges. If you return the car in perfect condition with a full tank and no outstanding fees, Ace releases the hold without capturing any funds. The release happens at the rental location or within a day or two after you return the vehicle. Your bank then removes the hold from your available balance, usually within three to five business days.
Getting Your Deposit Back After Return
When you return your rental car, Ace inspects the vehicle for damage, checks the fuel level, and reviews your charges. If there are no deductions, Ace releases the deposit authorization when ready or within one business day. The funds then return to your credit card's available balance according to your bank's processing timeline — typically three to five business days, though some banks take up to seven.
If Ace finds damage or other charges, they deduct the cost from your deposit and release the remainder. You will see the deduction itemized on your rental receipt or in a follow-up email. If the damage cost exceeds your deposit, Ace charges the overage to your card separately. If you dispute a damage charge, contact Ace's customer service with photos or evidence — many rental companies will review contested damage claims, especially if you documented the car's condition at pickup.
Protecting Yourself Before and After Pickup
Document the vehicle's condition before you leave the rental lot. Take photos or video of the exterior, interior, tires, and any existing damage, and show them to the Ace agent. Ask the agent to note any pre-existing damage on your rental agreement. This protects you if Ace tries to charge you for damage that was already there when you picked up the car.
Keep your rental agreement and receipt. When you return the car, walk through the inspection with the agent and point out that you documented the condition at pickup. If you notice Ace charging you for damage you did not cause, dispute it when ready with the agent and follow up in writing. Most credit card companies will also dispute charges if you provide evidence that the damage was pre-existing or that Ace's charge was incorrect.
Deposit Holds and Your Credit Card Limit
The deposit hold reduces your available credit even though the money is not actually charged to your card. If your credit limit is tight, a large deposit hold can prevent you from making other purchases during your rental period. This is temporary — the hold releases when you return the car — but it is worth planning for if you rely on that credit limit.
If the hold is a problem, you have a few options. You can ask Ace whether purchasing the damage waiver reduces or eliminates the hold. You can use a different credit card with a higher limit. Or you can contact your card issuer before renting to ask whether they can temporarily increase your limit. Some card companies will do this for a few days if you explain the reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card for the deposit?
Ace requires a credit card for the deposit hold in most cases. Debit cards do not work the same way — Ace cannot place a temporary hold on debit funds, so they may decline debit cards or require a larger cash deposit. Call your local Ace location to confirm their debit card policy before you arrive.
What happens if I return the car with damage I did not cause?
If you documented the damage at pickup and noted it on your rental agreement, Ace should not charge you. If they do, dispute the charge with your credit card company and provide your photos and the rental agreement. If you did not document it, contact Ace's customer service with any evidence you have — witness statements, photos taken later, or proof that the damage was consistent with the car's condition when you picked it up.
How long does it take for my deposit to show back in my account?
Ace releases the deposit hold within one business day of return in most cases. Your credit card company then processes the release, which typically takes three to five business days. Some banks are slower — check with your card issuer if you do not see the funds within a week. The hold will eventually disappear even if the charge was never captured.
Does the deposit cover fuel, tolls, and parking tickets?
Yes. Fuel shortages, tolls, and parking tickets are all charged against your deposit before Ace releases the remainder. Damage waivers do not cover these charges — only damage to the vehicle itself. If you incur tolls or parking tickets, expect them to reduce your deposit refund.
Can I lower my deposit by paying cash upfront?
No. Ace requires a credit card hold for the deposit regardless of how you pay for the rental itself. The hold protects Ace during your rental period. You cannot reduce it by paying cash, though purchasing a damage waiver may lower the hold amount at some locations.