{"id":26857,"date":"2014-11-03T14:30:39","date_gmt":"2014-11-03T14:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=26857"},"modified":"2025-01-06T15:34:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T15:34:03","slug":"credit-card-transaction-fees-and-exchange-rates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/credit-card-transaction-fees-and-exchange-rates\/","title":{"rendered":"How credit card transaction fees & exchange rates affect your car hire"},"content":{"rendered":"

*Updated for 2025*<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

When renting a car, a security deposit is taken on the main driver\u2019s credit card. In some rare instances it can be taken on a debit card. The deposit is usually ring-fenced with a pre-authorised payment where the money is held but does not actually leave the account. In other cases, the money will be debited out of the account and returned after the rental finishes providing there is no damage to the vehicle (this is especially the case when rentals exceed 14 days).<\/span>
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Sometimes there may be external charges or deductions that may affect your security deposit upon return. Unfortunately, these are out of our control and will be caused by fluctuations in exchange rates or credit card T&Cs. Continue reading to find out how credit card transaction fees and exchange rates affect your car hire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Using<\/a><\/p>\n

International transaction fees<\/h2>\n

Depending on the credit card you are using, you may incur an international transaction fee. It\u2019s worth checking the terms and conditions of your credit card before travelling. Some banks will offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, read up on <\/span>travel credit cards<\/span><\/a> to explore your options. <\/span><\/p>\n

Exchange rate adjustments<\/h2>\n

Some car rental providers will take a security deposit in the local currency, this means that the present exchange rate will be used to convert the local security deposit at the time of the transaction. By the end of your rental and the return of your deposit, this exchange rate may have altered. Negative changes in the exchange rate can lead to you potentially losing a small amount of your security deposit when the deposit is returned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your security deposit will be displayed on your car rental quote in the local currency that it will be taken in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Security<\/a><\/p>\n

Why do I need a security deposit?<\/h3>\n

Security deposits are a straightforward way for car hire providers to protect themselves during a rental. The main purpose of a security deposit is to:<\/span><\/p>\n