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Car Rental Deposit in China: How Much and How to Get Refund 2026

Car rental deposits in China range from ¥2,000-10,000 depending on vehicle type and rental company, with most standard cars requiring ¥3,000-5,000. The deposit is typically held on your credit card for 7-30 days after vehicle return, with refund processing taking 3-15 business days depending on payment method. International credit cards are accepted at major companies but may face longer hold periods than Chinese cards. This guide covers exact deposit amounts by company, payment methods, refund timelines, how to avoid unnecessary holds, dispute resolution, and ensuring you get your full deposit back.

This guide provides complete DIY information. We also offer assisted car rental services with deposit management support, ensuring proper documentation to expedite refunds and resolve disputes.

Understanding Car Rental Deposits in China

What the Deposit Covers

Standard deposit coverage:

  • Damage deductible – Your liability for vehicle damage (¥3,000-5,000 typically)
  • Traffic violations – Unpaid fines, speeding tickets, illegal parking
  • Toll fees – Unpaid highway tolls (ETC system charges)
  • Fuel charges – If returned with less fuel than pick-up (plus service fee)
  • Late return fees – Charges for returning car past agreed time
  • Cleaning fees – Excessive dirt/mess requiring professional cleaning
  • Missing items – Lost keys, missing equipment, spare tire, etc.

What deposit does NOT cover (charged separately):

  • ❌ Rental rate (paid upfront or at return)
  • ❌ Insurance fees (paid upfront)
  • ❌ GPS/child seat rental (paid upfront or at return)
  • ❌ Additional driver fees (paid upfront)

Deposit vs Prepayment

Aspect Deposit (押金) Prepayment (预付款)
Purpose Security hold for damages/violations Payment for rental rate
When charged At pick-up (credit card hold) At booking (actual charge)
Refund Yes (if no issues) No (payment for service received)
Amount ¥2,000-10,000 Full rental rate or partial (depending on booking terms)
Timeline Released 7-30 days after return Not refunded (unless cancellation allowed)

Important: Deposit is separate from rental payment. You pay rental rate + deposit at pick-up (deposit as hold), then deposit is released after verification period.

Deposit Amounts by Vehicle Type and Company

By Vehicle Type (Average)

Vehicle Category Typical Deposit With Full Coverage Insurance Examples
Economy Car ¥2,000-3,000 ¥1,000-2,000 BYD Dolphin, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Lavida
Compact/Mid-size ¥3,000-4,000 ¥2,000-3,000 Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat
SUV (Standard) ¥4,000-6,000 ¥2,500-4,000 Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan
EV (Tesla, BYD) ¥4,000-6,000 ¥3,000-4,500 Tesla Model 3/Y, BYD Seal, NIO ET5
Luxury/Premium ¥8,000-15,000 ¥5,000-10,000 BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6
Van/MPV ¥5,000-8,000 ¥3,000-5,000 Buick GL8, Honda Odyssey
Exotic/High-performance ¥20,000-50,000 ¥10,000-30,000 Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini (rare in standard rental)

Key insight: Full coverage insurance (CDW) reduces deposit by 30-50% because your liability is lower.

By Rental Company (Major Providers)

eHi Car Rental (一嗨租车)

  • Standard deposit: ¥3,000-5,000 (economy to mid-size)
  • With full coverage: ¥2,000-3,500
  • Premium/SUV: ¥5,000-8,000
  • Payment methods: Visa/Mastercard, UnionPay, Alipay credit (芝麻信用 Sesame Credit – for Chinese nationals with high score)
  • Deposit hold time: 15-30 days after return
  • International card surcharge: No additional fee, but hold may be longer (20-30 days vs 15 days for Chinese cards)

CAR Inc (神州租车)

  • Standard deposit: ¥2,500-4,500 (economy to mid-size)
  • With full coverage: ¥1,500-3,000
  • Premium/SUV: ¥5,000-10,000
  • Payment methods: Visa/Mastercard, UnionPay, WeChat Pay deposit (requires verification), Alipay credit
  • Deposit hold time: 7-20 days after return (faster than eHi)
  • International card: Accepted, standard processing time

Luckin Rent-a-Car (瑞幸租车)

  • Standard deposit: ¥2,000-4,000
  • With full coverage: ¥1,500-3,000
  • Payment methods: Primarily Chinese cards (UnionPay, Alipay); international cards accepted with additional verification
  • Deposit hold time: 10-25 days
  • Note: More Chinese-focused, less foreigner-friendly than eHi/CAR Inc

International Companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget in China)

  • Standard deposit: ¥3,500-6,000 (generally higher than Chinese companies)
  • With full coverage: ¥2,500-4,500
  • Payment methods: Visa/Mastercard/Amex (preferred), UnionPay accepted
  • Deposit hold time: 15-30 days (international processing standards)
  • Advantage: Better English support, familiar policies for foreigners
  • Disadvantage: Higher deposits and rates vs Chinese companies

EVCARD (电卡) – EV-focused short-term rental

  • Standard deposit: ¥1,500-3,000 (lower for short-term hourly rentals)
  • Payment methods: Alipay/WeChat credit score (Sesame Credit) – can rent with ¥0 deposit if high score (700+)
  • Deposit hold time: 3-10 days (faster due to digital platform)
  • Note: Requires Chinese phone number and payment method; difficult for foreigners

Factors That Increase Deposit Amount

  • No insurance or basic insurance – Higher liability = higher deposit
  • International credit card – Some companies add ¥500-1,000 for international cards (perceived higher risk)
  • First-time renter with company – New customers may face higher deposit
  • Long rental period – 2+ weeks may require higher deposit (more exposure time)
  • One-way rental – Returning car to different city often adds ¥1,000-2,000 to deposit
  • Young driver (under 25) – May add ¥500-1,500 to deposit
  • Foreign license only (no Chinese license) – Some companies add ¥500-1,000

How to Reduce Deposit Amount

  • Purchase full coverage insurance (CDW) – Reduces deposit 30-50%
  • Use Chinese credit card or UnionPay – Faster processing, lower holds
  • Book through established account – Repeat customers often get lower deposits
  • Use Alipay/WeChat credit systems (if available) – High credit score can reduce or eliminate deposit
  • Rent from same-city return location – Avoid one-way rental fees
  • Choose economy car – Lower vehicle value = lower deposit

Payment Methods for Deposits

Credit Card (Most Common for Foreigners)

Accepted cards:

  • Visa – Widely accepted at eHi, CAR Inc, international brands
  • Mastercard – Same acceptance as Visa
  • UnionPay – Best option if you have it (Chinese card network, fastest processing)
  • American Express – Accepted at international brands (Hertz, Avis), limited at Chinese companies
  • Discover – Rarely accepted
  • Debit cards – Usually NOT accepted for deposit (must be credit card with available credit limit)

How it works:

  1. At pick-up, staff swipes/inserts your credit card
  2. Deposit amount is pre-authorized (hold placed on your credit line)
  3. This is NOT a charge – it’s a hold that reduces your available credit
  4. You’ll see it as “pending” or “authorization hold” on your statement
  5. After rental ends and verification period completes (7-30 days), hold is released
  6. If deductions needed (damage, fines), they charge the actual amount, then release remaining hold

Important:

  • ✅ Ensure your card has sufficient available credit (deposit amount + rental rate + buffer of ¥1,000-2,000)
  • ✅ Notify your bank about China travel to avoid fraud blocks
  • ✅ Some cards have international transaction holds that take longer to release (check with your bank)

Timeline:

  • Hold placed: Immediately at pick-up
  • Hold released: 7-30 days after return (depending on company and card type)
  • Actual refund to account: 3-15 business days after hold release (bank processing time)

Alipay/WeChat Pay Credit (Sesame Credit)

What it is:

  • Chinese credit scoring system (芝麻信用分 – Zhima Credit Score)
  • Score 600-950 based on financial history, identity verification, payment behavior
  • High scores (700+) qualify for deposit-free rentals with certain companies

Availability for foreigners:

  • ❌ Difficult to obtain for most foreigners (requires Chinese bank account, ID card, extended payment history)
  • ✅ Long-term residents with Chinese bank accounts may qualify
  • ✅ Easiest to build through Alipay/WeChat payments over 6-12 months

Deposit reduction:

Sesame Credit Score Benefit
650-699 50% deposit reduction
700-749 70% deposit reduction
750+ ¥0 deposit (deposit-free rental)

Best for: Chinese nationals and long-term foreign residents with established Chinese financial history

Cash Deposits (Rarely Accepted)

Acceptance:

  • ❌ Most major companies do NOT accept cash deposits
  • ✅ Some small local rental shops may accept (not recommended for foreigners due to lack of protections)

Issues with cash deposits:

  • ❌ Refund disputes harder to resolve (no card company to mediate)
  • ❌ Carrying large amounts of cash risky
  • ❌ Companies prefer cards for automatic fine/damage processing

Recommendation: Always use credit card for deposit. Protections and dispute resolution far superior to cash.

Deposit Refund Timeline and Process

Standard Refund Timeline

Phase 1: Vehicle inspection at return (Day 0)

  • Duration: 10-20 minutes
  • What happens:
    • Staff inspects exterior for damage (compare to pick-up photos)
    • Checks interior cleanliness and missing items
    • Verifies fuel level (if not EV)
    • Reviews mileage
  • Outcome: Staff confirms no immediate damage or gives damage report

Phase 2: Post-return verification period (Days 1-30)

  • Duration: 7-30 days (varies by company)
  • What happens:
    • Rental company checks for traffic violations (speeding, illegal parking, etc.) – can take 7-14 days for tickets to appear in system
    • Verifies toll payments (ETC system reconciliation) – takes 5-10 days
    • Reviews for delayed damage reports (e.g., undercarriage damage not visible immediately) – takes 3-7 days
    • Checks customer complaints (subsequent renter reports issues with car) – rare but possible
  • Outcome: Company determines if any charges apply

Phase 3: Deposit hold release (Days 7-30)

  • Duration: Varies by company
    • CAR Inc: 7-20 days
    • eHi: 15-30 days
    • Luckin: 10-25 days
    • International brands: 15-30 days
  • What happens: If no issues found, rental company releases the credit card authorization hold
  • Notification: You receive SMS/email: “Deposit released, no deductions” (退还押金,无扣款)

Phase 4: Bank processing (Days 3-15 after release)

  • Duration: 3-15 business days
  • What happens: Your bank/card issuer processes the authorization release and credits your available balance
  • Timing varies by:
    • Chinese banks: 3-5 days (faster)
    • International banks: 7-15 days (slower due to cross-border processing)
    • Card type: Debit faster than credit in some cases

Total timeline examples:

Scenario Rental Company Card Type Total Time to Refund
Best case CAR Inc Chinese UnionPay 10-12 days
Typical case eHi Visa/Mastercard (international) 18-30 days
Worst case eHi International Amex 30-45 days
With violation deduction Any company Any card 20-45 days (extra time for dispute resolution if contested)

How to Check Refund Status

Method 1: Rental company app/website

  1. Log into eHi, CAR Inc, or rental company app
  2. Go to “My Rentals” (我的订单) or “Order History” (订单记录)
  3. Find completed rental
  4. Check status:
    • “审核中” (Under review) – Still in verification period
    • “押金已退还” (Deposit refunded) – Released, waiting for bank processing
    • “已扣款 ¥XXX” (Deducted ¥XXX) – Partial deduction, see details

Method 2: SMS/email notifications

  • Rental companies send automatic notifications when deposit status changes
  • Check SMS for messages from rental company (shortcode numbers like 95507 for CAR Inc)
  • Email notifications sent to registered email address

Method 3: Customer service hotline

  • eHi: 400-888-6608 (English option available)
  • CAR Inc: 400-616-6666 (limited English)
  • Provide: Rental order number (订单号), passport number, return date
  • Ask: “押金什么时候退还?” (Yājīn shénme shíhòu tuìhuán?) – “When will deposit be refunded?”

Method 4: Credit card statement

  • Check online banking or card app
  • Look for “pending” or “authorization” line item to disappear (indicates hold released)
  • Available credit increases by deposit amount once released

Common Deposit Deductions and Disputes

Legitimate Deductions

1. Vehicle damage

  • Minor scratches/dents: ¥200-800 (depending on severity)
  • Broken mirror/light: ¥300-1,500
  • Tire damage: ¥400-1,200 per tire
  • Interior damage (stains, tears): ¥200-1,000
  • Major body damage: Up to full deductible (¥3,000-5,000 if no CDW)

How to avoid:

  • ✅ Thoroughly photograph car at pick-up (all angles, close-ups of existing damage)
  • ✅ Ask staff to note pre-existing damage on contract
  • ✅ Drive carefully, park in safe locations
  • ✅ Purchase full coverage insurance (CDW) to reduce liability to ¥0-500

2. Traffic violations

  • Speeding: ¥200-2,000 (depending on speed and location) + processing fee ¥50-100
  • Illegal parking: ¥200-500 per incident + processing fee
  • Running red light: ¥200 + 6 demerit points (points against license) + processing fee
  • No seatbelt: ¥200 + processing fee

Processing fee: Rental companies charge ¥50-150 service fee per violation for administrative handling

How to avoid:

  • ✅ Strictly follow speed limits (cameras everywhere)
  • ✅ Use navigation apps (Gaode, Baidu) with speed camera warnings
  • ✅ Only park in legal spots (pay parking fees via WeChat/Alipay)
  • ✅ Drive defensively and follow all rules

3. Unpaid tolls

  • Highway tolls: Actual toll amount + ¥20-50 processing fee per occurrence
  • ETC lane usage without ETC: Fine ¥200 + toll amount + processing fee

How to avoid:

  • ✅ Always use manual toll lanes (not ETC lanes unless car has ETC tag)
  • ✅ Keep toll receipts as proof of payment
  • ✅ Pay tolls immediately (don’t try to evade – all recorded by camera)

4. Fuel/charging shortage

  • Fuel shortage: Cost per liter + 20-30% service fee
    • Example: Returned 20L short × ¥7.5/L × 130% = ¥195
  • EV low charge: Some companies charge ¥50-100 if returned below agreed charge level (usually 20%)

How to avoid:

  • ✅ Refuel to same level as pick-up before returning (take photo of fuel gauge at pick-up and return)
  • ✅ For EVs, clarify minimum return charge level (usually 20-30%)

5. Late return

  • Grace period: Most companies allow 30-60 minute grace period
  • 1-4 hours late: Half-day rate (typically 40-50% of daily rate)
  • 4+ hours late: Full additional day rate
  • No-show for return: Daily rate + ¥200-500/day penalty until car recovered

How to avoid:

  • ✅ Plan return with 1-2 hour buffer for traffic
  • ✅ If running late, call customer service immediately to extend rental (may avoid penalty)

6. Excessive cleaning required

  • Minor mess (food wrappers, light dirt): Usually no charge (normal cleaning included)
  • Moderate mess (spilled drinks, muddy interior): ¥100-300
  • Major mess (vomit, pet hair, heavy staining): ¥300-800
  • Smoking in non-smoking car: ¥500-1,000 (+ odor removal)

How to avoid:

  • ✅ Don’t smoke in car (even if rental allows, avoid disputes)
  • ✅ Remove all trash before return
  • ✅ If spill occurs, clean immediately or notify staff at return

Questionable/Disputable Deductions

Scenario 1: Damage claimed that didn’t exist at return

Example: You return car in perfect condition. 5 days later, company claims scratch on bumper and deducts ¥600.

Your rights:

  • ✅ Request inspection report with photos showing damage
  • ✅ Compare to your return photos (why photographing at return is critical)
  • ✅ If damage not visible in your return photos, dispute charge

Resolution:

  1. Contact rental company customer service
  2. Submit your return photos as evidence
  3. Request reversal of charge
  4. If denied, escalate to company complaint department
  5. Final resort: Report to consumer protection bureau (消费者协会) or seek credit card chargeback

Scenario 2: Pre-existing damage charged to you

Example: Car had minor door ding at pick-up (noted in your photos but not on rental contract). Company tries to charge you for it.

Your rights:

  • ✅ Your pick-up photos prove damage existed before your rental
  • ✅ Company cannot charge you for pre-existing damage

Resolution:

  1. Submit pick-up photos showing damage existed
  2. Request charge reversal
  3. Usually resolved quickly once evidence provided

Prevention: Always insist staff note pre-existing damage on rental contract at pick-up, in addition to taking photos.

Scenario 3: Excessive or inflated charges

Example: Minor scratch estimated at ¥1,500 when market repair cost is ¥300-500.

Your rights:

  • ✅ Request detailed repair invoice/estimate
  • ✅ Challenge inflated pricing with local body shop quotes

Resolution:

  1. Ask for official repair invoice (not just estimate)
  2. Get independent quote from local body shop for same repair
  3. If company charges significantly above market rate, negotiate
  4. Offer to pay reasonable amount, dispute remainder

Scenario 4: Traffic violation you didn’t commit

Example: Speeding ticket claimed for time after you returned car.

Your rights:

  • ✅ Request official traffic violation notice showing date, time, location, photo evidence
  • ✅ Compare to your rental period and return timestamp
  • ✅ If violation occurred after return, you’re not liable

Resolution:

  1. Request full violation details
  2. Provide return receipt showing car returned before violation time
  3. Company must reverse charge

How to Dispute Deposit Deductions

Step 1: Gather evidence (immediately upon notification)

  • ✅ All photos taken at pick-up and return
  • ✅ Rental contract and return receipt
  • ✅ Any communication with staff (WeChat messages, emails)
  • ✅ Proof of payment for tolls/parking (if relevant)
  • ✅ Independent repair quotes (if disputing damage cost)

Step 2: Contact customer service (within 48 hours)

  • Call rental company hotline (eHi: 400-888-6608, CAR Inc: 400-616-6666)
  • State: “我要投诉押金扣款” (Wǒ yào tóusù yājīn kòukuǎn) – “I want to dispute deposit deduction”
  • Provide: Rental order number, deduction amount, reason for dispute
  • Request: Escalation to complaint department (投诉部门)

Step 3: Submit formal complaint (if phone call fails)

  1. Use rental company app “Customer Service” or “Complaint” section
  2. Upload evidence (photos, receipts)
  3. Write clear explanation of dispute
  4. Request specific resolution (full refund, partial refund, etc.)
  5. Set deadline: “Please respond within 7 business days”

Step 4: Escalate to external authorities (if company unresponsive)

  • Consumer Protection Bureau (消费者协会 – 12315 hotline):
    • Government agency that mediates consumer disputes
    • File complaint via phone (12315) or website (www.12315.cn)
    • Provide all evidence and communication history
    • Bureau contacts company and facilitates resolution
  • Credit card chargeback (for international cards):
    • Contact your card issuer (Visa/Mastercard dispute department)
    • Explain situation and provide evidence
    • Card company investigates and may reverse charge
    • Timeline: 30-90 days for resolution

Success rates:

Dispute Type Success Rate (with proper evidence)
Damage that didn’t exist (photos prove it) 80-90%
Pre-existing damage charged to you 90-95%
Inflated repair charges 50-70% (partial reduction common)
Violation after return 95-100%
Violation you genuinely didn’t commit 60-80% (depends on evidence quality)
Legitimate damage but unreasonable cost 40-60% (negotiation often achieves reduction)

Best Practices to Ensure Full Refund

At Pick-Up (Critical for Protecting Deposit)

  1. Thorough exterior inspection (10 minutes):
    • Walk around car, photograph all angles (front, rear, both sides, roof if accessible)
    • Close-ups of any scratches, dents, paint chips (with ruler/coin for scale)
    • License plate photos (front and rear)
    • Take photos from multiple angles for each damage point
  2. Interior inspection (5 minutes):
    • Check seats for stains/tears (photograph any issues)
    • Test all controls (AC, radio, windows, locks)
    • Verify equipment present: spare tire, jack, warning triangle, charging cable (EVs)
    • Note odometer reading and fuel level (or EV charge %)
  3. Document everything on rental contract:
    • Ask staff to note all pre-existing damage on contract
    • If staff refuses or says “no need,” insist or take photo of car next to contract to prove condition at pick-up
    • Get staff signature confirming vehicle condition
  4. Ask critical questions:
    • “What is exact deposit amount and refund timeline?”
    • “What is your policy on pre-existing damage?” (clarify you won’t be charged for damage already documented)
    • “What happens if I get traffic violation – how am I notified and how much is service fee?”

During Rental

  1. Drive safely and follow all traffic rules:
    • Use navigation apps with speed camera warnings
    • Never exceed speed limits (cameras are everywhere)
    • Park only in legal spots and pay parking fees
    • Avoid aggressive driving
  2. Keep car clean:
    • Remove trash regularly
    • No smoking (even if allowed)
    • Clean up spills immediately
  3. Save all receipts:
    • Toll receipts
    • Parking payment screenshots
    • Fuel/charging receipts
    • Car wash receipts (if you wash car before return)
  4. Report any damage immediately:
    • If you damage car during rental, report to company ASAP
    • Get official damage report
    • Clarify repair cost and insurance coverage
    • Don’t hide damage – discovered later looks worse

At Return (Critical for Ensuring Refund)

  1. Return on time:
    • Arrive 15-30 minutes early
    • If late, call immediately to extend (avoid late fees)
  2. Clean interior:
    • Remove all trash
    • Vacuum if very dirty (car wash services near rental returns often offer quick interior clean for ¥20-50)
    • Remove all personal items
  3. Refuel/recharge to required level:
    • Gas cars: Fill to same level as pick-up (or full tank if that was agreement)
    • EVs: Charge to minimum required level (usually 20-30%) or higher
    • Take photo of fuel gauge/charge indicator before return
  4. Joint inspection with staff (most important):
    • Request staff inspect car with you present
    • Walk around car together, point out any new damage and explain if relevant
    • Ask staff to confirm no issues found: “有没有问题?” (Yǒu méiyǒu wèntí?) – “Are there any issues?”
    • Get confirmation in writing or recorded on return form
  5. Photograph EVERYTHING at return:
    • Same level of detail as pick-up photos
    • Exterior (all angles)
    • Interior (clean and no damage)
    • Odometer and fuel/charge level
    • Staff inspection form (if they fill one out)
    • Include timestamp: Many camera apps show date/time on photo – enable this
  6. Get official return receipt:
    • Receipt should show: Return date/time, final odometer, vehicle condition (no damage noted), staff signature
    • This is your proof of return condition
    • Keep original, take photo backup
  7. Confirm deposit refund timeline:
    • Ask staff: “押金什么时候退?” (Yājīn shénme shíhòu tuì?) – “When will deposit be refunded?”
    • Get specific answer (e.g., “15 working days”)
    • Ask how you’ll be notified (SMS, email, app notification)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in China with a debit card instead of credit card?

No, almost all rental companies require a credit card for deposits. Debit cards are not accepted because rental companies need to place a hold (pre-authorization) on funds, which credit cards allow but debit cards typically don’t support in the same way. A few exceptions exist for Chinese nationals with very high Alipay/WeChat credit scores (Sesame Credit 750+) who can rent with ¥0 deposit.

What if I don’t have enough credit limit for deposit + rental?

Options: (1) Choose a cheaper car with lower deposit, (2) Purchase full coverage insurance to reduce deposit 30-50%, (3) Use two credit cards (some companies allow rental payment on one card, deposit on another), (4) Request credit limit increase from your bank before traveling, (5) Pay rental rate in cash/WeChat/Alipay and use credit card only for deposit hold (some companies allow this).

Will deposit refund show as separate transaction on my credit card?

No. Deposit is a hold (pre-authorization), not a charge. When released, the hold simply disappears and your available credit increases. You won’t see a “refund” transaction – you’ll just see the hold line item vanish from pending transactions. This can be confusing because it’s not like a purchase refund.

What if company deducts deposit but I dispute the charge?

If company converts deposit hold into actual charge (for damage, violation, etc.), follow dispute process: (1) Contact company customer service with evidence, (2) Submit formal complaint via app/website, (3) Escalate to Consumer Protection Bureau (12315), (4) File credit card chargeback if international card. Keep all evidence (photos, receipts, communication records) organized and readily available.

Can I get deposit refunded faster by paying extra?

No. Deposit refund timeline is set by company policy and cannot be expedited by paying fees. However, using Chinese credit card (UnionPay) vs international card may result in faster processing (15 days vs 25-30 days). Some companies with Alipay integration release deposits faster (7-10 days) for users with high Sesame Credit scores.

What happens if I leave China before deposit is refunded?

Not a problem. Deposit hold release and refund processing happen automatically regardless of your location. Your credit card will still receive the hold release even if you’re back in your home country. However, ensure your card remains active (don’t cancel it before refund completes). If you need to cancel card for any reason, contact rental company to arrange alternative refund method before canceling.

Does purchasing full insurance eliminate deposit requirement?

No, but it significantly reduces deposit amount (typically 30-50% lower). Full coverage insurance (CDW) reduces your liability for damage from ¥3,000-5,000 to ¥0-500, so rental companies require less deposit. However, some deposit is always required to cover potential traffic violations, tolls, fuel, and late fees – things insurance doesn’t cover.

Can someone else’s credit card be used for my rental deposit?

Generally no. Most rental companies require deposit credit card to be in the primary driver’s name (matching driver’s license and passport). Exceptions: (1) Some companies allow spouse’s card with written authorization and both present at pick-up, (2) Corporate rentals may use company card, (3) If you add additional driver and they’re present, their card might be acceptable. Always call ahead to verify policy.

Summary: Deposit Action Plan

Before booking:

  1. Check your credit card available credit – ensure you have deposit amount + rental rate + ¥2,000 buffer
  2. Notify bank about China travel to avoid fraud blocks
  3. Compare deposit amounts between rental companies (can vary by ¥500-2,000)
  4. Consider full coverage insurance to reduce deposit 30-50%
  5. If you have Chinese credit card/UnionPay, use it for faster processing

At pick-up:

  1. Photograph car thoroughly (exterior all angles, interior, existing damage close-ups)
  2. Document all pre-existing damage on rental contract with staff signature
  3. Verify deposit amount on receipt matches quote
  4. Confirm refund timeline with staff
  5. Keep rental contract and all documents safe

During rental:

  1. Drive safely, follow all traffic rules
  2. Keep car clean
  3. Save all receipts (tolls, parking, fuel/charging)
  4. Report any damage immediately

At return:

  1. Clean interior, remove trash
  2. Refuel/recharge to required level
  3. Photograph car again (same detail as pick-up, include timestamp)
  4. Joint inspection with staff, get confirmation no issues
  5. Obtain official return receipt with staff signature
  6. Confirm deposit refund timeline again

After return:

  1. Monitor deposit status via app/website/SMS
  2. Wait for hold release notification (7-30 days)
  3. Verify credit card hold is released (available credit increases)
  4. If deduction occurs, review charges and dispute if questionable
  5. Keep all photos and documents for 60 days in case of disputes

Car rental deposits in China are standard practice and fully refundable if you follow proper procedures. The key to ensuring full refund: thorough documentation at pick-up and return, safe driving, and maintaining the car in good condition. Most disputes arise from lack of evidence – comprehensive photos at both pick-up and return eliminate 90% of potential disputes. With proper preparation and attention to detail, your deposit will be fully refunded within the stated timeline.

For foreigners wanting assistance with car rental process, documentation, and deposit dispute resolution if needed, our car rental assistance service provides support from booking through deposit refund confirmation, ensuring smooth experience and protecting your interests.

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