Bond & Excess
How the security bond pre-authorisation works, what your insurance excess covers, and when your bond is released.
About Bond & Excess
Confused about the difference between your security bond and your insurance excess? This section explains how Bubble Rentals' bond pre-authorisation actually works — a temporary hold on your card, not a real charge — and what determines how much is held and how quickly it's released.
The bond is pre-authorised on the main driver's card at pickup and released after your rental ends once all post-rental checks are complete. Bubble Rentals controls when the hold is released; how quickly it then disappears from your statement is down to your own bank's processing time. Your bond amount depends on the insurance cover you choose, and can be used to recover authorised charges like damage, unpaid tolls, infringements, or excessive cleaning.
Browse the questions below for full details on pre-authorisation, which cards are accepted, and how to avoid delays getting your bond released.
Frequently Asked Questions
50 questions answered about Bond & Excess
What is a rental bond?
A rental bond is a security deposit held as a pre-authorisation on your card to cover any potential charges during your rental.
What is a pre-authorisation?
A pre-authorisation is a temporary hold placed on your credit or debit card. It is not a payment, and no money is transferred to Bubble Rentals unless additional charges apply.
Why does Bubble Rentals require a bond?
The bond protects against damages, traffic offences, tolls, parking infringements, cleaning charges, fuel shortages, and other costs outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
How does pre-authorisation work in New Zealand?
A pre-authorisation temporarily reserves part of your available card balance. Once Bubble Rentals releases the hold, your bank determines when the funds become available again, which usually takes several business days depending on your bank.
Is the bond charged to my card?
No. The bond is normally held as a pre-authorisation rather than being charged.
When is the bond taken?
The bond is pre-authorised when you collect your rental vehicle.
When will my bond be released?
Bubble Rentals releases the bond after your rental ends once all required checks have been completed.
Why isn't my bond released immediately?
We may need time to check for damages, fuel level, tolls, parking infringements, and other outstanding charges before releasing the bond.
How long does it take for my bank to release the bond?
Once Bubble Rentals releases the pre-authorisation, your bank usually makes the funds available within several business days, although some banks may take longer.
Who controls the release time?
Bubble Rentals releases the bond, but your bank controls how quickly the hold disappears from your account.
What happens if I paid with a debit card?
Eligible debit cards may be accepted depending on your insurance option. Your available balance will be temporarily reduced by the bond amount.
Does Bubble Rentals accept credit cards?
Yes. Credit cards are accepted and are required for certain insurance options.
Can someone else provide the bond?
No. The card used for the bond must belong to the main driver.
Why must the card be in the main driver's name?
This helps verify the identity of the renter and protects against fraudulent transactions.
What is insurance excess?
The insurance excess is the maximum amount you may be liable for if the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen.
Is the bond the same as the insurance excess?
Not always. The bond is a security hold, while the excess is your maximum financial liability under your chosen insurance.
What is the bond for Basic Cover?
The bond for Basic Cover is NZ$3,500.
What is the bond for Standard Cover?
The bond for Standard Cover is NZ$1,000.
What is the bond for Premium Cover?
With Premium Cover, the bond is generally NZ$0 when the requirements in our Terms & Conditions are met.
Do I still need a card with Premium Cover?
Yes. A valid card is still required for verification and security purposes.
Can I avoid paying the bond?
No. All rentals require the applicable security requirements according to the selected insurance cover.
Will the bond reduce my available credit?
Yes. A pre-authorisation temporarily reduces your available credit or available funds.
Does Bubble Rentals keep my money?
No. The bond remains a temporary hold unless authorised charges become payable.
What happens if there is no damage?
The pre-authorisation will be released after all post-rental checks are completed.
Can traffic offences affect my bond?
Yes. Outstanding infringements may be processed in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.
Does Bubble Rentals charge administration fees for infringements?
Yes. Administration fees may apply for processing infringement notices.
Can unpaid tolls be deducted from my bond?
Yes, where applicable.
Can fuel charges be deducted from my bond?
Yes. If the vehicle is not returned with the required fuel level, applicable charges may be deducted.
Can cleaning fees be deducted from my bond?
Yes, if excessive cleaning is required.
What happens if the vehicle is damaged?
Applicable repair costs up to your insurance excess may apply.
What if another driver caused the accident?
Each claim is assessed individually according to the rental agreement and supporting evidence.
Can my bond be used for speeding fines?
The bond may be used to recover authorised charges relating to infringements.
What if I don't have enough available funds?
Unfortunately, the vehicle cannot be released until the required bond has been successfully pre-authorised.
Can I use cash for the bond?
No. Bubble Rentals does not accept cash bonds.
Can I split the bond between two cards?
No. The bond must be processed on one eligible card.
Will I receive proof of the bond?
Yes. Your card statement or banking app will normally show the pre-authorisation.
Can I cancel the pre-authorisation myself?
No. Only Bubble Rentals can release the pre-authorisation.
Does Bubble Rentals manually remove the hold?
Yes. Once all checks are completed, Bubble Rentals releases the pre-authorisation.
Why does my bank still show the bond?
Some banks take longer to remove the hold after it has been released.
Should I contact Bubble Rentals or my bank?
If Bubble Rentals confirms the bond has been released, please contact your bank regarding the remaining hold.
Is pre-authorisation common in New Zealand?
Yes. It is a standard practice used by hotels, rental car companies, and many accommodation providers throughout New Zealand.
Does a pre-authorisation appear as a transaction?
It may appear as a pending or authorised transaction, but it is not a completed payment.
Can international cards be used?
Most major international Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted, subject to approval.
Can I rent without a bond?
No. All rentals require the applicable security requirements.
Will Premium Cover protect me from every charge?
No. Premium Cover is subject to the exclusions and limitations outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
What happens if I breach the rental agreement?
Your insurance protection may be affected, and additional charges may apply.
Can the bond cover parking fines?
Yes, where applicable.
Does Bubble Rentals immediately receive my bond money?
No. A pre-authorisation simply reserves funds; it does not transfer money to Bubble Rentals.
Why is my available balance lower after pickup?
Your bank temporarily reserves the bond amount while the pre-authorisation is active.
How can I avoid delays in my bond release?
Return the vehicle on time, with the correct fuel level, in clean condition, and without damage or outstanding charges. This helps Bubble Rentals complete the final inspection and release your pre-authorisation promptly.
Still have questions?
Our Auckland Airport team is here to help before, during and after your rental.
