Fes is one of Morocco’s most unforgettable cities, and one of the easiest places to misjudge car rental “value.” The Medina is largely car-free, streets around the old city can be tight, and many travelers only want a car for day trips (Chefchaouen, Meknes, Middle Atlas) or to make arrival and departure smoother. That’s why the deposit question matters so much in 2025: should you choose a no-deposit rental, or accept a 6,000 MAD (about €600) deposit hold to get a better rate and broader choice?
The short truth: no-deposit is about cashflow comfort, while a 6,000 MAD/€600 deposit is usually about lower daily price and more vehicle options. Neither is “always better.” The best choice depends on your budget, your card type, how you’ll drive in/around Fes, and how much risk you’re comfortable carrying.
Table of Contents
Quick answer: which option fits most travelers
What a “deposit” really is (and why it feels painful)
Why deposits in Fes can be higher on some categories
No-deposit rentals: what you gain (and what you trade)
6,000 MAD / €600 deposit rentals: why they can be better value
Fes-specific reality check: Medina logistics and scratch risk
A simple decision checklist
FAQs
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1) Quick answer: which option fits most travelers
Choose no-deposit car rental in Fes if:
You don’t want funds blocked on your card (tight travel budget)
You’re using a debit card or have limited available credit
You want predictable spending without worrying about a large hold
You’ll drive mostly outside the Medina area (day trips, highways)
Choose a 6,000 MAD / €600 deposit option if:
You want the best value daily rate and more car choices
You’re comfortable with a temporary hold on your card
You want access to automatics, SUVs, or newer models more easily
You understand the insurance/excess terms and you’re okay with them
2) What a “deposit” really is (and why it feels painful)
Most car rental deposits aren’t a “payment.” They’re a preauthorization hold: the company asks your bank to temporarily reserve an amount in case there are extra charges later (damage, missing fuel, fines, late return, etc.). You typically don’t lose the money unless something is charged against it—but your available balance drops during the hold.
It’s the same concept used in many industries (hotels, car rentals, some online purchases). Payment processors describe this as “placing a hold” that gets released if it isn’t captured. Stripe’s documentation explains how authorization holds work and that funds are released if the authorization expires before capture: https://docs.stripe.com/payments/place-a-hold-on-a-payment-method
That’s why deposits feel “expensive” even when you get the money back: for a few days (sometimes longer), you can’t use that part of your credit limit or account balance.
3) Why deposits in Fes can be higher on some categories
You’ll often see higher deposits (like 6,000 MAD / €600 and above) for:
Automatics
SUVs / crossovers
7–9 seaters
Newer or higher-value cars
Why? Two reasons:
The potential cost of repairs is higher on higher-value vehicles.
Rental companies often align the deposit with the insurance excess/deductible risk they carry.
In practical terms: a no-deposit economy car might be widely offered, while a no-deposit automatic SUV may be limited or not available during peak dates.
4) No-deposit rentals: what you gain (and what you trade)
What you gain
No blocked funds is the big win. For many travelers, it’s the difference between enjoying the trip and constantly watching their bank app. No-deposit options are especially helpful if:
you’re traveling as a family and expenses stack up fast,
you have multiple hotels requiring card holds,
you’re using a card with a low limit.
What you trade (common trade-offs)
No-deposit isn’t “free.” The risk is shifted somewhere else, usually through one (or more) of these:
Higher daily rate (the company prices in the additional risk)
More restricted vehicle categories (often economy/compact first)
Stricter insurance terms or specific coverage requirements
More careful condition checks at pickup/return (which is normal, but feels more intense)
The key point: no-deposit can be a great choice, but you should compare total value, not only the daily price.
5) 6,000 MAD / €600 deposit rentals: why they can be better value
A deposit-backed rental often unlocks:
better daily pricing (especially on 7-day rentals),
more selection, and
more availability in peak weeks.
If you’re comparing €600 vs 6,000 MAD, remember that exchange rates move and the “equivalent” can vary depending on whether you’re looking at banknote rates, reference rates, or your card’s conversion. For a reliable Morocco benchmark, you can check Bank Al-Maghrib’s published foreign exchange information here: https://www.bkam.ma/en/Markets/Key-indicators/Foreign-exchange-market/Foreign-exchange-rates/Foreign-banknotes-exchange-rate
Who typically benefits most from the deposit option
Travelers who want an automatic (limited supply)
Families who want an SUV for luggage and comfort
People doing longer routes (Middle Atlas, Ifrane region, road trips) who want a more stable category
Anyone who can comfortably “park” the deposit amount without it ruining the trip budget
6) Fes-specific reality check: Medina logistics and scratch risk
Here’s the truth about Fes: the Medina itself is not where you want to drive. Most riads are accessed on foot through narrow lanes. What you actually do with a car in Fes is:
airport/train station pickup,
luggage transfer to a drop point near the Medina,
day trips,
moving between Fes and nearby cities.
Because of narrow streets in surrounding areas and busy parking near Medina gates, the most common “minor issue” is small scratches or bumper scuffs, not major accidents. This matters because:
With a deposit option, small damage might be assessed against the deposit (depending on your insurance/excess).
With a no-deposit option, you still need to understand how damage is handled—no-deposit doesn’t mean “no responsibility.”
So the smartest approach in Fes is not “deposit vs no-deposit” alone. It’s also:
choosing a car size you can park confidently,
avoiding tight medina-adjacent streets when you’re tired,
taking photos/video at pickup and return.
7) A simple decision checklist
Use this before you book:
Choose no-deposit if you answer “yes” to 3+:
Would a €600 hold stress my trip budget?
Am I using a debit card or limited credit limit?
Do I prefer to pay slightly more per day to avoid blocked funds?
Am I okay renting economy/compact rather than “specific model”?
Will I drive mostly highways/day trips and keep city driving minimal?
Choose deposit (6,000 MAD / €600) if you answer “yes” to 3+:
I want the best daily value and wider choice
I need automatic/SUV/7-seater and don’t want to compromise
I can comfortably have the funds held temporarily
I understand excess/insurance rules and I’m fine with them
I’m booking peak dates and don’t want “last cars left”
8) FAQs
Does “no-deposit” mean no card at all?
Not always. Some offers still require a card for booking/payment, but they don’t block a large security hold. Always confirm the payment method rules.
If the deposit is only a hold, how long until it’s released?
It varies by bank and card type. Some releases are quick; others take several business days. That’s why no-deposit can be attractive for tight budgets.
Is €600 / 6,000 MAD a normal deposit for Morocco?
It’s common for certain categories (automatic, SUV, premium), especially in busy periods.
Which is safer for tourists in Fes: no-deposit or deposit?
Both can be safe. “Safer” comes from clear insurance terms, careful pickup photos, and choosing a car you can handle comfortably around tight streets.
What’s the biggest mistake people make?
Picking the cheapest daily rate without checking: deposit amount, card type accepted, insurance/excess, and what counts as chargeable damage.
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