[mick]

I've hired Alamo through either Brits or DFCH seven times in the last four years and never been aware of even a hold put on my CC let alone a deposit.

Some evidence suggests they might put a "test" $1 on the card to check its validity but if they do it doesn't stay long. We check both current accounts and CC statements daily over there and there's never been a significant pending amount.

If your quotes include CDW with no excess as they should through most reputable UK brokers then you should not be leaving any "deposit"

Mick