Guides · 5 min read

The no-charge deposit: how Swikly works

Card hold, amount, charge in case of damage, disputes: everything about the deposit in Tout à Louer.

A hold, not a charge

When booking, the renter confirms a card hold with Swikly, an online guarantee specialist. The amount is neither charged nor blocked on their payment limit. That is the difference with a deposit cheque or a classic pre-authorisation.

How much?

The deposit is computed automatically from the item’s declared value: 50% of that value, capped at €500 for individuals and STARTER pros, and up to €2,000 for EXPERT and ELITE pros.

When is it charged?

Only for proven damage, after a dispute reported in the app within 48 hours after the rental ends. The team reviews the condition reports and messages, then decides according to the dispute charter. Neither the owner nor Swikly can charge on their own.

What if my card expires?

Once the hold is confirmed, it stays active for as long as needed, even if the physical card expires in the meantime.

For owners

Never hand over an item until the deposit shows as secured in the app. And do the photo condition report: without evidence, no claim on the deposit can succeed.

Step by step, for the renter

When paying for the rental in the app, a Swikly screen opens. You enter your card; Swikly checks it is valid and records a hold for the deposit amount. No line appears on your statement, your payment limit is untouched. You receive a confirmation e-mail from Swikly and the rental moves to “deposit secured”.

When the deposit is released

At the end of the rental, once the return condition report is validated and the 48-hour reporting window has passed without a dispute, the hold is released automatically. You do nothing. If a dispute is opened, the hold stays active until the team’s decision, which can range from zero to the full amount depending on the damage found.

What the deposit does not cover

Normal wear of an item used correctly, breakdowns without fault of the renter and delays agreed in the chat do not lead to a charge. On the other hand, an item not returned, broken, lost, or returned so dirty that professional cleaning is needed falls under the dispute charter.

The app is free

Available on iPhone and Android. Create your account in 2 minutes with Google, Apple or your e-mail.