Tips
Car Rental Without a Deposit in Kyiv: How It Works and Where It's Available
Standard car rental usually requires a security deposit that is blocked on your bank card for the entire rental period. Depending on the vehicle class, this amount can range from several thousand to more than twenty thousand hryvnias. The money remains yours, but you cannot use it while the deposit is held. Car rental without a deposit in Kyiv is a real option that removes this limitation. Let’s look at how it works, who offers it, and what you should know before booking.
What Is a Rental Deposit and Why Is It Required?
A deposit is a financial guarantee for the rental company. If the customer returns the vehicle with damage or violates the rental agreement, the company may retain part or all of the deposit to cover its expenses. If everything is in order, the deposit is released after the vehicle is returned.
The issue is that the money remains frozen for the entire rental period. If you rent a car for a week and the deposit is UAH 15,000, those funds are unavailable for seven days. For many travelers, this is inconvenient, and sometimes impossible, especially if they do not have additional funds beyond their travel budget.
How Deposit-Free Car Rental Works
There are two main approaches.
Deposit-Free Rate Plan. The rental company waives the deposit requirement and replaces it with other conditions, such as stricter driver requirements, participation in a loyalty program, or a dedicated rental package. The customer does not need to freeze any funds on their card.
No Deposit with Full Insurance Coverage. The customer purchases an extended insurance package that covers a wider range of risks. Instead of a deposit, the insurance policy serves as protection. No deposit is blocked, but the insurance cost is added to the rental price.
BLS Car Rental offers the first option through its Prime Rate. This is a dedicated rental plan with no funds blocked on the customer’s card. No deposit, no frozen funds — simply rent the vehicle and start your trip.
BLS Car Rental: Prime Rate Without a Deposit
BLS Car Rental is a national car rental company operating since 2007 and is the first and oldest car rental network in Ukraine. The company has offices in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as international locations in Warsaw and Bratislava. Its fleet includes more than 500 vehicles, typically no older than five years.
The Prime Rate is a deposit-free rental option available to customers who meet the program requirements. No funds are blocked on the customer’s card during the rental period.
In addition, rentals of four days or longer include unlimited mileage. For intercity travel or long-distance routes across Ukraine, this means you do not need to track mileage or worry about additional charges for exceeding limits.
|
Parameter |
Value |
|
Founded |
2007 |
|
Fleet Size |
500+ vehicles |
|
Vehicle Age |
Up to 5 years |
|
Offices in Ukraine |
Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk |
|
International Offices |
Warsaw, Bratislava |
|
Deposit-Free Option |
✓ Prime Rate |
|
Unlimited Mileage |
✓ From 4 days |
|
Vehicle Delivery |
Throughout Ukraine |
|
One-Way Rental |
✓ Between network locations in UA, PL, and SK |
When Deposit-Free Rental Is Especially Useful
Traveling after returning from abroad. You arrive by train or bus and immediately need a vehicle for travel within Ukraine. Instead of relying on taxis and transfers, you can rent a car in Kyiv and continue your journey independently. Without a deposit, there is no need to keep extra funds available on your card.
Several days across different cities. Kyiv – Lviv – Kyiv or Kyiv – Odesa – Dnipro. With unlimited mileage and a deposit-free rental plan, travel logistics become much simpler: pricing remains predictable, and mileage is not a concern.
Business trips. Corporate clients often prefer not to freeze company funds as a security deposit. The Prime Rate eliminates this issue.
A carefully planned budget. If your card balance covers only the expected trip expenses, an additional deposit hold can create unnecessary complications. A deposit-free rental allows you to avoid setting aside extra funds.
How Deposit-Free Rental Differs from Standard Rental
|
Parameter |
Standard Rate |
Prime Rate (No Deposit) |
|
Deposit Hold on Card |
Yes (depends on vehicle class) |
✗ No |
|
Access to Funds During Rental |
Only funds above the deposit amount |
✓ Full access |
|
Eligibility |
Any customer |
Prime Rate requirements apply |
|
Unlimited Mileage |
Depends on rate plan |
✓ From 4 days |
FAQ
What is the Prime Rate and how can I get it?
The Prime Rate is a special BLS Car Rental plan that does not require a deposit hold on your card. Contact the company through bls.ua or speak with a rental manager for eligibility details.
Are there mileage restrictions for deposit-free rentals?
For rentals of four days or longer, BLS Car Rental provides unlimited mileage regardless of the selected rate plan. For shorter rentals, mileage conditions should be confirmed at the time of booking.
Can I rent a car without a deposit and travel abroad?
Yes. BLS Car Rental allows travel to Poland and Slovakia and operates its own offices in Warsaw and Bratislava. Inform the company about your travel plans during booking, and they will prepare the required documentation, including travel authorization and a Green Card insurance certificate.
What is the difference between “no deposit” and a “reduced deposit”?
A reduced deposit means that a smaller amount is blocked compared to the standard requirement, but a deposit hold still exists. A no-deposit rental means that no funds are frozen on the card at all.
Can I rent a car in Kyiv and return it in another city?
Yes. BLS Car Rental offers one-way rentals between its offices in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Vehicles may also be returned in Warsaw or Bratislava when traveling internationally.
Conclusion
Car rental without a deposit in Kyiv is not a marketing gimmick but a practical option that allows travelers to keep full access to their funds throughout the trip. BLS Car Rental offers its Prime Rate with no deposit requirement and unlimited mileage for rentals of four days or longer. For customers who frequently travel between cities or plan international trips, this combination of benefits is among the most convenient available in the Ukrainian car rental market.
Elena Chernenko
Elena is a recognized expert in the bus transportation industry. With a deep understanding of the industry and a wealth of experience, Elena has earned a reputation for reliability working with both large carriers and private companies. Her expertise includes route planning, safety analysis and efficiency of transportation solutions.
In her blog, Elena offers professional advice, reviews current market trends and shares her experience to help readers better understand the world of bus transportation.




