Is the deposit refundable?
Yes! This is really a free trip. Your deposit will be refunded so long as you go on the trip...or so long as you withdraw before getting officially confirmed on a trip...or so long as you cancel off a confirmed trip before these deadlines:
 
May Trips - March 29 at 9:00am EST
June Trips - April 12 at 9:00am EST
July Trips - May 10 at 9:00am EST
August Trips - June 14 at 9:00am EST

You will only lose your deposit if you were confirmed on a trip and canceled after the deadline above or if you fail to abide by the basic rules of Taglit-Birthright Israel (see the Waiver & Agreement).
 
Why is a deposit even necessary?
Taglit-Birthright Israel requires all applicants to submit a refundable security deposit in order for your application to be considered complete. There is a good reason for this rule. Because the Taglit-Birthright Israel organization spends a great deal of money on each participant, the refundable deposit is required to ensure that you really do intend to join the trip! Of course, since the trip is trully free, the deposit will be fully refunded within three-four weeks following the end of the trip.

How does the deposit payment & refund process work?
Taglit-Birthright Israel has partnered with a company called "Payoneer" in order to collect and refund all trip deposits. As part of the official Taglit-Birthright Israel application, you will be prompted to submit your deposit online via the Payoneer service. If you are not selected for a trip or if you cancel off a trip prior to the deadline, the $250 deposit will be refunded directly to your credit card or bank account. If you do take part in the program, you will be issued a "Payoneer card" at the end of the trip, and your $250 deposit will be refunded directly onto that Payoneer card. You will be able to use your Payoneer card as a debit card or as an ATM card.