Avis places a hold of $200 to $400 on your credit card at pickup, depending on the car class and your location
The hold is not a charge — it is a temporary block that Avis places to cover potential damage, fuel, tolls, or other costs. The amount varies by vehicle size and rental location. A compact car typically triggers a $200 to $250 hold, while an SUV or premium vehicle can result in a $350 to $400 hold. Some locations, particularly in major cities or airports, may place higher holds.
The hold usually releases within 3 to 7 business days after you return the car, though it can take up to 15 days depending on your credit card issuer and bank. During that time, the money is not available to you, even though you have not been charged. If you incur damage, fuel charges, or tolls during the rental, Avis deducts those costs from the hold before releasing the remainder.
Key Takeaways
- Avis holds between $200 and $400 on your credit card at pickup; the exact amount depends on the vehicle class and rental location.
- The hold is a temporary block, not a charge, and releases after you return the car — usually within 3 to 7 business days.
- If you damage the car, fail to refuel, or incur tolls, Avis deducts those costs from the hold before releasing the remaining balance.
- You can reduce the hold amount by paying for fuel and tolls upfront or by declining optional coverage you do not need.
- Some credit cards and banks release holds faster than others; contacting your bank can speed up the process if the hold persists beyond two weeks.
Why Avis Places a Hold Instead of Charging Upfront
A hold protects Avis against costs that are not known at pickup. When you rent a car, Avis does not yet know whether you will return it with a full tank, whether you will damage it, or whether you will rack up tolls. The hold reserves funds to cover these unknowns without charging you when ready.
This approach is standard across the rental industry. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and National all use similar holds. The hold amount is typically higher than what most renters actually owe, which is why most people see the full amount released after their rental ends.
How the Hold Amount Is Determined
Avis calculates the hold based on the rental agreement you sign at pickup. The primary factor is the vehicle class: economy cars trigger lower holds than full-size SUVs. The rental location also matters — airport locations and major cities often place higher holds than suburban or rural branches.
The rental period can affect the hold as well. A one-day rental of a compact car might result in a $200 hold, while a week-long rental of the same car could trigger a $250 hold. Avis also considers whether you declined their damage waiver (called the Loss Damage Waiver or LDW). If you declined it, the hold may be higher because Avis is assuming more risk.
Your credit history does not directly affect the hold amount — Avis applies the same hold to all renters of the same vehicle class at the same location. However, if you have a debit card instead of a credit card, some Avis locations may place a higher hold or require additional documentation.
What Happens to the Hold After You Return the Car
When you return the vehicle, Avis inspects it for damage and checks the fuel level. If the car is undamaged and the tank is full, Avis releases the entire hold. You are not charged anything beyond your base rental fee.
If there is damage, Avis deducts the repair cost from the hold. If the tank is not full, Avis charges you for fuel at their rate, which is typically higher than gas station prices — often $5 to $8 per gallon depending on location. Tolls and parking violations are also deducted from the hold. Avis then releases whatever balance remains.
The release process depends on your bank, not Avis. Avis typically initiates the release within 24 hours of return, but your credit card issuer or bank controls how quickly the hold disappears from your available balance. Most banks release holds within 3 to 7 business days. Some take longer, particularly if the rental occurred on a weekend or holiday.
How to Minimize or Avoid a Large Hold
The simplest way to reduce the hold is to purchase fuel upfront. When you select the "prepay fuel" option at pickup, you pay for a full tank at a set price (usually lower than Avis's per-gallon rate at return). This removes fuel from the list of unknowns, and Avis may reduce the hold amount slightly.
Declining optional coverage also affects the hold. If you decline the Loss Damage Waiver, the hold is typically higher. If you accept it, the hold may be lower because Avis's risk is reduced. Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental damage before paying for Avis's waiver — many policies do.
Returning the car on time and in good condition is the most direct way to may support the hold releases quickly. Late returns can trigger additional charges that delay the release. Returning the car with a full tank and no damage means Avis has no reason to hold funds longer than necessary.
Debit Cards and Higher Holds
If you use a debit card instead of a credit card, Avis may place a significantly higher hold — sometimes $400 to $500 or more. This is because debit card holds are harder to reverse quickly; the money comes directly from your bank account rather than from a line of credit. Some Avis locations require a debit card holder to present a second form of payment or proof of funds.
If you have a choice, using a credit card for an Avis rental results in a lower hold and faster release. If you must use a debit card, contact the Avis location in advance to ask about their specific hold policy and whether you need to bring additional documentation.
If the Hold Does Not Release After Two Weeks
If more than two weeks have passed since you returned the car and the hold is still on your account, contact your bank first. Ask them to confirm whether Avis has released the hold on their end. Sometimes the hold is released by Avis but your bank has not yet processed it.
If your bank confirms the hold is still active, contact Avis directly with your rental agreement number. Avis can check whether there are outstanding charges (damage, fuel, tolls) that are preventing the release. If there are no charges and Avis confirms the hold should have been released, ask Avis to submit a formal release request to your bank. Provide your bank with Avis's confirmation so they can prioritize the release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Avis charge interest on the held amount?
No. Avis does not charge interest on a hold. The hold is a temporary block of funds, not a loan. Your credit card issuer may charge interest if you carry a balance on the card, but that is separate from the Avis hold.
Can I use my credit card for other purchases while the hold is active?
Yes, but the held amount reduces your available credit. If your credit limit is $5,000 and Avis places a $300 hold, you have $4,700 available for other purchases. Once the hold releases, your full $5,000 becomes available again.
What if I return the car with damage I did not cause?
Document the damage with photos before you leave the lot. If Avis charges you for pre-existing damage, dispute the charge with your credit card company. Provide your photos and the rental agreement as evidence. Most credit card companies will reverse charges for damage you did not cause if you have documentation.
Does Avis hold money differently at airport locations?
Airport locations often place higher holds than off-airport branches, sometimes by $50 to $100. This is because airport rentals tend to be longer and carry higher risk. Call the specific airport location before your rental to ask about their hold amount.
Can I request a lower hold amount?
You can ask, but Avis typically applies the same hold to all renters of the same vehicle class at the same location. Your best option is to purchase prepaid fuel or accept the Loss Damage Waiver, both of which may result in a slightly lower hold.