Hertz places a hold on your credit card at pickup, not a charge
When you rent a car from Hertz, the company puts a temporary hold on your credit card for an amount larger than your actual rental cost. This hold is not a charge — it is a security deposit that Hertz releases after you return the car undamaged and settle any extras like fuel or tolls. The hold amount varies based on the car type, your location, and your payment method, but it typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
The hold reduces your available credit at the moment of pickup, even though you have not yet paid for the rental. If your credit limit is close to maxed out, a large hold can push you over your limit and cause your card to be declined for other purchases during the rental period. Understanding how much Hertz will hold and when it releases is important for planning your finances around a rental.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz holds an amount on your credit card at pickup that is separate from your rental rate — typically $200 to $500 for economy cars and $500 to $1,500 for luxury or SUV rentals.
- The hold is a security deposit to cover potential damage, fuel charges, tolls, and late fees; it is not a payment for the rental itself.
- The hold reduces your available credit when ready but is usually released within 3 to 10 business days after you return the car, depending on your bank.
- Paying with a debit card instead of a credit card may result in a higher hold amount, and some banks freeze the held funds longer than others.
- Damage claims, unpaid tolls, or fuel charges can convert part or all of the hold into an actual charge on your card.
Typical hold amounts by vehicle type
Hertz does not publish a single hold amount — it varies by the specific car you rent and where you are renting it. Economy and compact cars typically see holds between $200 and $500. Mid-size sedans and crossovers usually trigger holds of $300 to $700. SUVs, trucks, and luxury vehicles often have holds of $500 to $1,500 or more.
The hold amount also depends on your rental location. Airport locations and major cities sometimes place higher holds than neighborhood branches. Your age, driving record, and whether you have rented from Hertz before can also factor into the decision, though Hertz does not always disclose these details upfront.
The best way to find out the exact hold amount for your rental is to ask the agent at the counter before you hand over your card. If the hold is higher than you expected, you can ask whether paying with cash or a different payment method would lower it — though Hertz may decline to rent to you without a credit card on file.
When the hold is placed and when it releases
Hertz places the hold on your card at the moment you pick up the rental car, not when you make the reservation. The hold appears in your account when ready, reducing your available credit right away. Your bank may show it as "pending" or "authorization hold" rather than a completed charge.
After you return the car, Hertz processes the actual rental charge (your daily rate, taxes, and any extras) separately from the hold. The hold itself is then released, but the timing depends on your bank, not Hertz. Most banks release holds within 3 to 10 business days. Some banks are faster; others can take up to 14 days. During this period, the held amount still counts against your credit limit, even though Hertz is no longer holding it.
If you incur damage charges, fuel overages, or toll violations, Hertz may convert part of the hold into an actual charge. In that case, the released amount will be smaller than the original hold, and the difference becomes a real charge on your card.
How payment method affects the hold amount
Paying with a credit card usually results in a lower hold than paying with a debit card. Credit card companies have stronger fraud protections and chargeback processes, so Hertz takes less risk. Debit card holds are often $500 to $1,000 higher because Hertz has fewer protections if you dispute a charge.
If you use a debit card, Hertz may also require you to show proof of insurance and a return ticket or hotel reservation to confirm you are not a flight risk. Some Hertz locations will not accept debit cards at all for this reason.
Prepaid cards and gift cards are treated similarly to debit cards and often trigger the highest holds. If you are renting with a prepaid card, confirm with Hertz in advance that they will accept it and ask about the hold amount.
What happens if damage or extra charges occur
The hold is Hertz's security against damage to the car, unpaid fuel, tolls, and late return fees. If you return the car in the same condition, with a full tank, and on time, the entire hold is released and you pay only your rental rate.
If there is damage, Hertz will document it, obtain a repair estimate, and charge you for the repairs up to the hold amount. If damage exceeds the hold, Hertz will charge your card for the overage. If you did not fill the tank, Hertz charges you for fuel at their rate, which is usually higher than a gas station. Tolls, parking tickets, and late fees are also deducted from the hold or charged separately.
Hertz will send you an itemized receipt showing what was charged and what was released. If you disagree with a charge, you can dispute it with your credit card company, but you will need documentation — photos of the car at return, your rental agreement, and any communication with Hertz about the damage.
How to minimize the impact of a large hold
If you have a low credit limit or are concerned about the hold reducing your available credit, call Hertz before your rental and ask what the hold will be. Some locations may negotiate a lower hold if you show proof of insurance or agree to a damage waiver.
Renting from a neighborhood Hertz location instead of an airport location sometimes results in a lower hold. Booking in advance and paying upfront (if Hertz offers that option) may also reduce the hold, though you will lose the flexibility to cancel or modify your reservation.
If you have multiple credit cards, use the one with the highest available credit to minimize the impact. A $500 hold on a $10,000 limit is less disruptive than the same hold on a $2,000 limit.
Plan your rental timing so that the hold is released before you need that credit for other purchases. If you are renting for a week, the hold may not release until after you return home, so do not count on that credit being available when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the hold released faster than my bank normally takes?
No. Hertz releases the hold when ready after processing your return, but your bank controls how long it stays frozen. You can contact your bank to ask them to release it faster, but most banks will not accelerate the process. Some banks release holds within 24 hours; others take the full 10 to 14 days. Check your bank's policy before you rent.
What if I return the car early — does the hold get released sooner?
Returning early does not speed up the hold release. Hertz still processes your return and releases the hold on their end, but your bank still controls the timeline. The hold will release on your bank's schedule, not Hertz's.
Will Hertz hold more money if I rent a car without insurance?
Yes, in most cases. If you decline Hertz's damage waiver and do not show proof of your own comprehensive and collision insurance, Hertz will place a higher hold to cover potential damage. Bringing proof of your insurance policy can lower the hold amount.
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card to rent from Hertz?
Some Hertz locations accept prepaid cards, but holds are usually higher, and you may need to show additional documentation. Call ahead to confirm your specific card will be accepted and ask about the hold amount before you arrive.
What if Hertz charges me for damage I did not cause?
Document the car's condition at pickup and return with photos or video. If Hertz charges you for damage that was already there, dispute the charge with your credit card company and provide your documentation. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general if you believe Hertz is charging unfairly.