Hertz requires a credit card at the time of rental, not a debit card alone
Hertz will not complete a rental with a debit card, even if you have the funds available. You must present a valid credit card in your own name at the rental counter. This is true at airport locations, city branches, and all other Hertz rental desks in the United States.
The reason is straightforward: Hertz places a hold on your credit card to cover potential damage, fuel charges, and late fees. A debit card does not give them the same legal right to hold funds or dispute charges after the rental ends. If you do not have a credit card, you have limited options, and none of them are straightforward.
This policy applies whether you book online, by phone, or in person. Hertz will ask to see the card before you sign the rental agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz will not rent to you with a debit card under any circumstance — you must have a credit card in your own name.
- The credit card hold typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the car type and rental length, and the hold can take several days to release after you return the vehicle.
- If you do not have a credit card, some Hertz locations may accept a debit card plus a cash deposit of $500 to $1,000, but this is not may provide and varies by location.
- Prepaying for the rental online does not remove the credit card requirement — Hertz still needs a card on file for incidental charges.
Why Hertz uses credit card holds instead of debit cards
A credit card hold is a temporary freeze on available credit, not an actual charge. Hertz places a hold when you pick up the car and releases it when you return the vehicle undamaged and on time. The hold protects Hertz if you damage the car, return it late, or add charges like fuel or tolls.
With a debit card, the money comes directly from your bank account. If Hertz froze $300 of your debit card funds and you needed that money for groceries or rent, you would have no recourse until the hold released — which can take 3 to 5 business days after you return the car. Hertz avoids this liability by straightforward refusing debit cards.
Credit cards also give you dispute rights if Hertz charges you incorrectly. With a debit card, the money is already gone from your account, and you have to fight to get it back. Credit card companies side with customers more often in these disputes.
What the credit card hold actually covers
The hold is not a charge — it is a reservation of credit. Hertz typically holds between $200 and $500, depending on the car class and rental length. A luxury car or a week-long rental will trigger a higher hold than a compact car for one day.
The hold covers damage beyond normal wear, fuel if you do not return the car full, late fees if you miss the return time, and tolls or parking tickets incurred during the rental. If you return the car on time, undamaged, and with a full tank, the hold is released and you owe nothing extra.
The hold releases within a few days of return, but the exact timing depends on your credit card company, not Hertz. Some banks release holds within 24 hours; others take up to a week. You can call your credit card company to ask them to expedite the release, but Hertz cannot force them to do it faster.
If you do not have a credit card
Your options are very limited. Some Hertz locations will accept a debit card if you also provide a cash deposit of $500 to $1,000. This deposit is held separately from the credit card hold and is returned when you bring the car back. However, this policy is not may provide at every location — it depends on the manager's discretion and local rules.
To learn about your local Hertz will accept this arrangement, call the specific location where you plan to rent. Do not rely on the website or the phone reservation line; they will tell you the official policy (credit card required). The rental counter manager may have flexibility that the reservation system does not.
If no Hertz location near you will accept a debit card, consider renting from Enterprise, Budget, or Avis instead. These companies have different policies, and some will rent to debit card holders under certain conditions. Call ahead to confirm before you show up.
How to prepare your credit card for a Hertz rental
Before you arrive at Hertz, make sure your credit card has at least $200 to $500 in available credit — not just a balance you can pay off, but actual available credit. If your card is maxed out or nearly maxed out, Hertz may refuse to place the hold, and you will not be able to rent.
Bring the physical card with you. Hertz will not accept a card number over the phone or a digital wallet payment for the hold. You must present the card in person at the rental counter, and it must be in your own name. If someone else's card is used, that person must be present to sign the rental agreement.
If you are renting a car for a long trip and worried about the hold affecting your credit limit, call your credit card company before the rental and let them know. Some companies will temporarily increase your limit or flag the hold so it does not interfere with other purchases.
What happens if your credit card is declined at the rental counter
If Hertz tries to place the hold and your card is declined, you will not be able to complete the rental. This can happen if your card is maxed out, if your bank has flagged the transaction as suspicious, or if your card has expired.
If this happens, you have a few options. Call your credit card company when ready and ask them to approve the hold. If they refuse or if the card is actually maxed out, ask Hertz if they will accept a different card — yours or someone else's. If you do not have another card, ask about the debit card plus cash deposit option.
If none of these work, you will need to cancel the rental and find another car rental company or another day to rent. There is no workaround once you are at the counter and the card is declined.
Prepaid rentals and credit card requirements
Even if you prepay for your entire rental online, Hertz still requires a credit card at pickup. Prepayment does not remove this requirement. The prepaid amount covers your base rental cost, but Hertz still needs a card on file to cover incidental charges like extra fuel, tolls, or damage.
When you prepay online, you enter a credit card number. That same card (or a different one in your name) must be present at the rental counter. If you prepaid with a credit card but do not have that card with you on rental day, you will need to provide a different credit card.
If you prepaid and then lose access to your credit card before the rental date, contact Hertz customer service to update the card on file. Do this at least a few days before your rental so there is time to process the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else's credit card be used for my Hertz rental?
Yes, but that person must be present at the rental counter and must sign the rental agreement. Hertz will not accept a credit card number from someone who is not there in person. The cardholder is legally responsible for any charges, so they need to understand what they are signing.
Will Hertz accept a prepaid credit card or gift card?
Most Hertz locations will not accept prepaid cards or gift cards because they cannot place a hold on them the way they can with a traditional credit card. Call your local Hertz to confirm, but expect to be told no. A standard credit card from a bank or credit card company is what Hertz needs.
How long does the credit card hold stay on my account after I return the car?
Hertz releases the hold within 24 hours of return, but your credit card company controls how long it actually stays on your account. Most banks release holds within 3 to 5 business days. If it has been more than a week, call your credit card company and ask them to investigate.
What if I return the car damaged — how much will Hertz charge?
Hertz will charge you for repairs or, if the damage is severe, the full replacement cost of the vehicle. These charges are deducted from the credit card hold or charged separately if the damage exceeds the hold amount. Review the damage waiver options before you rent to understand what you are responsible for.
Can I use a debit card if I also buy the damage waiver?
No. The damage waiver does not change Hertz's credit card requirement. You still need a credit card at pickup, regardless of what insurance or waivers you purchase.