Hertz places a hold on your credit card at pickup, not a charge
When you rent a car from Hertz, the company places a hold on your credit card — not an when ready charge. This hold is a temporary block of funds that secures the rental and covers potential damage, fuel, or other costs. The hold amount varies depending on the car class, your location, and your payment method, but typically ranges from $200 to $500 for standard vehicles. Luxury or larger vehicles may trigger holds of $500 to $1,500 or more.
The hold is not money taken from your account. Your bank straightforward sets those funds aside and makes them unavailable for other purchases while the hold is active. Once you return the car and settle your final bill, the hold is released — usually within 3 to 5 business days, though some banks take up to 10 days to fully clear it.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz places a hold on your credit card at pickup that typically ranges from $200 to $500 for standard cars, but is not an actual charge.
- The hold amount depends on the vehicle class, your location, and whether you decline or accept their damage waiver.
- You will be charged your rental rate plus any extras (fuel, tolls, late fees) when you return the car; the hold is released after that transaction posts.
- If you return the car with damage or unpaid charges, Hertz may keep part or all of the hold to cover those costs.
- The hold typically clears from your account within 3 to 10 business days after you return the vehicle, depending on your bank.
Why Hertz places a hold instead of charging upfront
Hertz uses a hold to protect itself against damage, fuel shortages, and unpaid extras without charging you twice. When you pick up the car, Hertz does not yet know whether you will return it on time, in good condition, or with a full tank. The hold ensures the funds are available if something goes wrong.
This system also protects you: if you return the car undamaged and on time, you pay only your actual rental rate. You are not charged the full hold amount. The hold straightforward guarantees that money exists in your account if Hertz needs to claim it.
What determines the hold amount
Hertz calculates the hold based on several factors. The vehicle class is the primary driver — a compact car triggers a smaller hold than an SUV or luxury sedan. Your rental location also matters; holds in major cities or airports may be higher than in smaller markets. Whether you accept Hertz's damage waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) can also affect the hold amount, as does your payment method.
Hertz does not publish exact hold amounts publicly, so the figure you see at checkout is specific to your reservation. If you want to know the hold amount before you arrive, call the rental location directly or check your reservation confirmation email — it often lists the estimated hold.
How the hold interacts with your actual bill
At return, Hertz calculates your final bill: the daily rental rate, any fuel charges, tolls, late fees, or damage claims. This final amount is what you actually pay. The hold is then released, and your bank processes the real charge separately.
If your final bill is less than the hold amount — which is common — the difference is released when ready and returns to your available balance. If your bill exceeds the hold (for example, because of damage or a fuel surcharge), Hertz charges you the overage on top of the hold release. This can take a few days to process, so you may see both transactions on your statement.
When the hold is released and how long it takes
The hold is released the moment your return transaction is processed, which usually happens within a few hours of returning the car. However, your bank controls how quickly the funds reappear in your account. Most banks release holds within 3 to 5 business days; some take up to 10 days.
If you returned the car on a Friday evening, the hold may not clear until the following Wednesday or Thursday because banks process holds on business days only. If Hertz is investigating damage or disputing charges, the hold may remain longer while they review the claim.
What happens if you return the car with damage
If Hertz identifies damage to the vehicle, they will photograph it and estimate the repair cost. If the damage claim is less than the hold amount, Hertz charges you the damage amount and releases the remainder of the hold. If the damage claim exceeds the hold, you will be charged the overage.
Hertz may not process the damage charge when ready. They sometimes take several days or weeks to obtain repair quotes, especially for major damage. During this time, the hold remains in place. Once Hertz processes the damage claim, the hold is adjusted or released based on the final amount owed.
How to minimize the hold amount
You cannot eliminate the hold entirely, but you can reduce it. Renting a smaller vehicle class lowers the hold. Paying with a debit card instead of a credit card sometimes triggers a higher hold, so using a credit card can work in your favor. Some rental locations offer lower holds for members of loyalty programs or for customers with excellent credit, though Hertz does not advertise this publicly.
Accepting Hertz's damage waiver (LDW) does not reduce the hold amount, but it does limit your financial exposure if the car is damaged. Without the waiver, you are responsible for the full repair cost, which could far exceed the hold. The waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the hold count toward my rental bill?
No. The hold is a separate authorization. Your actual rental charge is calculated at return and processed independently. If your bill is less than the hold, the difference is released. If your bill exceeds the hold, you pay the overage.
Can I use my credit card for other purchases while the hold is active?
Yes, as long as your total available credit is higher than the hold amount. The hold reduces your available balance but does not prevent you from making other purchases. For example, if your credit limit is $5,000 and Hertz places a $400 hold, you can still charge up to $4,600 in other purchases.
What if the hold is still showing after I returned the car?
This is normal. Holds typically take 3 to 10 business days to clear, depending on your bank. If more than 10 business days have passed and the hold is still active, contact your bank to ask about the status. You can also call Hertz to confirm that your return was processed and the hold was released on their end.
Will Hertz hold more money if I decline the damage waiver?
Not necessarily. The hold amount is usually set at pickup based on the vehicle class and location, regardless of whether you accept the waiver. However, declining the waiver means you are liable for the full repair cost if damage occurs, which could exceed the hold amount.
Can I request a lower hold amount?
You can ask the rental agent, but Hertz sets holds based on their internal policies and the vehicle class. They are unlikely to reduce it, but there is no harm in asking. Renting a smaller vehicle or using a loyalty program discount are more reliable ways to lower the hold.