Hertz requires a credit card at the time you pick up the rental car, not when you book
Hertz will not let you drive off the lot without a credit card in your name. This is true even if you paid for the reservation with cash, debit card, or another method. The credit card serves as a hold for the security deposit and any charges that come up during the rental — damage, fuel, tolls, late fees. Hertz does not accept debit cards, prepaid cards, or cash as a substitute for this hold.
You can book your reservation using a debit card or even pay the full rental cost upfront with cash through a travel agent or third-party site. But when you arrive at the counter with your driver's license and rental agreement, you must present a valid credit card in your name. If you do not have one, Hertz will cancel the reservation and you will not be able to rent.
This policy exists because Hertz needs a way to charge you if something goes wrong — a scratch on the bumper, a missing fuel cap, an unpaid parking ticket from the rental period. A credit card gives them a may provide way to reach your account after you return the car. A debit card does not offer the same protection to the rental company, which is why they refuse it.
Key Takeaways
- You must present a credit card in your own name at the rental counter, regardless of how you paid for the reservation.
- Hertz places a hold on your credit card for the security deposit, typically between $200 and $500 depending on the car type.
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and cash are not accepted as a substitute for the credit card hold, even if you have already paid the full rental cost.
- If you do not have a credit card, you will not be able to complete the rental, so plan ahead if this applies to you.
What happens to your credit card during the rental
Hertz does not charge your credit card immediately for the full rental cost. Instead, they place a hold on your card for the security deposit. This hold freezes that amount of money temporarily but does not actually charge it to your account. The hold typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the vehicle class and your location.
When you return the car on time, in the condition you rented it, and with a full tank of fuel, Hertz releases the hold within a few business days. The money unfreezes and becomes available again. You are then charged only for the actual rental cost, fuel (if you did not fill up), and any extras you added like insurance or GPS.
If Hertz finds damage, missing items, or unpaid charges, they will charge your credit card for those costs after you leave. This can happen days or even weeks after you return the car. This is why the credit card requirement exists — Hertz needs a way to reach your account if something comes up.
Building credit if you do not have a credit card yet
If you need to rent from Hertz but do not have a credit card, you have two realistic paths: get a credit card before your trip, or find a different rental company with different policies.
A secured credit card is the fastest route if you have no credit history or poor credit. You deposit cash with the card issuer — typically $200 to $2,500 — and that becomes your credit limit. You can open a secured card in one to three business days with most banks. Once you have the card, you can use it for the Hertz hold. The card issuer reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, so using it responsibly builds your credit score over time.
Some banks offer secured cards with no annual fee and no minimum deposit. Others charge a small annual fee. Compare a few options before you choose. The goal is to have the card in hand before your rental date, so do not wait until the last minute.
If you cannot get a credit card in time, call Hertz directly before your trip. A small number of locations may make exceptions for customers who can provide additional documentation or a co-signer with a credit card present at pickup. This is rare and not may provide, but it is worth asking.
Why Hertz and most car rental companies require credit cards
Car rental companies use credit cards as a risk management tool. A rental car is a high-value asset that leaves the company's control for days at a time. The renter could damage it, get into an accident, rack up parking tickets, or fail to return it on time. A credit card gives the company a direct line to the renter's bank account if any of these things happen.
Debit cards do not offer the same protection. If Hertz charges a debit card and the charge is disputed, the money comes directly out of your bank account and the dispute process is slower and more complicated. Credit cards have stronger consumer protections built into the system, which actually protects both you and Hertz.
Cash and prepaid cards offer no way for Hertz to pursue charges after the transaction. If you paid cash upfront and then caused $500 in damage, Hertz would have no way to recover that cost. This is why they will not accept these payment methods, even though it might seem inconvenient to you.
Other car rental companies with different policies
Not every car rental company has identical policies. Some smaller or regional companies may accept debit cards under certain conditions, such as if you provide a larger cash deposit upfront or if you purchase their damage waiver. Enterprise and Budget, for example, sometimes accept debit cards if you meet specific requirements — usually a valid ID, proof of insurance, and a return ticket or itinerary.
If you do not have a credit card and cannot get one before your trip, call ahead to other rental companies and ask about their debit card policy. Be specific: tell them you have a debit card but no credit card, and ask whether they will accept it. Do not rely on their website alone, because policies vary by location and change frequently.
Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental platform that operates differently from traditional rental companies. Some Turo hosts accept debit cards or other payment methods. If you are renting for a personal trip rather than business, Turo may be worth exploring as an alternative.
How to prepare your credit card for a Hertz rental
Before you arrive at Hertz, make sure your credit card has enough available credit for the hold. If your card has a $500 limit and you have already charged $450, Hertz may not be able to place a $300 hold on top of that. Call your card issuer if you are unsure about your available credit.
Bring the physical credit card with you to the rental counter. Hertz will not accept a card number over the phone or a digital wallet payment for the hold — they need to swipe or insert the actual card to verify it is valid and in your name.
If you are renting under a company name or for business, the credit card must still be in your personal name. Hertz does not accept corporate cards or cards issued to a business entity. If you are renting a car for work, you will need to use your personal credit card and then submit the receipt to your employer for reimbursement.
What to do if Hertz denies your rental because of your credit card
If you arrive at the counter and Hertz refuses your credit card, ask why. Common reasons include: the card is expired, the card is not in your name, the card has been flagged for fraud, or your available credit is too low. If it is an expiration or name issue, you cannot fix it on the spot — you will need a different card.
If it is a fraud flag, call your card issuer from the Hertz counter. Many issuers can lift a temporary hold within minutes if you confirm you are the cardholder and that you authorized the charge. Have your card issuer call Hertz directly if needed.
If your available credit is too low, you have no immediate solution at Hertz. You could try a different credit card if you have one, or you could cancel the reservation and rebook with a different rental company that accepts debit cards. Plan ahead next time by checking your credit limit before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's credit card for the Hertz hold?
No. The credit card must be in your name and you must be present at the rental counter with a valid ID that matches the card. Hertz will not accept a card belonging to a spouse, parent, or friend, even if they are with you. This is a liability issue — Hertz needs to know who is responsible for any charges that come up.
What if I pay the full rental cost upfront but still do not have a credit card?
Hertz will still require a credit card at pickup for the security hold, even if you have already paid the rental cost in full. The hold is separate from the rental payment. Prepaying does not eliminate the credit card requirement.
How long does the security hold stay on my credit card?
Hertz typically releases the hold within three to five business days after you return the car, assuming there are no damage claims or additional charges. In some cases it can take up to two weeks. The hold does not count as a charge, so it does not appear on your statement, but it does reduce your available credit temporarily.
Can I use a virtual credit card number for the Hertz hold?
No. Hertz requires a physical credit card that they can swipe or insert at the counter. Virtual card numbers, digital wallets, and one-time-use card numbers will not work for the security hold. You must bring the actual card with you.
What if I have a credit card but it has a very low credit limit?
Call Hertz before your rental date and ask what the minimum available credit needs to be for your vehicle class. If your limit is too low, you can either request a credit limit increase from your card issuer, use a different card with a higher limit, or book a smaller vehicle that requires a smaller hold.