Hertz places a temporary hold on your credit card at pickup, not a charge
When you rent a car from Hertz, the company puts a hold on your credit card — not an immediate charge. This hold is a reservation of funds that shows up in your available credit but doesn't actually leave your account yet. The hold amount depends on your rental length, the car type, and your location, but typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
The hold serves as a security deposit. Hertz uses it to cover potential charges like fuel, tolls, parking tickets, or damage that might occur during your rental. When you return the car undamaged and settle your actual rental bill, Hertz releases the hold. The money goes back into your available credit within a few business days, though some banks take longer.
Understanding this hold matters because it temporarily reduces your available credit. If you have a $2,000 credit limit and Hertz places a $1,200 hold, you only have $800 left to use elsewhere until the hold drops off. This can affect your ability to make other purchases or your credit utilization ratio if you're monitoring your credit score.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz holds money on your card as a security deposit at pickup, but this is not a charge — the funds remain yours until the hold is released.
- Hold amounts typically range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on the car class, rental length, and your location.
- The hold reduces your available credit temporarily, which can matter if you have a low credit limit or plan to use your card for other purchases during the rental.
- After you return the car and your final bill is processed, the hold is released within a few business days, though timing varies by bank.
- Debit cards and prepaid cards may have different hold policies or may require a larger deposit, so check Hertz's current terms if you're not using a credit card.
What determines the size of the hold
Hertz calculates the hold based on several factors. The rental agreement shows an estimated total, and the hold is typically that amount plus a buffer — often 20 to 25 percent extra — to cover incidental charges. A compact car for three days might trigger a $400 hold, while a full-size SUV for a week could be $1,500 or more.
Your location matters. Rental locations in cities or airports often place larger holds than suburban locations, partly because urban rentals carry higher risk of parking tickets or tolls. The time of year and demand also play a role — peak travel seasons sometimes mean higher holds.
Your payment method affects the hold too. Credit cards typically see standard holds. Debit cards often trigger larger holds because Hertz has less recourse if damage occurs. Some debit card holders are required to pay a separate cash deposit instead of relying on the card hold alone.
How long the hold stays on your card
The hold is not permanent. When you return the car, Hertz processes your final bill — the actual rental cost plus any charges for damage, fuel, tolls, or late fees. Once that bill is finalized, usually within 24 hours of return, Hertz releases the hold.
However, the hold does not disappear from your account immediately. Your bank controls when the hold drops off your available credit. Most banks release holds within 3 to 5 business days. Some take up to 10 business days, especially if the return happens on a weekend or holiday. During this waiting period, the money is still tied up and counts against your available credit.
If you dispute a charge or if Hertz needs to investigate damage after you've returned the car, the hold may stay in place longer while the issue is resolved. This is rare, but it's worth knowing that holds can extend beyond the typical window.
Why the hold is larger than your actual rental cost
Hertz adds a buffer to the hold to cover charges that might occur after you drive off the lot. This includes fuel (if you don't return the car with a full tank), tolls you incur during the rental, parking tickets, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicle. The buffer ensures Hertz has funds available to cover these costs without having to contact you later or pursue a separate charge.
The buffer is not a fee — it's just a safety margin. If you return the car with a full tank, no damage, and no tickets, your actual bill will be lower than the hold amount, and the difference is released back to you. You only pay for what you actually used or damaged.
This is why it's important to inspect the car before you drive away and to document any existing damage. Take photos of the vehicle's condition and note them on your rental agreement. This protects you from being charged for damage you didn't cause, which would reduce the amount of the hold that gets released.
How a hold affects your credit score and available credit
A hold does not directly damage your credit score. Credit bureaus only see actual charges and payments, not temporary holds. However, a hold does reduce your available credit, which can indirectly affect your score if it pushes your credit utilization ratio higher.
Credit utilization is the percentage of your total credit limit that you're actively using. If you have a $3,000 limit, carry a $1,000 balance, and Hertz places a $1,200 hold, your utilization jumps from 33 percent to 73 percent. High utilization can lower your score slightly, though the effect is temporary and reverses once the hold is released.
The bigger practical impact is on your available credit. If you're close to your credit limit or planning to make other large purchases during your rental period, a hold can prevent you from using your card. This is why some people request a higher credit limit before renting a car, or use a different card with more available credit.
Holds on debit cards and prepaid cards
Hertz treats debit and prepaid cards differently than credit cards. A hold on a debit card actually removes the money from your bank account temporarily, which can cause problems if you don't have enough buffer in your checking account. If you have $2,000 in the bank and Hertz places a $1,200 hold, you only have $800 available to spend on other things until the hold is released.
Some Hertz locations require a separate cash deposit if you're using a debit card, in addition to the card hold. This is because debit card transactions are harder for Hertz to reverse if a dispute arises. Check Hertz's current policy for your location before you arrive at the rental counter.
Prepaid cards have similar restrictions. Many prepaid card issuers don't allow holds at all, or they allow only small holds. If you're planning to rent with a prepaid card, contact both the card issuer and Hertz ahead of time to understand what's required.
What to do if the hold doesn't release
If more than 10 business days have passed since you returned the car and the hold is still on your account, contact Hertz directly. Have your rental agreement number ready. Hertz can confirm whether your final bill has been processed and can request that the hold be released if there are no outstanding charges.
If Hertz confirms the hold should be released but your bank still shows it, contact your bank's customer service. Provide them with the rental agreement number and the date you returned the car. Banks can sometimes manually release holds if the merchant confirms there are no pending charges.
Holds that persist for weeks are uncommon, but they do happen occasionally due to processing delays or system errors. Being persistent and having your documentation ready usually resolves the issue within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car from Hertz without a credit card?
Hertz requires a credit card at the time of rental for the hold. Some locations may accept debit cards, but policies vary and additional deposits may be required. Call your local Hertz location to ask about their specific payment options before you arrive.
Does the hold count as a charge on my credit card bill?
No. The hold is a temporary reservation of funds and does not appear as a charge on your statement. Only your actual rental bill — the final amount after the car is returned — appears as a charge.
What happens if I return the car damaged?
Hertz will assess the damage and add repair costs to your final bill. The hold amount is released minus the damage charges. If damage costs exceed the hold amount, Hertz will charge your card for the difference.
Can I ask Hertz to lower the hold amount?
Hold amounts are set by Hertz's system based on the rental details and your location. You cannot negotiate the hold amount, but you can reduce your actual bill by returning the car with a full tank, avoiding damage, and driving safely to avoid tickets or tolls.
Will the hold affect my ability to get approved for credit?
A hold does not appear on your credit report and does not affect credit decisions. However, if the hold reduces your available credit significantly, it could theoretically affect approval for new credit if you apply during the rental period. Once the hold is released, this impact disappears.