Hertz places a hold of $200 to $500 on your credit card at pickup, depending on the car class and your location
When you rent from Hertz, the company doesn't charge you upfront for the full rental cost. Instead, they place a hold on your credit card — money that sits in a pending state and reduces your available credit, but doesn't leave your account immediately. The hold amount varies by vehicle type and rental location. Economy cars typically trigger a $200 to $300 hold, while SUVs and premium vehicles can result in holds of $400 to $500 or more.
The hold is a security measure. Hertz uses it to cover potential charges beyond the base rental rate: fuel if you return the car empty, damage fees, tolls, parking violations, or late return penalties. Once you return the car in the agreed condition and on time, Hertz releases the hold within 3 to 10 business days. Your bank then returns the money to your available credit.
The exact hold amount depends on factors Hertz controls at the time of reservation or pickup. These include the vehicle class you're renting, the rental location (airport locations sometimes hold more), your payment method, and whether you purchased additional coverage or fuel options. Hertz does not publish a fixed hold schedule, so the amount can vary between two identical rentals at different times or locations.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz holds between $200 and $500 on your credit card at pickup, with the exact amount depending on the vehicle class and rental location.
- The hold reduces your available credit but does not charge your account; it is released 3 to 10 business days after you return the car.
- Damage, fuel, tolls, or late fees can convert the hold into an actual charge, so returning the car on time and in good condition is the fastest way to get the hold released.
- If you dispute a charge after the hold is released, contact your credit card company and Hertz within 60 days to document the dispute.
Why Hertz holds money instead of charging you upfront
A hold protects Hertz from customers who return cars damaged, late, or with an empty fuel tank. The company doesn't know at pickup whether you'll incur extra charges, so the hold acts as a temporary reserve. If you return the car on time with a full tank and no damage, the hold simply disappears and your credit limit is restored.
From your perspective, the hold affects your available credit immediately. If your credit limit is $5,000 and Hertz places a $300 hold, your available credit drops to $4,700 until the hold is released. This matters if you plan to use that card for other purchases during the rental period. Some people carry a second card specifically to avoid this squeeze on their primary card's available credit.
How long the hold stays on your account
After you return the car and complete the checkout process, Hertz typically releases the hold within 3 to 10 business days. The exact timeline depends on your bank, not Hertz. Some banks process hold releases faster than others. Weekend and holiday delays can extend this window.
If Hertz charges you for damage, fuel, or other fees, those charges post separately and the hold is adjusted downward or released entirely. For example, if Hertz held $300 and charged you $75 for fuel, the $300 hold releases and the $75 charge posts to your account as a regular transaction.
If the hold has not released after 10 business days, contact Hertz customer service with your rental agreement number. Hertz can manually release holds that are stuck in processing. Your bank can also investigate if the hold appears to be frozen on their end.
What can turn a hold into an actual charge
The hold becomes a real charge if Hertz documents any of the following at return: damage to the vehicle, fuel not replenished to the agreed level, tolls or parking citations incurred during the rental, late return fees, or mileage overage charges (if applicable to your rental agreement).
Damage charges vary widely depending on the severity. A small scratch might be $100 to $300; a dent or broken window could be $500 to $1,500 or more. Fuel charges are typically $5 to $8 per gallon if you return the car empty. Late return fees are usually $40 to $75 per hour, depending on location.
To avoid these charges, return the car on time, with a full fuel tank, and inspect it for damage before you leave the lot. If you notice existing damage when you pick up the car, photograph it and ask Hertz to note it on your agreement. This protects you from being charged for damage you didn't cause.
Holds and your credit score
A hold does not directly damage your credit score because it is not a charge or a late payment. However, a hold does reduce your available credit, which can affect your credit utilization ratio if you're close to your limit on other cards. Credit utilization — the percentage of your total available credit that you're actively using — is a factor in credit scoring models.
For example, if you have $10,000 in total available credit across all cards and you're using $8,000, your utilization is 80%. If a Hertz hold removes another $300 from your available credit, your utilization rises slightly. This is a minor effect and reverses once the hold releases, but it's worth knowing if you're in the middle of applying for a loan or mortgage.
Holds on debit cards and prepaid cards
Hertz accepts debit cards and prepaid cards, but holds on these cards work differently than on credit cards. A hold on a debit card actually removes money from your checking account temporarily, reducing your available balance. This can cause problems if you don't have enough buffer in your account — you might overdraft if you try to make other purchases while the hold is active.
Prepaid cards have similar issues. The held amount is locked and unavailable until Hertz releases it. If your prepaid card has a $500 balance and Hertz places a $300 hold, you have only $200 to spend until the hold releases.
For these reasons, using a credit card for Hertz rentals is generally safer than using a debit or prepaid card. Credit card holds don't touch your actual cash, and they release faster in most cases.
What to do if a hold doesn't release
If 10 business days have passed since you returned the car and the hold is still showing on your account, start by contacting Hertz. Have your rental agreement number ready. Hertz can check whether the hold was released on their end and, if so, escalate the issue to your bank.
If Hertz confirms the hold was released but your bank hasn't processed it yet, ask your bank how long they typically take to clear Hertz holds. Some banks have a standard 5 to 7 day window; others take up to 10 days. If your bank says the hold should have cleared by now, ask them to investigate with Hertz directly.
If you believe Hertz charged you unfairly — for example, you were charged for damage you didn't cause — dispute the charge with your credit card company within 60 days of the transaction. Your card issuer will investigate and may reverse the charge if you provide evidence (photos of the car at return, your rental agreement, correspondence with Hertz).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reduce the hold amount by paying in advance?
No. Hertz places the hold based on the vehicle class and location, not on how much you've prepaid. Prepaying the rental rate does not lower the hold amount. The hold is separate from the rental charge and is released independently once you return the car.
Does Hertz hold money if I use a rewards credit card?
Yes. The hold amount is the same regardless of which credit card you use. However, if the hold eventually converts to a charge (for damage or fuel), that charge will post to your rewards card and you'll earn points or cash back on it, just as you would on any other purchase.
What happens if I return the car early?
Returning the car early does not affect the hold. Hertz still places the hold at pickup and releases it after you return the car and complete checkout. If you're charged a lower rental rate due to the early return, that adjustment is separate from the hold.
Will the hold show up on my credit report?
No. A hold is a temporary authorization and does not appear on your credit report. Only actual charges post to your credit report, and even then, a single Hertz rental charge is too small to affect your credit history. Only missed payments or collections would show up on your report.
Can I use a different card to avoid the hold on my main card?
Yes. You can provide a different credit card at pickup and Hertz will place the hold on that card instead. This is useful if you want to keep your primary card's available credit intact during the rental period. Just make sure the card you use is in your name and has sufficient available credit for the hold.