Avis typically holds between $200 and $500 on your credit card as a damage deposit, depending on the car class and your location
The hold is not a charge — it is a temporary authorization that ties up available credit but does not move money from your account. Avis places this hold when you pick up the car and releases it within 7 to 10 business days after you return the vehicle, assuming no damage or extra charges explore. The exact amount varies based on the vehicle size, rental location, and your payment method.
If you decline the damage waiver (Avis calls it Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), the hold is typically higher because Avis is protecting itself against your liability for any accidents or damage. If you purchase the waiver, the hold may be lower. Some locations also place larger holds during peak travel seasons or for international rentals.
Key Takeaways
- Avis places a temporary hold of $200 to $500 on your credit card at pickup, which is released after you return the car if there are no damage claims or additional charges.
- The hold amount depends on the vehicle class, your rental location, and whether you purchase the Loss Damage Waiver.
- Holds tie up your available credit but do not charge your account; the money stays in your bank until the hold drops.
- If you have damage or incur extra fees, Avis may charge against the hold or place a second authorization for the overage.
- Debit cards may have longer hold release times than credit cards, sometimes taking 10 to 14 business days.
How the hold works and when it releases
When you complete your rental agreement at the Avis counter, the agent runs an authorization on your card for the hold amount. This authorization appears in your account when ready and reduces your available credit, but no money actually leaves your bank. The hold is Avis's way of ensuring they have a way to recover costs if you damage the car or rack up extra charges like fuel, tolls, or late fees.
After you return the car, Avis has up to 10 business days to inspect the vehicle and process your return. If there are no damage claims and you paid all rental charges upfront, the authorization drops and your available credit returns. If Avis finds damage or you owe additional fees, they may charge the hold or place a second authorization for the amount owed.
The timeline varies slightly by card issuer. Most credit card companies release holds within 7 to 10 business days. Debit card holds can take longer — sometimes 10 to 14 business days — because debit transactions move actual money and banks are more cautious about releasing funds.
Why the hold amount varies by vehicle and location
Avis adjusts the hold based on the replacement cost of the vehicle. A compact car typically triggers a $200 to $300 hold, while a full-size SUV or premium vehicle may result in a $400 to $500 hold. The logic is straightforward: a more expensive car means a higher potential liability if it is damaged.
Your rental location also affects the hold. International rentals, airport locations, and high-theft areas may have higher holds than neighborhood branches. Some countries require larger holds by law or local practice. If you are renting in a major city or at a busy airport, expect the higher end of the range.
The Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) you purchase at the counter can reduce the hold in some cases, though Avis does not always lower it. Ask the agent whether buying the waiver will reduce the authorization amount before you commit to it.
Holds on debit cards versus credit cards
Avis accepts both credit and debit cards, but holds behave differently on each. With a credit card, the hold is purely an authorization — it does not touch your bank account. Your credit limit temporarily decreases, but your actual cash is untouched. The hold releases and your available credit bounces back within 7 to 10 business days.
With a debit card, the hold can tie up actual money in your checking account. Some banks place the hold when ready and do not release it until Avis submits the final transaction, which can take 10 to 14 business days. If you are renting with a debit card and have a tight cash flow, this delay can be a real problem — you may not have access to that $300 or $400 for two weeks.
If you have both a credit card and a debit card, using a credit card for the rental protects your bank account from the hold. You can then pay off the credit card balance when ready after the trip if you want to avoid interest.
What happens if you damage the car or incur extra charges
If Avis finds damage during the return inspection, they will charge the repair cost against the hold. If the damage costs less than the hold amount, the remainder releases after 7 to 10 business days. If the damage exceeds the hold, Avis will place a second authorization or charge your card for the overage.
Extra charges — such as fuel (if you do not refuel before return), tolls, late fees, or mileage overages — are also charged against the hold or added as a separate charge. Avis typically sends an itemized receipt by email within a few days of return, so you can see exactly what was charged.
If you dispute a charge, contact Avis directly with your rental agreement number and photos of the car at return. If Avis does not resolve it, you can dispute the charge with your credit card issuer or bank, which will investigate and potentially reverse the charge.
How to minimize the hold impact on your finances
If you are concerned about the hold tying up credit or cash, use a credit card with a high available limit. A $300 hold on a $5,000 limit is less disruptive than a $300 hold on a $1,000 limit. Check your available credit before you arrive at the rental counter.
Return the car on time and in the condition you rented it. Damage claims and extra charges extend the time before the hold releases, because Avis has to investigate and process the charges first. A clean return with no damage means the hold drops faster.
Refuel the car before you return it. Avis charges a premium for fuel if you do not, and that charge eats into your hold or creates an overage. Most rental locations have a gas station nearby, and filling up yourself costs less than Avis's fuel service.
Ask the agent at pickup whether the hold will be lower if you purchase the Loss Damage Waiver. Some locations do reduce the hold for customers who buy the waiver, though this is not may provide. Get the answer in writing on your rental agreement if possible.
Holds for frequent renters and loyalty members
Avis Preferred members and frequent renters may see different hold amounts. Members with a strong rental history and no damage claims sometimes may have access to for lower holds or no hold at all, though this is at Avis's discretion and varies by location. If you rent regularly, ask the agent whether your membership status affects the hold.
International renters and those without a U.S. address may face higher holds or additional requirements, such as an international driver's permit or passport copy. Some countries require Avis to hold a larger amount by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the hold charge my card when ready?
No. The hold is an authorization that reduces your available credit but does not charge your account. Money does not leave your bank until Avis submits the final rental charges, which usually happens within 7 to 10 business days. If you use a debit card, the hold may tie up actual cash in your account for that period.
What if the hold is still there two weeks after I returned the car?
Contact Avis customer service with your rental agreement number and return date. If there are no damage claims or extra charges, the hold should have released by then. If Avis is investigating damage, ask for a timeline. If the hold persists without explanation, contact your credit card issuer or bank to dispute it.
Can I get the hold amount lowered before I rent?
You cannot lower the hold before pickup because Avis does not know the final rental charges yet. You can ask the agent at the counter whether purchasing the Loss Damage Waiver reduces the hold, or whether your membership status qualifies you for a lower hold. Some locations will adjust it, but most will not.
Does Avis hold money if I use a prepaid rental rate?
Yes. Even if you prepay the rental rate online, Avis still places a hold for potential damage or extra charges. The hold is separate from the prepaid rental amount and releases independently after your return.
What if I return the car with a full tank but Avis still charges me for fuel?
Keep your fuel receipt. If Avis charges you for fuel despite a full tank, contact them with the receipt and ask for a refund. If they refuse, dispute the charge with your credit card issuer, which will investigate based on your evidence.