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 for an amount larger than your actual rental cost. This hold is not a charge — it is a temporary reservation of funds that Hertz releases after you return the vehicle and they verify there are no damage claims or extra fees.
The hold amount depends on the car class you rent, your location, and your payment method. A compact car might trigger a $200 to $400 hold, while a full-size SUV could result in a $500 to $1,500 hold. Hertz does not publish exact hold amounts in advance, so you cannot know the precise figure until you complete the rental agreement at the counter.
The hold typically releases within 3 to 7 business days after you return the car, though some credit card companies take longer to process the release. During that time, the held amount counts against your available credit, which can affect your ability to make other purchases or your credit utilization ratio.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz places a hold on your credit card at pickup that is separate from the actual rental charge, and the hold amount varies by vehicle class and location.
- Hold amounts typically range from $200 for economy cars to $1,500 or more for luxury or large vehicles, but Hertz does not disclose the exact hold in advance.
- The hold reduces your available credit until it releases, which usually takes 3 to 7 business days after you return the car.
- If you incur damage charges, late fees, or fuel surcharges, Hertz deducts those from the hold before releasing the remainder.
- Using a debit card instead of a credit card may result in a higher hold amount and a longer release time.
Why Hertz places a hold instead of charging upfront
Hertz uses a hold to protect itself against damage, fuel charges, tolls, and late return fees that may not be known at the time you pick up the car. The rental agreement you sign at the counter authorizes Hertz to charge you for these items, and the hold ensures the funds are available if those charges occur.
Without a hold, Hertz would have no may provide you could pay for a damaged bumper or a tank of fuel after you drove away. The hold is the rental company's way of securing payment before handing over the keys.
Hold amounts by vehicle type and location
Hertz does not publish a standard hold schedule, so amounts vary. Based on typical rental practices, here is what you might expect:
| Vehicle Class | Typical Hold Range |
|---|---|
| Economy or compact car | $200–$400 |
| Mid-size sedan | $300–$600 |
| Full-size sedan or SUV | $500–$1,000 |
| Luxury or premium vehicle | $800–$1,500+ |
Airport locations often place higher holds than off-airport branches. International rentals may also trigger larger holds. The only way to know the exact hold for your specific rental is to ask the Hertz agent at the counter before you sign the agreement.
How the hold affects your credit and available funds
A hold reduces your available credit when ready, even though no money has left your account. If your credit card has a $5,000 limit and Hertz places a $600 hold, your available credit drops to $4,400 until the hold releases.
This matters if you plan to use that card for other purchases during your rental period. You may be declined for a purchase that would normally go through, or you may hit your credit limit sooner than expected. If you are close to your credit limit when you rent, ask Hertz about the hold amount before completing the rental.
With a debit card, the situation is more serious. Hertz may place a hold on the actual funds in your account, meaning that money is unavailable for your own expenses until the hold releases. Debit card holds also tend to be larger and release more slowly than credit card holds.
When Hertz converts the hold into actual charges
The hold remains a hold until Hertz processes your return. At that point, the company reviews the car for damage, checks the fuel level, confirms the mileage, and looks for any toll or late fees. Hertz then charges your card for the actual rental cost plus any additional fees, and releases the remainder of the hold.
If your rental cost $250 and you incurred a $50 fuel charge, Hertz charges $300 total and releases the remaining $300 (if the original hold was $600). If there is no damage and no extra fees, Hertz charges only the rental cost and releases the rest.
Damage charges, fuel surcharges, and late fees are the most common reasons the hold amount is larger than your final bill. Some renters assume the hold is the total cost and are surprised to see a smaller charge when the hold releases.
How long the hold stays on your account
Hertz typically releases a hold within 3 to 7 business days after you return the car. However, your credit card company controls how quickly the released funds reappear in your available credit. Some banks process the release the same day; others take up to 10 business days.
If you return the car on a Friday, the hold may not release until the following week, and your bank may not post the release until several days after that. During holidays or weekends, the process can take even longer.
If more than 10 business days have passed and the hold is still showing on your account, contact Hertz customer service with your rental agreement number. Hertz can confirm whether the hold has been released on their end, and if so, your bank may need to investigate the delay.
Debit cards and holds — why they are riskier
Hertz accepts debit cards, but the company often places a larger hold on a debit card than on a credit card for the same rental. A $400 hold on a credit card might become a $500 or $600 hold on a debit card.
More importantly, a debit card hold locks up actual money in your checking account. If you are living paycheck to paycheck, a $600 hold could prevent you from paying bills or buying groceries until the hold releases. Credit card holds do not have this effect because they only reduce your available credit, not your actual cash.
If you must rent with a debit card, ask Hertz for the hold amount in advance and make sure your account has enough buffer to cover both the hold and your regular expenses during the rental period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate the hold amount with Hertz?
No. The hold amount is set by Hertz's system based on the vehicle class and location, and the agent at the counter cannot change it. You can ask what the hold will be before you complete the rental, but you cannot reduce it.
What if I return the car with damage — does the hold cover it?
The hold may cover minor damage charges, depending on the amount. If damage charges exceed the hold, Hertz charges your card for the overage. If damage charges are less than the hold, Hertz releases the difference. Always document the car's condition at pickup and return to dispute any damage claims you believe are unfair.
Does the hold count toward my credit utilization?
Yes. Credit card companies typically count holds as part of your used credit, which affects your credit utilization ratio. A high utilization ratio can lower your credit score temporarily. Once the hold releases, your utilization drops and your score may recover.
What if Hertz never releases the hold?
Contact Hertz customer service with your rental agreement number and return date. If Hertz confirms the hold should have been released, ask your credit card company to investigate. Most banks can force a release if Hertz cannot provide a valid reason for keeping the hold beyond 10 business days.
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card to rent from Hertz?
Hertz generally does not accept prepaid cards or gift cards for rental payments because the company cannot place a hold on them. You will need a valid credit card or debit card in your name to complete a rental.