What Hertz charges as a deposit

Hertz does not charge a separate security deposit in the traditional sense. Instead, they place a hold on your credit card at the time of rental. This hold is not a charge — it is a temporary block of funds that Hertz releases after you return the vehicle and they confirm there is no damage or outstanding charges.

The hold amount varies based on the vehicle class you rent. A compact car typically has a hold of $200 to $300, while a mid-size sedan might be $300 to $500. SUVs and larger vehicles can have holds of $500 to $1,000 or more. Hertz does not publish a fixed schedule, so the exact amount depends on the specific car location, the rental period, and current company policy.

The hold is released within 3 to 5 business days after you return the car, though some credit card companies take longer to post the release back to your account. If you have damage charges or unpaid fees, Hertz will deduct those from the hold before releasing the remainder.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz places a temporary hold on your credit card rather than collecting a cash deposit, with amounts ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on vehicle size.
  • The hold is released 3 to 5 business days after you return the car, but your credit card company may take additional time to show the funds back in your account.
  • If you have damage or unpaid charges, Hertz deducts those costs from the hold before releasing what remains.
  • You must have a valid credit card in your own name to rent from Hertz; debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the hold.

Why Hertz uses a hold instead of a cash deposit

A credit card hold protects Hertz against damage, fuel charges, tolls, and late fees without requiring you to carry cash or wait for a refund. It also means Hertz does not have to manage physical deposits or process refunds through the mail. From your perspective, the hold ties up credit available on your card but does not leave your account permanently.

The hold amount is set high enough to cover most common damage scenarios — a minor dent, a broken mirror, or fuel charges. If the actual damage exceeds the hold, Hertz will contact you for additional payment. If there is no damage and no outstanding charges, the full hold is released untouched.

What payment method you need to provide the hold

You must present a valid credit card in your own name at the rental counter. Hertz does not accept debit cards, prepaid cards, or gift cards for the hold. The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold amount — if your card has a $500 limit and a $400 hold is placed, you will have only $100 available for other purchases until the hold is released.

The card does not have to be the same one you used to pay for the rental. You can book with one card and provide a different credit card at pickup for the hold. However, the name on the card must match the name on your driver's license and the rental agreement.

How the hold affects your available credit

When Hertz places a hold on your card, that amount counts against your credit limit when ready, even though no money has left your account. If you have a $2,000 credit limit and Hertz places a $500 hold, you have $1,500 available for other purchases until the hold is released.

This can matter if you are close to your credit limit or if you plan to make other large purchases during the rental period. The hold typically lasts 3 to 5 business days after return, but some credit card companies take longer to process the release. If you need the credit available sooner, contact Hertz after returning the car and ask them to confirm the hold release in writing — you can then show this to your credit card company to request faster processing.

Damage charges and how they reduce your hold refund

If Hertz finds damage to the vehicle, they will document it with photos and send you an itemized damage report, usually within 7 to 10 days of return. Common charges include dents ($200 to $1,500 depending on severity), broken windows ($300 to $800), interior stains ($100 to $500), and tire damage ($150 to $400).

Hertz deducts the damage amount from your hold and releases the remainder. If damage exceeds the hold amount, they will charge your credit card for the overage. You have the right to dispute damage charges if you believe they are incorrect or if the damage was pre-existing — contact Hertz customer service with photos or evidence within 30 days of the charge.

Additional charges that reduce your hold

Beyond damage, several other charges can reduce the amount Hertz releases back to you. Fuel charges explore if you return the car with less fuel than when you picked it up — Hertz charges a per-gallon rate that is typically higher than local gas prices. Tolls, parking tickets, and traffic violations incurred during the rental are also charged to your hold. Late return fees explore if you keep the car past the agreed return time, usually at a daily rate or a percentage of the rental cost.

You can avoid most of these by returning the car on time, with a full tank, and in the same condition as pickup. If you are unsure about fuel level or damage at return, ask the Hertz agent to walk through the car with you before you leave the lot — this creates a record if a dispute arises later.

What happens if your credit card is declined or has insufficient funds

If the credit card you present at pickup does not have enough available credit for the hold, Hertz will ask you to provide a different card. If you cannot provide an acceptable card with sufficient credit, Hertz may refuse to complete the rental. This is rare but can happen if you are at or near your credit limit.

To avoid this, check your available credit before arriving at the rental counter. If you are concerned about the hold, call the Hertz location ahead of time and ask what hold amount they will place on your vehicle class. You can then increase your credit limit with your card issuer or bring a second card as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card for the hold?

No. Hertz requires a credit card in your own name. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards are not accepted because they do not allow Hertz to place a hold the way credit cards do. If you do not have a credit card, you will not be able to rent from Hertz.

How long does it take for the hold to be released after I return the car?

Hertz typically releases the hold within 3 to 5 business days of return. However, your credit card company may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to post the release back to your account. In total, expect the funds to be available again within 5 to 8 business days, though this varies by card issuer.

What if Hertz charges me for damage I did not cause?

Document any pre-existing damage at pickup by taking photos and asking the agent to note it on your rental agreement. If Hertz charges you for damage you believe is not your responsibility, contact their customer service within 30 days with your evidence. Hertz will review your case, and you can dispute the charge with your credit card company if you disagree with their decision.

Does the hold count as a charge on my credit report?

No. A hold does not appear on your credit report or affect your credit score. It only reduces your available credit temporarily. Once the hold is released, your available credit returns to normal, and there is no record of the hold on your credit history.

Can I get the hold amount lowered?

Hertz sets hold amounts based on vehicle class and does not typically negotiate them. However, you can call the rental location before pickup and ask what hold amount will be placed on your specific vehicle. If the amount is higher than you expected, you can choose a smaller vehicle class, which will have a lower hold.