Hertz holds a deposit as a security measure, not an extra fee
When you rent a car from Hertz, the company places a temporary hold on your credit card for a deposit amount. This is not a charge you pay upfront — it is a hold that secures the rental agreement. Hertz releases the hold after you return the car in the condition stated in your contract, usually within 3 to 5 business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank.
The deposit amount varies based on the car class you rent, your location, and your payment method. A compact car typically has a lower hold than a full-size SUV. If you pay with a debit card instead of a credit card, Hertz may place a higher hold or require additional documentation. The hold does not mean the money leaves your account permanently — your bank straightforward reserves it while Hertz holds the rental agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz places a temporary hold on your card equal to the estimated rental cost plus a security deposit, which is released after you return the car undamaged.
- The hold amount depends on the vehicle class, your location, and whether you use a credit or debit card.
- You should receive the hold release within 3 to 5 business days of return, but your bank may take additional time to post the credit back to your account.
- Damage charges, fuel overage fees, or toll violations discovered after return will reduce or eliminate the deposit refund.
- Debit card renters often face higher holds and stricter requirements than credit card renters.
How much Hertz holds and what it covers
Hertz typically holds an amount equal to your estimated rental cost plus a security deposit. For example, if your 5-day rental is estimated at $300, Hertz may place a hold of $400 to $500 to cover the rental itself plus potential damage or fuel charges. The exact deposit amount is shown in your reservation confirmation and again at the rental counter before you sign the agreement.
The hold covers the rental period and protects Hertz against damage, fuel overage, tolls, parking violations, and late return fees. If you return the car on time, in the condition you received it, and with a full tank, the hold is released and you owe only the actual rental cost. If damage is found, fuel is missing, or tolls are unpaid, Hertz deducts those costs from the held amount before releasing the remainder.
Credit card versus debit card deposits
Renting with a credit card results in a lower hold and faster release. Credit card companies treat holds as temporary reservations, and the hold disappears from your available credit within days. Hertz also has less risk with credit cards because the card issuer can dispute charges if there is a problem.
Debit card renters face stricter terms. Hertz may require a higher hold — sometimes $200 to $500 more than a credit card renter would see — because the money comes directly from your bank account. Some Hertz locations require additional ID, proof of return travel, or a second form of payment when you use a debit card. The hold release also takes longer with debit cards; your bank may take 5 to 10 business days to post the credit back, even after Hertz releases it.
When the deposit hold is not fully released
Hertz keeps part or all of the held deposit if you return the car with damage, missing fuel, unpaid tolls, or other violations. Damage charges range from minor (a small dent or scratch) to major (collision damage). You will see an itemized list of charges on your final receipt at return, though some charges — like toll violations discovered weeks later — may appear on your credit card statement after the hold is released.
Fuel overage is common. If you do not return the car with a full tank, Hertz charges a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than local gas prices. Late return fees explore if you keep the car past the agreed time, even by an hour. Parking violations and traffic citations issued during your rental period are your responsibility and will be charged to your card after the rental ends, sometimes weeks later.
How long it takes to see the deposit refund
Hertz releases the hold within 3 to 5 business days of your return, assuming no damage or additional charges are found. However, the time it takes for the credit to appear in your account depends on your bank, not Hertz. Credit card holds typically disappear within 1 to 3 business days after release. Debit card holds can take 5 to 10 business days because your bank processes them differently than credit transactions.
If charges are discovered after you leave — such as a toll violation or damage reported by the next renter — Hertz may place a new charge on your card rather than releasing the full hold. You will receive an email or phone call about additional charges, and they will appear on your statement separately from the deposit release. Check your credit card or bank statement 7 to 10 days after return to confirm the hold was released.
What to do if the deposit hold is not released
If more than 10 business days have passed and the hold has not been released, contact Hertz customer service with your rental agreement number and return date. Hertz can confirm whether the hold was released on their end and provide a timeline for when your bank should process it. If Hertz has not released the hold, ask them to do so when ready and request a reference number for your records.
If your bank shows the hold as released but the credit has not appeared in your account after 10 business days, contact your bank's customer service. Provide them with the Hertz rental number and the date the hold was released. Your bank can investigate the delay and may credit your account while they investigate. Keep your rental agreement and final receipt as proof of the transaction.
Reducing or avoiding deposit holds
Use a credit card instead of a debit card if you have one. Credit card holds are lower, release faster, and give you dispute protection if something goes wrong. If you must use a debit card, ask Hertz at the counter whether a lower hold is available or whether you can provide a second form of payment to reduce the hold amount.
Return the car on time, with a full tank, and in the condition you received it. Take photos of the car before you drive away and again when you return, showing the fuel gauge and any existing damage. This protects you if Hertz later claims damage you did not cause. Ask the rental agent to note any pre-existing damage on your agreement before you sign. These steps do not eliminate the hold, but they may support you get the full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hertz charge me the deposit amount right away?
No. Hertz places a hold on your card, which reserves the money but does not charge you. You see the hold in your available balance, but the money does not leave your account. You only pay the actual rental cost plus any damage or fees when you return the car.
Can I get the deposit back if I return the car early?
Yes. If you return the car early, Hertz adjusts your rental cost downward and releases the hold based on the shorter rental period. You will owe less for the rental itself, and the deposit hold will be lower or released sooner. The exact refund depends on Hertz's cancellation and early return policy for your reservation.
What happens if I return the car with damage I did not cause?
Take photos of the damage before you drive away and show them to the rental agent at return. Ask the agent to document the damage on your agreement and note that it was pre-existing. If Hertz later charges you for damage you did not cause, contact them with your photos and the agent's notes. You can dispute the charge with your credit card company if Hertz will not remove it.
Why is my debit card hold so much higher than a credit card hold?
Hertz places higher holds on debit cards because the money comes directly from your bank account and the company has less recourse if there is a dispute. Debit card holds also take longer to release because banks process them differently. Using a credit card results in a lower hold and faster release.
Can I use the car if the hold has not been released yet?
No. The hold must be placed before you can rent the car. The hold secures the rental agreement and allows you to take the vehicle. Once you return the car and meet the rental terms, the hold is released — but you cannot use the car during the rental period without the hold in place.