Avis does not charge a separate security deposit upfront
Avis does not hold a traditional security deposit before you rent. Instead, Avis places a hold on your credit card for the rental cost plus an additional amount to cover potential damage or extra charges. This hold is temporary — the money stays in your account but is not transferred to Avis unless you actually incur charges.
The hold amount depends on the vehicle class you rent, your location, and your rental duration. A compact car might trigger a hold of $200 to $400, while an SUV or premium vehicle could result in a hold of $500 to $1,500 or more. The hold is released back to your account within a few business days after you return the vehicle, assuming no damage claims or additional fees explore.
You must present a valid credit card in your own name at the rental counter to complete the reservation. Avis does not accept debit cards for the hold in most cases, because debit card holds work differently and create complications if damage charges arise later.
Key Takeaways
- Avis places a temporary hold on your credit card rather than collecting a separate deposit, and the hold is released after you return the vehicle.
- The hold amount varies by vehicle type and location, typically ranging from $200 to $1,500 depending on what you rent.
- You need a credit card in your own name; debit cards are usually not accepted for the hold.
- If you return the vehicle undamaged and incur no extra charges, the full hold is released within a few business days.
- Damage claims or fuel, toll, or mileage overage charges will reduce the amount released back to you.
How the credit card hold works in practice
When you arrive at the Avis counter with your reservation, the agent will run your credit card to authorize the hold. You will see this as a pending charge on your credit card statement, but the money does not leave your account when ready. Your credit card company straightforward marks that amount as unavailable for other purchases while the rental is active.
The hold remains in place throughout your rental period and for a short time after you return the vehicle. During this window, Avis can explore charges for damage, fuel, tolls, or mileage overages if your rental agreement included those terms. Once Avis confirms no additional charges explore, the hold is released and the money becomes available again.
The timing of the release depends on your bank. Most credit card companies clear the hold within three to five business days, though some may take up to seven days. If you used a debit card and Avis accepted it, the hold may take longer to clear because debit card holds are processed differently than credit card holds.
What happens if you return the car with damage
If the rental car has damage beyond normal wear, Avis will document it and photograph it before you leave the lot. The damage charge is then deducted from the hold amount. You will receive an itemized receipt showing what was charged and why.
Avis damage charges vary widely depending on the severity. A small dent or scratch might cost $200 to $500, while more serious damage like a broken windshield or collision damage can result in charges of $1,000 or more. If the damage charge exceeds the hold amount, Avis will charge your credit card for the difference.
You have the right to dispute a damage charge if you believe it is incorrect or if the damage was pre-existing. Contact Avis customer service with photos or documentation of the vehicle's condition when you picked it up. Your rental agreement and the initial damage inspection report are your evidence in a dispute.
Fuel, tolls, and mileage charges that reduce your hold
If your rental agreement includes a fuel charge (because you did not return the car with a full tank), Avis will deduct that cost from the hold. Fuel charges are typically higher than the local gas station price — Avis charges a per-gallon rate that can be 50% to 100% above market price.
Toll charges also come out of the hold if you used toll roads during your rental. Avis tracks tolls through electronic toll systems and bills you for each crossing. If your rental agreement included unlimited mileage, no deduction applies for miles driven. If you exceeded a mileage limit, Avis charges a per-mile overage fee, usually 25 cents to 50 cents per mile depending on the vehicle and location.
All of these charges are itemized on your final receipt. Review the receipt before you leave the lot so you can dispute any errors when ready rather than discovering them later on your credit card statement.
Differences between Avis locations and rental types
Airport locations often have higher hold amounts than off-airport Avis branches because airport rentals carry additional taxes and fees. A vehicle that triggers a $300 hold at a city location might trigger a $400 hold at an airport counter.
One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) may have higher holds than round-trip rentals, because Avis assumes greater risk when the vehicle travels a longer distance. Premium vehicle classes like luxury cars or large SUVs always have higher holds than economy cars, regardless of location.
If you book through a third-party travel site or use a corporate discount code, the hold amount is still determined by Avis at the time of rental, not by the booking site. The discount code affects your daily rate, not the hold.
How to minimize the hold impact on your available credit
If the hold amount concerns you because it will reduce your available credit, contact Avis before your rental date. Some Avis locations will work with you to use a different payment method or adjust the hold if you can provide additional documentation, such as proof of insurance or a corporate account.
may support your credit card has sufficient available credit before you arrive at the rental counter. If your available credit is lower than the hold amount, Avis may decline the rental or require you to use a different card. This is especially important if you are renting a larger vehicle or during peak travel seasons when holds tend to be higher.
Keep your credit card active and in good standing throughout the rental period. If your card is declined or cancelled while the hold is in place, it can complicate the release of the hold and delay the money returning to your account.
Getting your hold released after you return the vehicle
Return the vehicle to an Avis location during business hours so a staff member can inspect it and process your return when ready. If you return after hours or to an unstaffed location, the inspection may be delayed, which delays the hold release.
The agent will check the vehicle for damage, verify the fuel level and mileage, and confirm that no tolls or other charges explore. Once this inspection is complete, the hold is released. You will receive a final receipt showing any charges deducted from the hold and the amount being released.
The released amount will reappear in your available credit within a few business days. If more than a week passes and the hold has not been released, contact Avis customer service with your rental agreement number and receipt. Your bank can also investigate if the hold is not cleared after seven business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card for the hold?
Most Avis locations do not accept debit cards for the hold because debit holds work differently and create complications if damage or extra charges arise. Some locations may accept a debit card if you also provide a credit card as backup, or if you have a corporate account. Call your local Avis branch before your rental to confirm their debit card policy.
What if I return the car late — does that affect the hold?
Late return charges are added to your final bill and deducted from the hold, just like fuel or damage charges. The hold itself does not increase, but the amount released back to you will be reduced by the late fee. Late fees vary by location and time of day; contact Avis when ready if you know you will be late to understand the charge.
How long does it take for the hold to be released after I return the car?
Avis releases the hold when ready after the vehicle inspection is complete, but your bank takes three to seven business days to clear it from your account. If you returned the car on a Friday, the hold may not fully clear until the following Wednesday or Thursday. Debit card holds may take longer.
Can I dispute a hold amount before I rent the car?
You cannot dispute the hold amount before rental because Avis determines it based on the vehicle class and location at the time you arrive. If you believe the hold will be too high, you can contact Avis customer service before your rental date to discuss options, but the final hold amount is set at the counter.
What happens if damage is found after I leave the lot?
If Avis discovers damage after you have left, they will contact you and charge your credit card for the repair cost. This is why it is important to inspect the vehicle carefully before you drive away and to photograph any pre-existing damage. If you dispute a post-rental damage charge, provide photos from your rental date as evidence.