Hertz deposit amounts depend on your payment method and the car you rent
Hertz does not charge a single fixed deposit. Instead, the company places a hold on your credit or debit card — an amount that is not charged upfront but reserved to cover potential damage, fuel, or other charges. The hold amount varies based on the vehicle class you rent and whether you use a credit card or debit card.
For a credit card, Hertz typically places a hold of $200 to $500, depending on the car size and rental location. For a debit card, the hold is often higher — sometimes $500 to $1,500 — because debit transactions are riskier for rental companies to reverse. The hold is released back to your account after you return the car and the rental agreement closes, usually within 3 to 10 business days.
Some locations and vehicle types carry different holds. Luxury or premium vehicles may have higher holds than economy cars. International rentals and certain airport locations may also adjust the hold amount based on local policies.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz places a hold on your card rather than charging a deposit upfront — the amount is reserved but not withdrawn when ready.
- Credit card holds typically range from $200 to $500, while debit card holds are often $500 to $1,500 or higher.
- The hold is released after you return the vehicle and the rental closes, which usually takes 3 to 10 business days.
- Luxury vehicles, airport locations, and international rentals may have higher holds than standard economy rentals.
- You can contact Hertz before booking to ask about the specific hold amount for your vehicle and location.
Why Hertz places a hold instead of collecting a deposit
A hold protects Hertz against damage charges, fuel shortages, tolls, parking violations, and late fees. Rather than collecting cash upfront, the company reserves money on your card to cover these potential costs. This method is standard across the rental industry because it is faster than processing a separate deposit and refund.
The hold amount is not a charge — it is a temporary reservation. If you return the car undamaged, with a full tank, and on time, the hold is released and you see no charge. If there are damages or other fees, Hertz deducts those costs from the hold before releasing the remainder.
How the hold amount is determined
Hertz calculates the hold based on several factors. The rental agreement shows the estimated daily rate and rental length, which influences the hold size. A three-day economy rental may have a $200 hold, while a week-long luxury SUV rental could have a $1,000 hold or more.
Vehicle class is the primary driver of hold amounts. Economy and compact cars typically have lower holds. Midsize sedans and SUVs fall in the middle range. Premium, luxury, and specialty vehicles carry the highest holds. The rental location also matters — airport locations often have higher holds than off-airport branches, and international locations may adjust holds based on local payment practices.
Your payment method is the second major factor. Debit cards trigger higher holds because the rental company cannot easily reverse a debit transaction if a dispute arises. Credit cards allow for faster reversals, so holds are lower. Some Hertz locations may not accept debit cards at all for this reason.
Differences between credit card and debit card holds
If you pay with a credit card, expect a hold of $200 to $500 for most vehicles. The credit card company can reverse the hold quickly if Hertz releases it early, so the rental company takes less risk. Your credit limit is reduced by the hold amount while it is active, but your available credit is restored once the hold drops.
If you pay with a debit card, the hold is often $500 to $1,500 or higher. This is because money is pulled directly from your bank account, and reversals take longer. A high hold can significantly reduce your available cash during the rental period. Some Hertz locations require a credit card instead of a debit card to avoid the higher hold and the cash flow impact on the customer.
If you do not have a credit card, ask the Hertz location whether they accept debit cards and what the specific hold will be. Some branches may require a prepaid fuel option or other arrangements if debit is your only payment method.
What happens to the hold after you return the car
When you return the rental, Hertz inspects the vehicle for damage and checks the fuel level. The rental agreement closes, and any charges — damage, fuel, tolls, late fees — are deducted from the hold. The remaining balance is released back to your card.
With a credit card, the release typically appears within 3 to 5 business days. Your credit limit is restored at the same time. With a debit card, the release can take 5 to 10 business days because banks process debit reversals more slowly. During this time, the money is still reserved and not available to spend.
If you dispute a charge after the hold is released, contact Hertz customer service with your rental agreement number. Hertz can provide documentation of damage or fees, and you can dispute the charge with your card issuer if you believe it is incorrect.
How to reduce or avoid a high hold
Use a credit card instead of a debit card if you have one. This alone can cut your hold in half or more. If you do not have a credit card, ask whether the location accepts a prepaid credit card or a secured credit card, which may may have access to for lower holds than debit.
Rent a smaller vehicle. Economy and compact cars have lower holds than SUVs or luxury vehicles. If you need extra space, a midsize sedan often costs less in hold amount than a full-size SUV.
Rent from an off-airport location if one is nearby. Airport branches often have higher holds due to higher damage rates and local airport fees. An off-airport Hertz location may place a lower hold on the same vehicle.
Prepay for fuel and damage waiver options if Hertz offers them at your location. Some branches allow you to prepay for a full tank of fuel or purchase damage coverage upfront, which can reduce the hold amount. Ask about these options when you book or call ahead.
What to know before booking
Call the specific Hertz location where you plan to pick up the car and ask about the hold amount for your vehicle class and rental dates. The hold can vary between locations, so a call takes 2 minutes and gives you exact numbers instead of estimates.
Make sure your card has enough available credit or cash to cover the hold plus the rental cost. If your credit limit is $1,000 and the hold is $500, you need at least $500 in available credit left after the hold is placed. With a debit card, may support your bank account has enough cash to cover both the hold and your other expenses during the rental period.
Review the rental agreement before you drive off the lot. It lists the hold amount, the daily rate, and any prepaid options you selected. If the hold amount is higher than you expected, ask the agent to explain it or whether any options can lower it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the hold amount lowered before I rent?
Call the specific Hertz location and explain your situation. Some branches may lower the hold if you prepay for fuel, purchase damage coverage, or agree to rent a smaller vehicle. Asking before you book gives you the best chance of finding an option that works for your budget.
What if the hold is still on my card after I returned the car?
Wait 3 to 10 business days, depending on your card type. Credit cards release holds faster than debit cards. If more than 10 business days have passed, contact Hertz with your rental agreement number and ask for the status. They can confirm whether charges were deducted and when the remainder will be released.
Do I have to pay the hold amount in addition to the rental cost?
No. The hold is a reservation, not an extra charge. You pay the rental cost (daily rate times number of days, plus taxes and fees). The hold is placed on top of that but is not an additional payment. If there are no damages or extra charges, the hold is released and you only pay the rental cost.
Will the hold affect my credit score?
No. A hold does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. It temporarily reduces your available credit, but once it is released, your credit limit is restored. Your credit score is only affected if you fail to pay the actual rental charges.
Can I use a debit card if I do not have a credit card?
Many Hertz locations accept debit cards, but the hold will be higher — often $500 to $1,500 or more. Some locations may require a credit card or may not accept debit at all. Call ahead to confirm whether debit is accepted at your rental location and what the hold will be.