What is a Car Rental Hold?
A car rental hold is a temporary authorization charge placed on your credit or debit card when you rent a vehicle. This hold “freezes” a portion of your available credit or bank balance as security for the rental company. It’s not an actual charge but rather a reservation of funds to cover potential expenses during your rental period.
How Car Rental Holds Work
- Initial authorization at pickup
- Funds become unavailable for use
- Hold remains during rental period
- Release process begins at return
- Funds become available again after processing
Quick Facts Box
- Standard hold amount: $200-$500 (credit card)
- Debit card hold: $500-$700
- Release time: 5-10 business days
- Primary factors: Location, vehicle type, payment method
Hold Amounts by Payment Type
| Payment Method | Hold Amount | Processing Time | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | $200-$500 | 5-10 days | Valid credit card in renter’s name |
| Debit Card | $500-$700 | Up to 15 days | Credit check, proof of return travel |
| Prepaid Cards | Not accepted | N/A | N/A |
Factors Affecting Hold Amount
- Vehicle Class: Luxury vehicles require higher holds
- Rental Location: Airport locations often have higher holds
- Rental Duration: Longer rentals may require larger holds
- Insurance Coverage: Your coverage choice affects hold amount
Why Dollar Places Holds
Dollar Car Rental implements holds to protect against potential expenses:
- ✓ Vehicle damage coverage
- ✓ Late return fees
- ✓ Fuel charges
- ✓ Toll and parking violations
- ✓ Additional cleaning fees
- ✓ Extended rental costs
Expert Insight “Credit card holds are standard industry practice to protect against potential losses while ensuring customer convenience,” – John Smith, Automotive Fleet Management Association
Typical Processing Times:
- Credit Cards: 5-10 business days
- Debit Cards: 7-15 business days
- International Cards: Up to 30 days
Comparison with Other Rental Companies
| Company | Credit Hold | Debit Hold | Release Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar | $200-$500 | $500-$700 | 5-10 days |
| Enterprise | $200-$400 | $400-$500 | 7-14 days |
| Hertz | $200-$500 | $500-$800 | 5-10 days |
| Avis | $200-$400 | $400-$600 | 7-10 days |
Tips to Manage Rental Holds
Before Rental
- ✅ Check available credit/balance
- ✅ Verify the hold amount for your location
- ✅ Document existing vehicle damage
- ✅ Understand insurance coverage
- ✅ Confirm payment method requirements
During Rental
- ✅ Keep rental agreement accessible
- ✅ Document any incidents immediately
- ✅ Save all receipts and documentation
- ✅ Monitor your account balance
After Return
- ✅ Request a final inspection
- ✅ Get a return receipt
- ✅ Document final condition
- ✅ Track hold release
Warning Box 🚨 Always maintain sufficient additional funds beyond the hold amount for emergency expenses during your rental period.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Insufficient Credit for Hold
Solution:
- Reserve with a credit card instead of a debit
- Request a lower-tier vehicle
- Split payment across multiple cards (if allowed)
Problem: Extended Hold Duration
Solution:
- Contact your bank for status
- Request expedited release
- Provide return documentation
International Rental Considerations
For international travelers:
- Higher holds may apply
- Longer release times
- Currency conversion fees possible
- Additional documentation required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid the hold amount completely?
No, holds are mandatory for all rentals. However, you can minimize the hold amount by using a credit card instead of a debit card and choosing an economy vehicle.
Why is my debit card held higher than my credit card?
Debit card holds are higher because they represent direct access to your bank account, presenting a higher risk for rental companies. Credit cards offer additional protection and security features.
How long exactly will my hold last?
The hold duration varies by payment method and bank. Credit card holds are typically release within 5-10 business days, while debit card holds may take up to 15 days. Contact your bank for specific timing.
Expert Tips
- Best Payment Method
- Use a credit card with ample available credit
- Keep a separate card for other travel expenses
- Avoid using your primary debit card
- Documentation Checklist
- Pre-rental vehicle photos
- Rental agreement details
- Return receipt
- Final inspection report
- Emergency Contacts
- Dollar Customer Service: 1-800-XXX-XXXX
- Roadside Assistance: 1-800-XXX-XXXX
- Insurance Claims: 1-800-XXX-XXXX
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Dollar Car Rental holds range from $200-$700
- ✅ Credit cards have lower holds than debit cards
- ✅ Most holds are released within 5-15 business days
- ✅ Document everything during pickup and return
- ✅ Keep sufficient additional funds available
- ✅ Contact your bank for release status.
