Quick Summary
At pick-up, partner desks place a temporary authorization (hold) on a major credit card in the main driver’s name with the name of the driver printed on the card. It’s not a charge, but it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the rental.
Typical credit-card holds by country (standard cars):
United States: about US$300–$400.
Canada: about CA$300–$500 (some locations may hold ~CA$750).
United Kingdom: about £300-£400.
Spain: about €200-€300.
Amounts vary by brand, airport/city, season, and vehicle class (premium/specialty can be higher).
IMPORTANT: Hola Car Rentals can NOT determine what the exact amount for the hold/deposit is. Final deposit rules are set by the rental company desk and local law shown on your confirmation. The amounts previously listed are just estimates.
What the Deposit/Hold Is (and Isn’t)
A temporary authorization your card issuer places at the desk’s request for incidentals like late hours or refueling. It’s released after drop-off for as long as all terms and conditions of the agreement were met; banks control when it appears back (can take up to to 15 business days, sometimes longer).
Typical Amounts by Country (for Avis / Alamo / Hertz partner desks)
United States (US):
Most locations place a hold of US$300–$400 on credit cards.Canada (CA):
The vast majority of cases: CA$300–$500 on credit cards; some locations show ~CA$750 as the minimum authorization.United Kingdom (GB/UK):
Most locations place a hold of GBP£300-£400 on credit cards.Spain (ES):
Most locations place a hold of EUR€200-€300 on credit cards.
How the Hold Is Calculated & Released
Formula: There is not an specific way or formula to calculate the hold/deposit. The amount varies depending on each rental location policies.
Release timing: After you drop-off the car and the contract closes, the desk releases the hold; issuers may take days (sometimes weeks) to reflect it.
IMPORTANT: Hola Car Rentals can NOT determine what the exact amount for the hold/deposit is. Final deposit rules are set by the rental company desk and local law shown on your confirmation. The amounts previously listed are just estimates.
Conditions You Should Expect
Physical, major credit card in the main driver’s name with the name of the driver printed on the card (debit and prepaid/virtual cards are not accepted).
Sufficient available credit for the hold + expected charges.
Higher holds for premium/exotic classes or specific locations/seasons.
How to Prepare (Step-by-Step)
Bring a backup credit card in the main driver’s name in case the primary card declines.
Call your bank to enable international/in-person transactions and confirm available credit matches the country’s typical hold.
At the counter: ask the agent to confirm the authorization amount before swiping. If it differs markedly from your expectation, ask why (vehicle class, airport fee rules, etc.).
After return: monitor your statement; allow time for the release (banks control timing and it can take up to 15 business days to be released).
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Confusing the hold with a charge: it’s an authorization, not a debit—though it reduces available credit until released.
Arriving with only a debit/prepaid/virtual card: These type of cards are not accepted. Bring a major credit card in the main driver’s name with the name of the driver printed on the card.
No travel notice to the bank: foreign, high-value in-person authorizations can be flagged—set a travel alert.
Short FAQ
Is the hold different if I prepaid online?
No, you are still required to present a major credit card to cover the hold/deposit. Remember that the card must be in the name of the main driver with the driver's name printed on the card.
How long until the hold disappears?
Once released, credit card issuers decide timing. It can take up to 15 business days for the hold to be released (sometimes weeks).
Are debit cards allowed to pay for the hold?
No, debit cards/prepaid cards are not allowed to pay for the hold.