Quick Summary
- For most US rentals paid by credit card, the company does not run a full credit check but places a temporary security hold on your card instead.
- Debit card rentals are treated more cautiously, with larger deposit holds and, at some brands, a credit check plus extra ID requirements.
- Hola Car Rentals lets you compare deposit rules and card policies before you book so you can choose an option that fits your credit profile and cash flow.
What actually happens to your card at the counter?
When you collect a rental car, the agent asks for your payment card not just to take payment but also to secure the vehicle. With a standard credit card they usually process an authorisation rather than a full charge. This allows them to hold a certain limit on the card, combining the estimated rental cost with an extra security buffer, and to convert that into the final bill when you return the car.
Different brands quote different buffer amounts. Policies published by companies such as Thrifty show typical holds of the estimated rental value plus around US$200 when you pay by credit card and higher amounts, sometimes around US$500, when you pay by debit card. During the rental that reserved amount reduces the available balance on the card, so it is worth checking your limit before a big trip.
When do rental companies run credit checks?
Most of the time, paying with a mainstream credit card does not trigger a separate credit check by the rental company. They rely on your card issuer’s approval of the authorisation instead. Credit checks are more commonly mentioned in connection with debit card rentals, local rentals without a flight, or cash based payments, where the company wants extra reassurance that the bill will be paid and the vehicle returned.
Policies vary by brand and location. A compact booked through Hola Car Rentals for car hire out of JFK on a credit card may simply involve a hold and no additional screening, while the same trip paid by debit card at an off airport branch could involve a credit check, proof of address and evidence of return travel before the keys are released.
Understanding deposit holds and refunds
A security hold is not the same as a deposit paid in cash. With a hold, the funds remain in your account or on your card limit, but are reserved so you cannot spend them elsewhere. When you return the car without new damage and with the fuel level you agreed, the company releases the hold and charges the final rental amount. Depending on your bank, it can take a few days for the remaining held balance to become available again.
This system applies whether you are picking up a simple economy car for two days in Nevada or a people carrier for a family week in Florida. If you start a trip with an airport pickup like Las Vegas Airport collections and finish with theme park runs after collecting a larger vehicle reserved through Budget in Orlando, each booking will place its own hold, so it pays to stagger rentals if your card limit is tight.
How Hola Car Rentals helps if your credit score is not perfect
A less than perfect credit score does not automatically stop you renting, but it does make clear information more important. Hola Car Rentals works with established providers and shows you, where possible, which offers accept debit cards, what deposit holds to expect and whether additional ID is needed. You can also filter for All Inclusive style rates with maximum liability cover and cashback on tolls so that you are not surprised by extra charges at the desk.
For a deeper explanation of how different suppliers treat low scores, debit cards and cash like payments, read the Hola Car Rentals article on credit checks and bad credit for US car rentals. It breaks down which situations are most likely to involve extra screening and how to minimise delays.
Practical tips before you reserve
Before locking in a booking, check your card limit and look at the total value of your planned rentals. If several trips will overlap within a month, make sure there is enough spare credit for each hold. Consider using a separate credit card dedicated to travel so that day to day spending on food and attractions does not compete with your rental deposit.
Taking a few minutes to understand the difference between credit checks and deposit holds can save real stress at the counter. With Hola Car Rentals you can compare US offers in one place, choose the card and coverage that suit your finances and head off knowing your trip budget and your credit score are both under control.
FAQs
- Will my rental always show up as a credit inquiry? If you pay with a standard credit card, most companies do not run a separate credit check, so nothing extra appears on your report. Some debit card rentals or cash based arrangements can involve a check, but this is clearly described in the terms.
- Can I pay for a rental with a prepaid card or cash? Policies vary, but many US locations refuse prepaid cards and cash at pick up because they cannot support a proper security hold. A recognised credit card in the main renter’s name is normally the simplest option.
- How long does it take for the deposit hold to disappear? Once the rental is closed, the supplier releases the hold, but your bank still needs time to process it. In practice it can take anywhere from a few hours to about a week for the blocked amount to become spendable again.
- Are deposit holds higher for luxury or speciality cars? Yes. High value vehicles and premium classes often come with larger security holds and stricter card rules. If you are considering a sports car or large SUV, check the hold amount in advance so it does not unexpectedly eat most of your card limit.
