Quick Summary:
- Expect a temporary hold of about $200 to $500 at LAX.
- Bigger vehicles, added drivers, and extras can increase the deposit amount.
- Using full cover options may reduce, but not always remove, holds.
- Ensure enough available credit, holds can take days to release.
When you pick up a rental car at Los Angeles Airport in Los Angeles, you will usually see a “deposit hold” (also called a security authorisation) placed on your payment card. This is not the same as the rental price. It is a temporary amount your bank makes unavailable, so the supplier has a financial buffer for things like fuel differences, tolls, extra days, or damage not covered by your selected insurance.
Because Los Angeles is a high demand market and LAX is a busy airport location, it is sensible to plan your available credit in advance. The exact hold varies by supplier, vehicle class, driver profile, and the cover and extras you select, so the best approach is to understand typical ranges and the main factors that push the hold up or down.
If you are comparing suppliers and terms for car hire at the airport, start with the LAX location details and what is normally required at the counter. Hola Car Rentals provides LAX landing pages that help you review options and set expectations before you travel, for example car hire at Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
Typical deposit hold amounts at LAX
Most airport rentals in the United States use a card authorisation rather than taking a cash deposit. At LAX, a common deposit hold range for standard economy, compact, and intermediate cars is roughly $200 to $500. Some rentals may be closer to the lower end if you have comprehensive cover, no extras, and meet all licence and card requirements. Others can be higher when risk factors increase.
For larger or higher value vehicles, it is normal to see a higher hold. A mid-size SUV, full-size car, premium model, or people carrier can push the authorisation to $500 to $1,000+, depending on supplier policy and your chosen options. If you know you need extra space, check SUV-specific availability and typical requirements ahead of time, such as on SUV rental in Los Angeles (LAX).
Also note that some suppliers hold the estimated rental charges plus an additional deposit. Others only authorise a fixed deposit, then charge the rental at return. Either way, what matters to you is the total amount that becomes unavailable on your card during the rental.
What the deposit hold is for, and what it is not
A deposit hold is a temporary authorisation, not a payment. You may see it on your bank app immediately after pick-up. The supplier can later convert part of it into a charge if something is owed at return, such as missing fuel, extra time, toll administration, or an unpaid upgrade.
It is not a substitute for insurance, and it does not automatically mean you will be charged. If you return the vehicle on time, with the agreed fuel level, and without chargeable issues, the supplier should release the hold shortly after the return is processed.
Because the authorisation is controlled by your bank once the supplier releases it, you should plan for some lag. Many travellers find that even when the supplier releases promptly, the bank can take several business days to return the funds to “available” status.
Factors that increase the deposit hold at Los Angeles Airport
Deposit holds are risk-based. The higher the potential exposure, the higher the authorisation tends to be. The most common factors that raise the hold at LAX include:
1) Vehicle class and value. Bigger, newer, and more expensive vehicles typically come with higher deposits. This is why SUVs, premium cars, and specialty models often require more available credit than an economy car.
2) Insurance and protection choices. If you decline certain cover options, the supplier may increase the hold. The logic is that the supplier may have greater risk if damage occurs and you rely on another policy to reimburse later. In some cases, taking a more inclusive protection package can reduce the deposit, although it may not eliminate it entirely.
3) Driver profile and documentation. Younger drivers, short licence tenure, or missing documents can lead to higher holds or even refusal. Always bring your driving licence, any required permit, and the payment card in the main driver’s name.
4) Extras and add-ons. Additional drivers, one-way returns, child seats, and toll products may add to the authorisation. Even if an extra is prepaid, some suppliers still increase the hold to cover administration or potential replacement costs.
5) Longer rentals. A week-long rental can trigger a higher authorisation than a two-day hire, especially where the supplier authorises estimated charges plus a buffer.
6) Payment method. Credit cards are the standard method for airport rentals. Debit cards, prepaid cards, or cards without sufficient available credit may result in higher holds, additional requirements, or non-acceptance, depending on supplier rules.
How insurance and extras affect the hold, in plain terms
When people ask, “How much is the deposit hold?”, what they really need is an estimate that fits their planned choices. Think of the hold as a combination of a base security amount and any buffers tied to your situation.
If you take a cover option that reduces your excess, the supplier may be willing to set a lower authorisation because the maximum potential chargeable amount is smaller. If you decline cover and accept a higher excess, the authorisation can increase because the supplier may need to secure more funds in case of damage. This is particularly important in Los Angeles, where motorway driving, heavy traffic, and busy parking areas raise the odds of minor incidents such as kerb rash or scratches.
Extras also matter. An additional driver may be a fixed daily fee, but it can still prompt a slightly higher hold. A toll product may be billed after the rental, so some suppliers prefer a larger authorisation to cover post-rental tolls and processing fees.
Supplier policies differ, so focus on preparing enough available credit to cover a realistic high-end figure for your category. If you are choosing between brands, you can compare supplier pages to understand the type of rental experience offered at LAX, such as Thrifty car rental in California (LAX) and Dollar car rental in California (LAX).
How to prepare your available credit before you arrive
To avoid surprises at the counter, treat the deposit hold as a separate travel budget line. The goal is not just to have the money in your account, but to have enough available credit on the card you will present.
Check your credit limit and current utilisation. If your card limit is $1,000 and you are already using $700, a $500 hold can fail even though you can pay the rental price. Paying down balances before travel can help.
Use the correct card and name matching. Many suppliers require the main driver to present a card in their own name. Name mismatches can lead to a new authorisation on another card or a refusal.
Avoid relying on multiple small limits. Splitting a hold across two cards is usually not allowed. Assume the full hold must fit on one eligible card.
Allow extra headroom for upgrades or changes. If you think you might upgrade at the counter, add a buffer. Even a paid upgrade can increase the deposit hold.
Keep funds free until after the release. Plan for the hold to remain for several days after return. If you need the credit for hotels or other travel costs, consider using a separate card for those expenses.
How long does the hold last after returning the car?
At return, the supplier typically closes the rental and releases the authorisation. However, the timing you see on your account depends on your bank. It is common for the available credit to return within 3 to 10 business days, but it can be faster or slower.
If you return the car outside office hours, the release may not happen until the vehicle is checked in. If there is a question about fuel, damage, or a late return, the supplier may keep the authorisation until the final amount is confirmed.
If you need proof that the car was returned in good condition, keep your return receipt and any photos you took at drop-off. That documentation can help if you need to query a delayed release with the supplier or your bank.
Special cases that can change the deposit at LAX
One-way rentals. Dropping the car at a different location can affect both pricing and hold amounts, since the supplier’s exposure and logistics costs are different.
Late-night pickups. If documentation checks take longer or a different desk process applies, some suppliers may default to conservative authorisations until the rental is fully validated.
Debit card use. Some suppliers allow it with extra conditions, such as additional identification, proof of return travel, or a larger deposit. If you plan to use a debit card, confirm the supplier’s requirements in advance to avoid being turned away.
Local renters. In some cases, renters with a local address can be asked for extra verification or a different deposit structure. Policies vary widely, so allow more buffer if you live in California and are renting at the airport.
Practical expectations for car hire at LAX
For most travellers picking up a standard car at Los Angeles Airport, it is reasonable to plan for a $200 to $500 hold on a credit card, plus the rental charges if your supplier authorises both together. For SUVs, premium vehicles, or more complex rentals with multiple drivers and extras, planning for $500 to $1,000+ in available credit is the safer approach.
If you want a broader view of California airport rental options and the sort of requirements you may encounter, you can also review car rental in California (LAX). The key is to treat the deposit hold as a normal part of the process, not an unexpected fee, and to keep enough credit available so your pick-up is smooth.
FAQ
Is the deposit hold the same as the rental price? No. The deposit hold is a temporary authorisation on your card, separate from the rental cost. Depending on supplier policy, you may see the rental charged separately or included in the total authorisation.
Can the deposit hold be taken from a debit card? Sometimes, but not always. Many airport suppliers prefer credit cards, and debit card acceptance can come with extra conditions or a higher hold. Check the specific supplier rules before travel.
Why did my friend pay a smaller deposit than I did at LAX? Holds vary by vehicle class, cover selected, extras, rental length, and driver details. Even at the same counter, two renters can have different authorisation amounts.
How long does it take for the deposit hold to disappear? After the supplier releases it, many banks restore available funds within 3 to 10 business days. Timing depends on your card issuer and whether any post-rental charges are pending.
How can I reduce the chance of a high hold? Choose a standard vehicle class, limit extras, ensure documents match, and consider cover that reduces your excess where it makes sense for your trip. Always keep sufficient available credit regardless.
