One of the most confusing parts of renting a car is the security deposit. Many travelers are surprised when hundreds of dollars are “frozen” on their card. This deposit is a standard industry practice, but the details vary greatly depending on location, provider, and payment method.
With Hola Car Rentals, we believe in clarity: deposits and holds are always shown upfront, so you know what to expect before arriving at the counter.
What Is a Security Deposit?
A security deposit is a temporary hold placed on your debit or credit card when you pick up your rental car. It acts as a guarantee in case of damage, unpaid tolls, or late returns.
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At Miami Airport (MIA), deposits for economy cars usually range from $200–$350.
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At Orlando Airport (MCO), SUVs or minivans may require $400–$600.
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Premium cars at New York JFK can have holds of $800 or more.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Deposit Back?
This depends on the payment method:
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Credit cards: Holds are usually released within 5–10 business days.
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Debit cards: Banks can take up to 2–3 weeks to return funds.
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Prepaid cards: Rarely accepted, but when they are, refunds may be slower.
👉 With Hola Car Rentals, you’ll know in advance how long the hold is expected to last.
Why Do Deposits Differ by Location?
Different airports and states apply different standards:
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Atlanta (ATL) often has lower deposits because competition is strong.
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Las Vegas (LAS) can have higher holds for one-way rentals to California.
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In Boston (BOS), deposits vary depending on season and demand.
Hola Car Rentals compares providers so you can choose the one with the most reasonable conditions.
Practical Tips to Manage Deposits
Instead of listing only pros and cons, here are real traveler tips:
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Check your card balance before booking, especially if you’re using debit.
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Prefer credit cards for faster refunds and fewer restrictions.
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Review Hola Car Rentals’ booking details — deposits are clearly listed for each provider.
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Time your refund: If you’re traveling internationally, consider how long it may take for the hold to clear once you’re back home.
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Avoid prepaid fuel plans unless necessary — leftover fuel charges can delay refunds.
Hola Car Rentals Advantage
Booking with Hola Car Rentals ensures:
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Transparency: deposit amounts are disclosed before booking.
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All-inclusive protection: CDW, theft protection, third-party liability, travel insurance up to $150,000.
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Cashback on tolls: reducing unexpected charges that can affect your deposit.
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Flexibility: cancel up to 48 hours before pickup without penalties.
App Support for Refund Tracking
Worried about when your money will come back? With the Hola Car Rentals app, you can:
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Track your booking details.
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Confirm when the hold was placed.
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Access support if the deposit hasn’t been released within the expected time.
👉 Download the Hola Car Rentals app:
Conclusion
Security deposits are a normal part of renting a car, but they shouldn’t be a mystery. With Hola Car Rentals, you’ll know exactly how much will be held, when it will be released, and how to choose providers with fairer policies.
Whether you’re renting at Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Atlanta (ATL), Las Vegas (LAS), or New York (JFK), Hola Car Rentals makes deposits transparent and stress-free.
