Quick Summary
- US rental suppliers place a temporary security hold on your card, so you need enough free credit for the deposit and a safety margin.
- A practical target is to keep the expected deposit plus extra headroom for fuel, tolls and any options you add at the counter.
- Booking with Hola Car Rentals lets you see typical deposit ranges in advance, so you can check your card limit before you travel.
Why US rental desks place a hold on your card
When you collect your rental car in the United States, the desk normally places a pre authorisation on your credit card. This temporary hold acts as security for damage, missing fuel, late returns, unpaid tolls or fines that might appear after you have dropped the vehicle off. The money is not taken as a charge, but while the hold is active it reduces your available credit. In many cases the hold is released a few days after you return the car, but it can take your bank a week or more to update your available limit.
Estimating a safe amount of free credit
Deposit amounts vary by supplier, city and vehicle category, but for a standard US saloon or compact SUV a hold of around 200 to 500 US dollars is common. Premium SUVs, convertibles or luxury models can require a significantly higher hold. To travel comfortably, it is sensible to keep enough free credit to cover the expected deposit plus at least the cost of a full tank of fuel and a few days of road tolls. If you like to use the same card for shopping and meals, build in extra room so everyday purchases do not push you close to your limit.
Remember that currency conversion can matter as well. If your bank account is in pounds or euros, the deposit will be converted at your bank’s rate, and a weaker exchange rate can make the amount slightly higher than you expected. Leaving a generous cushion on your card means this will not become a problem when you are standing at the desk after a long flight.
Real world examples for popular US routes
Imagine a family flying into Orlando for a week in the theme parks. The deposit on a mid size SUV might be around 400 dollars. In that case, keeping 800 to 1,000 dollars of free credit gives you space for fuel, tolls and a few extra services without stress. A couple heading to Las Vegas for a long weekend in a compact hatchback might see a lower hold, but it is still wise to have at least double the deposit free on the card, especially if you plan day trips into the desert.
For a longer West Coast drive, perhaps from San Francisco down Highway 1, you may combine a higher value vehicle with several fuel stops and overnight parking charges. In that scenario, try to keep three times the expected deposit free on your card. These figures are only illustrations, but they show why travelling with a tight credit limit can quickly become uncomfortable.
How Hola Car Rentals helps you plan ahead
When you reserve US car hire with Hola Car Rentals, the booking flow highlights typical deposit bands for each vehicle category so there are fewer surprises at the counter. If you know you will need more space, our family minivan options show clearly how higher vehicle classes can change the hold on your card. Drivers who prefer higher driving positions can browse SUV road trip choices while still seeing how much credit they should keep available for the security hold.
Hola Car Rentals offers an All Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage on many itineraries, which can reduce or remove the excess and keep deposit amounts more manageable. Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up means you can adjust your booking if your bank changes your credit limit or you decide a different vehicle category suits you better. With no additional fees and savings of up to sixty per cent compared with paying on arrival, more of your credit limit remains free for the experiences that matter.
Checklist before you fly
- Check your latest credit limit and current balance a few days before departure, allowing for any pending transactions.
- Compare the deposit range on your Hola Car Rentals voucher with your spare credit and add a comfortable buffer.
- Decide which card will be used exclusively at the desk so day to day spending does not interfere with the security hold.
- If you travel as a couple, consider taking a second credit card as backup in case the first card is declined.
For big family holidays such as an Orlando airport collection, doing this preparation at home can make the collection process smoother and much quicker once you arrive.
FAQs
Is a debit card enough if I have a high balance? Some US suppliers accept debit cards, but many still insist on a credit card for the security hold, especially at airport locations. Even where debit is accepted, the hold may be taken directly from your current account balance, which can be disruptive. Hola Car Rentals always recommends travelling with at least one credit card in the main driver’s name and checking the payment rules in your booking confirmation.
Does the deposit hold actually charge my card? In most cases the hold is a pre authorisation rather than a completed charge. That means the amount is ring fenced on your account but not taken as a payment, and it should drop away automatically after the rental closes. However, any damage, fuel shortage or unpaid tolls may be charged against that authorisation, so it is important to inspect the car carefully and keep all receipts.
Can I split the deposit across two cards? Rental desks normally place the full security hold on a single card in the main driver’s name. Some locations may allow you to pay extras such as child seats or additional drivers with a different card, but the deposit itself is usually taken in one block. If you are worried about your limit, consider reducing optional extras, choosing a smaller vehicle or asking Hola Car Rentals for itineraries with lower deposit requirements.
With a bit of planning and the right booking partner, you can arrive in the United States with enough free credit to enjoy the trip rather than worrying about limits at the desk. Hola Car Rentals is ready to help you choose the vehicle and protection that fits your budget, then pick up your keys with confidence.
