Car renters stuck with $400+ holds on credit cards
11 posts across 6 communities in the last 60 days; 27% from r/CreditCards.
“After returning my $375 rental car after my unaccompanied minors issue, I decided to call it quits once and for all. I haven't been able to cash out since yesterday. Yesterday, support told me it was because I changed my debit card and there was a 24 hour hold. Today, I was told…”
“You’ll be fine. Fuck Thrifty, but you will be fine. This is what credit cards are for. So do not cancel or charge back or anything hasty right now. Once the 48 are up. Call and ask for exactly when you will be getting my deposit back and all the over charges returned. Ask for an…”
“This [re: Options for getting out of a rental trap with a 480 credit score? (Considering DriveTime)]”
Multiple users report unexpected credit card holds from car rental companies, often lasting 48+ hours, with no clear timeline for resolution. Some renters fear permanent charges despite assurances from credit card companies that holds are temporary.
SOURCES (24)
“This [re: Options for getting out of a rental trap with a 480 credit score? (Considering DriveTime)]”
“Anyone have experience renting car for vacation, gets into accident or car got stolen? I’m a Canadian travelling abroad, will rent a car with credit card rental car protection. Is the claim process fairly easy? Will I need to go to mechanic to fix car and pay out of pocket? Would I need to pay for the value of the stolen vehicle and then credit card reimburses me? Thanks in advance! TL;DR need help filing damage or loss claims submitted by /u/OneBad7830 [link] [comments]”
“used to be all cards offered rental car protection, i've noticed credit card companies removing this benefit. i have like 9 cards and of those 9 maybe one still offers it, i haven't validated that. so looking for a card where rental car protection is included, lower APR is nice but no other benefit needed submitted by /u/Staci3 [link] [comments]”
“Can anyone explain to me “exactly” what the mysterious $100 or more “hold” is for when renting Tesla Ubers. I have been getting multiple answers of the language it should be or probably or about such and such and for different reasons. Uber sends you to Hertz. Hertz employees do not know. Google says its because I don’t have a charger and have to pay in advance for the Tesla charger fees. They told me it doesn’t matter. It was for the Tesla brand. I don’t want to go another week without knowing”
“Hertz $422/week - is it really $822 first day with the $400 hold? Wondering if anyone rented from Hertz recently. I got $422/week quote but no mention of TLC in the email. I only have $540 and I'm seeing people say they add a $400 hold on top, so you need $822 on day 1? I'm no TLC, just doing Yonkers / White Plains to NYC drops (Cross County area). Any rental under $400 that doesn't do that big hold? submitted by /u/humble03 [link] [comments]”
It sucks to have such a big increase when trying to book.
“.... Call the damn number in the back of the card, if they have coverage then you won't pay a dime.”
“Read what I said again Call the credit card company of the card you paid with, say: " Does my card offer any kind of car rental insurance coverage" Many credit cards offer free car rental insurance, it's a common benefit. If not, then call your regular car insurance.”
“Does credit card card rental insurance only cover the credit card card holder, or does it also cover any other driver on the rental contract? submitted by /u/Prestigious-Bend9996 [link] [comments]”
“After returning my $375 rental car after my unaccompanied minors issue, I decided to call it quits once and for all. I haven't been able to cash out since yesterday. Yesterday, support told me it was because I changed my debit card and there was a 24 hour hold. Today, I was told there was a 48 hour security review and trying to cash out would reset the process. Then, I was told that I was able to do instant cash outs for any upcoming fares, but not fares from yesterday and beyond since my de”
“Enterprise automatically allows a spouse as an authorized driver. Husband/wife/legal partner. (not all rental companies do that) I'm not certain about the Freedom Unlimited, but a lot of credit cards with rental car coverage only cover card holders/authorized users on the account. So for example, I have a second card for my wife with her name on it, and she would be covered by the card even if the rental was paid with my card. Something important to keep in mind; Chase's rental car cover”
“Remember that’s only true if you carry collision and comprehensive. Just liability insurance offers no rental car coverage.”
“Unless you're planning on totaling the car, you probably have nothing to worry about. Just because it was 100k new doesn't mean the assessed value is that. Probably lower due to depreciation.”
“I'd email Thrifty corporate in writing today so you have a paper trail, most of those pending charges will drop off on their own anyway.”
“Don't worry about it. Credit cards have a 2 step process. A "hold" and then a "capture." Holds just check that you have funds. Captures take the funds. From what the cc company said, the car rental are putting holds, not captures. Stuff happens. They will clear it up. No money is being charged to you. Keep an eye but you don't have to worry about it.”
“You’ll be fine. Fuck Thrifty, but you will be fine. This is what credit cards are for. So do not cancel or charge back or anything hasty right now. Once the 48 are up. Call and ask for exactly when you will be getting my deposit back and all the over charges returned. Ask for an email with what went wrong and how long until the charges will be reversed and your deposit returned. If that all fails you go to your credit card with all the evidence you gathered. This won’t be a long issue if you gat”
“Yes, you are freaking out too much. Pretend the pending transactions don't exist. If for some reason they do get charged, dispute them.”
“In the beginning of August, I took a long needed vacation for about 9-10 days in another state in the US. I rented a car from Thrifty (for the first time) and it wasn't a bad experience. The car was great and I did not damage the car at all. I also dropped off the car on time and the employee was there and he said "you will see your receipt in your email". Everyday since I dropped of the car on time, I am getting charged $63 a day because they haven't closed my transaction yet.”
“What is the process for renting? I know we reserve through the app but I'm trying to avoid surprises when I get to Hertz. My car is currently out of commission for a few weeks, minimum, and UberEats/DD is my, essentially, sole source of income. Is a credit card required? Do they do a credit check (mine is shit)? What's the upfront costs, what's shown at the reserve check out? Do I need that when I get the car, or do they charge after? I see they want 30 trips a week, but I average on”