When it comes to renting a car, many people assume that using a debit card will be as simple as paying for groceries or booking a hotel room. However, car rental companies like Hertz have specific policies when it comes to debit card payments.
These policies exist to protect both the company and the renter, but they can sometimes cause confusion or frustration, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the rules.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Hertz debit card policy, including eligibility requirements, deposit rules, restrictions, and tips for a smooth rental experience.
Overview of Hertz’s Debit Card Policy
Hertz allows customers to use debit cards for car rentals, but with certain conditions and limitations. The policy differs depending on factors such as the rental location, type of vehicle, and whether you are renting from an airport or non-airport branch.
In most cases, Hertz accepts debit cards that are backed by a major financial network such as Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
However, unlike credit cards, debit cards draw money directly from your bank account, which means Hertz applies stricter verification and deposit requirements to minimize financial risk.
In general, you can use a debit card for both payment and deposit purposes, but Hertz may require additional documentation or impose restrictions based on your rental details. Understanding these nuances can save you time, money, and unexpected inconvenience at the rental counter.
Types of Debit Cards Accepted by Hertz
Not all debit cards are treated equally under Hertz’s policy. To qualify, your debit card must be linked to a bank account and display the logo of a major financial network such as:
- Visa Debit
- Mastercard Debit
- Discover Debit
- UnionPay (where accepted)
Hertz does not accept prepaid cards, gift cards, or reloadable cards for rental deposits. Even if a prepaid card carries the Visa or Mastercard logo, it is generally not considered acceptable for the security deposit portion of the rental. However, such cards might be used for final payment after the car is returned and all charges are finalized.
In short, you’ll need a traditional bank-issued debit card connected to a checking account to qualify under Hertz’s debit card policy.
Renting With a Debit Card at Airport Locations
At airport locations, Hertz’s debit card policy is usually stricter than at neighborhood branches. This is because airport rentals often involve higher-value vehicles and more one-way rentals, increasing the company’s exposure to potential loss or fraud. Here’s what to expect if you’re renting with a debit card at an airport branch:
- Flight information is required: You must present proof of a return airline ticket or a confirmed itinerary that matches your rental dates. This shows Hertz that you intend to return to the same airport and are less likely to abandon the vehicle.
- Deposit or hold amount: Hertz places a hold on your bank account for an amount that typically includes the estimated rental charges plus an additional deposit. This hold can range from $200 to $500, depending on your rental length and vehicle category.
- Credit check: At some airport locations, Hertz may perform a soft credit check when you pay with a debit card. This does not affect your credit score but helps assess your eligibility.
- Vehicle restrictions: Certain vehicle classes such as luxury cars, premium SUVs, or specialty vehicles cannot be rented using a debit card at airport locations. You’ll need a major credit card for those categories.
Once your rental is complete and the car is returned in good condition, the hold will be released, but keep in mind that it may take up to 10 business days for your bank to make the funds available again.
Renting With a Debit Card at Non-Airport (Neighborhood) Locations
For neighborhood or off-airport branches, Hertz’s debit card policy is generally more flexible. These locations often cater to local renters, business travelers, or people whose cars are being repaired. However, Hertz still has procedures in place to verify your identity and ensure payment security.
- Proof of residence: You may need to show two forms of identification, such as your driver’s license and a utility bill or bank statement that confirms your address.
- Proof of employment or insurance: Some locations may request proof of employment or valid auto insurance in your name, especially for longer rentals or higher-value vehicles.
- Deposit amount: Expect a similar deposit hold as airport locations — typically the estimated rental cost plus $200–$500.
- No one-way rentals: Many non-airport locations restrict debit card rentals to local use only, meaning you must return the car to the same location where you picked it up.
Neighborhood branches often use local verification procedures rather than flight itineraries, but the goal is the same: confirming your identity and reducing potential risk to the company.
Age Requirements When Using a Debit Card
When renting with a debit card, age plays a significant role. Hertz requires renters to be at least 25 years old to use a debit card for most rentals. In some cases, drivers aged 21–24 may be allowed to rent using a debit card, but only at specific non-airport locations and only for economy or standard vehicles.
For drivers under 25, Hertz typically requires a valid credit card instead. This is because younger renters statistically pose higher risk, and a credit card provides stronger payment security. The age policy can vary by state and location, so it’s always best to confirm with the local branch before making a reservation.
Security Deposit and Hold Amounts
When using a debit card, Hertz will place a temporary hold on your account rather than immediately charging it. This hold includes the estimated total rental cost plus an additional security deposit. The hold acts as a safeguard in case of extra charges such as fuel, tolls, late returns, or damages.
The hold amount can vary depending on several factors:
- Location: Airport branches often require higher deposits.
- Vehicle type: Larger or more expensive vehicles come with larger holds.
- Rental duration: Longer rentals typically have larger holds to cover potential extra days.
In most cases, the deposit hold ranges between $200 and $500, though it can be higher for certain vehicle classes or locations. Once you return the vehicle in good condition and all charges are finalized, Hertz releases the hold. However, your bank may take several business days to reflect the release of funds, depending on its processing policies.
Restrictions on Vehicle Types for Debit Card Rentals
Hertz imposes restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be rented using a debit card. Generally, debit cards are accepted for standard vehicle classes, such as:
- Economy
- Compact
- Intermediate
- Standard
- Full-size sedans
- Small SUVs
However, debit cards are usually not accepted for renting the following vehicle types:
- Luxury and premium vehicles
- Convertibles
- Specialty or high-performance cars
- Large SUVs or vans
- Trucks requiring special deposits
These restrictions exist because such vehicles have higher market value, and Hertz prefers the added security of a credit card in case of loss, damage, or theft.
Debit Card Use for Additional Charges and Extensions
If you decide to extend your rental, Hertz may charge your debit card for the additional amount owed. The extension may also trigger a new authorization hold, depending on how much longer you’re keeping the vehicle. If there aren’t sufficient funds in your account, Hertz may decline the extension or require you to provide another payment method.
Additionally, certain incidental charges such as fuel refills, parking tickets, tolls, and damages may be deducted directly from your debit card. Since these charges may occur after you’ve returned the vehicle, it’s important to keep sufficient funds in your account for a few days following the rental return to avoid overdraft fees.
Credit Check and Documentation Requirements
Depending on the location, Hertz may perform a soft credit check before approving a debit card rental. This credit check helps the company verify your credit history and assess payment reliability. The check is not a hard inquiry, so it won’t affect your credit score. However, it can influence whether your rental is approved and what types of vehicles you can rent.
In addition to your driver’s license and debit card, you may need to present additional documentation such as:
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Proof of return travel (for airport rentals)
- Proof of employment or insurance (for local rentals)
- Secondary form of identification (passport, government ID, or student ID)
These documents help verify your identity and reduce the risk of fraud, ensuring a smoother rental experience for both you and Hertz.
Returning the Car and Refund Processing Times
After you return your rental car, Hertz finalizes your charges and releases the deposit hold. If you used a debit card, the release process can take longer than with a credit card because it depends on your bank’s policies. Typically, you can expect your funds to become available within 5 to 10 business days after the rental is closed.
If Hertz needs to charge additional fees (for example, for refueling or toll violations), those amounts will be deducted from your debit card balance before the remainder of the deposit is released. If there are no extra charges, the full deposit is released back to your account.
To ensure a quick refund, always return the vehicle on time, with a full tank (if required), and in good condition. This minimizes the chance of any disputes or delays in processing your funds.
Advantages of Using a Debit Card With Hertz
While renting with a debit card comes with more restrictions than using a credit card, there are still advantages for those who prefer this payment method:
- No credit card debt: Using a debit card ensures you only spend money you already have, avoiding interest or revolving debt.
- Better budgeting control: Renters can manage expenses more carefully without the temptation of credit limits.
- Easy accessibility: Not everyone owns a credit card, so debit card acceptance allows more people to rent vehicles when needed.
- Transparent spending: Charges and holds are visible immediately in your bank account, providing real-time expense tracking.
Disadvantages of Using a Debit Card With Hertz
Despite the benefits, there are notable downsides to renting with a debit card that renters should consider:
- Higher deposit holds: Hertz places larger security deposits on debit card rentals, reducing your available funds temporarily.
- Processing delays: Refunds and hold releases can take several business days, tying up your money longer.
- Limited vehicle options: Debit card users are restricted from renting luxury or specialty vehicles.
- Potential for denial: Depending on location, Hertz may deny debit card rentals if you don’t meet documentation or verification requirements.
- Possible credit check: Some renters may be uncomfortable with a credit check, even if it’s a soft inquiry.
Tips for a Smooth Hertz Rental With a Debit Card
If you plan to use a debit card at Hertz, preparation is key. Here are a few tips to make your experience hassle-free:
- Book in advance: Confirm your rental location’s debit card policy before you arrive. Policies can vary by branch.
- Bring extra documentation: Have your driver’s license, proof of address, and return travel itinerary ready.
- Keep sufficient funds in your account: Make sure your account balance can cover both the rental cost and deposit hold.
- Inspect the vehicle carefully: Take photos of the car’s condition at pickup and return to avoid damage disputes that could delay deposit refunds.
- Return on time: Late returns may trigger additional day charges that come directly out of your account balance.
- Ask about hold release times: Before leaving the counter, confirm how long it typically takes for the hold to be released after return.
Hertz’s Policy on Debit Cards for International Renters
For international travelers renting from Hertz in the U.S., debit card acceptance varies. Most foreign-issued debit cards are accepted as long as they carry a major network logo and can process funds in U.S. dollars. However, international renters will typically need to show a valid passport, driver’s license, and proof of return travel (such as a flight itinerary).
In some cases, international renters may face higher deposit holds, especially if the debit card is linked to a foreign bank. Always check with the specific Hertz branch before arriving to confirm requirements and avoid issues at pickup.
What Happens If Your Debit Card Is Declined?
If your debit card is declined during authorization, Hertz will not release the vehicle. Common reasons for declines include insufficient funds, daily withdrawal limits, or a bank’s fraud prevention measures. To prevent this, contact your bank before traveling to inform them of the upcoming authorization from Hertz and ensure your account balance exceeds the expected hold amount.
If your card continues to be declined, you may need to provide a credit card or use another acceptable payment method. Hertz cannot manually override authorization failures due to insufficient funds or banking restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Hertz’s debit card policy is designed to balance customer convenience with financial security. While it’s entirely possible to rent a car using a debit card, doing so requires more preparation and awareness than using a credit card.
Renters should be prepared for larger deposits, additional documentation, and limited vehicle selection — but with the right planning, the process can be smooth and straightforward.
To summarize: Hertz accepts bank-issued debit cards with major network logos, but restrictions vary depending on whether you’re renting at an airport or neighborhood branch.
Always bring proper identification, ensure sufficient funds, and understand the deposit and refund timeline. By following these steps, you can enjoy the convenience of renting with your debit card without unnecessary stress or unexpected charges.
Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family, or simply need a temporary vehicle, understanding Hertz’s debit card policy in advance gives you the confidence to plan your rental with clarity and peace of mind.
