
An Avis authorization hold is a temporary hold on your credit or debit card, typically for a small amount, usually $50-$200. This hold is usually placed when you book a car rental online or over the phone.
The hold is a precautionary measure to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover any unexpected charges or fees. Some common fees associated with car rentals include additional drivers, fuel, or tolls.
You'll typically see the hold as a pending transaction on your bank statement, but don't worry, it won't affect your available balance. The hold will usually be released once you return the car and your rental is settled.
Paying with Credit Card
Paying with credit card can be a convenient option for renting a car, but it's essential to understand how Avis handles credit card holds.
Avis will take an authorization hold on your credit card for the duration of the rental, which can take up to 30 days to release, depending on your bank.
The hold equals the cost of the rental plus a security deposit, which varies depending on the location and payment method.
If you pay with a credit card, Avis will place a hold of $200 plus the estimated rental charges. These funds will not be available to you during the rental period.
Upon returning the vehicle, Avis will return any unused portion of the hold, but this can take up to two weeks to be posted to your account by your bank.
Here's a summary of the credit card hold process:
If you rent with a credit card, Avis puts a hold on your account for the full cost of the rental plus the security deposit, but the security deposit portion of the hold disappears immediately when you return the vehicle.
Returning the Car
If you're returning the car, your bank account might reflect two amounts before the temporary authorization hold is released, which is the initial temporary hold obtained at vehicle collection and the actual debit for the invoice amount.
The good news is that Avis will refund your deposit in full if there were no additional charges for fuel replacement, late return, or other incidentals.
If you rent with a credit card, Avis puts a hold on your account for the full cost of the rental plus the security deposit, but the security deposit portion of the hold disappears immediately upon return.
Using a debit card to pay for a rental car has its own set of rules: Avis will place a hold on the full rental amount plus the security deposit, which can take 10-14 days to appear in your bank account.
Here's a breakdown of what happens to your deposit when you return the car:
- If you paid with a credit card, the security deposit portion of the hold is released immediately.
- If you paid with a debit card, it can take 10-14 days for the cash to appear in your bank account.
- Avis will return any unused portion of the hold upon returning the vehicle.
Additional Authorisation Check
The additional authorisation check is a crucial part of the Avis authorisation hold process.
You'll notice that there's an estimated average holding amount of R3,500, but this can vary depending on your specific rental.
This additional authorisation hold may also apply, on top of the standard authorisation.
Let's take a look at the additional authorisation amounts for different groups:
Keep in mind that these amounts are specific to your group and the type of cover you've chosen.
Luxury Car Rentals
If you're planning to rent a luxury car with Avis, you should be aware that it comes with a different authorization hold.
This hold includes the rental amount, all extras, fuel deposit, and the applicable liability amount for the vehicle being rented.
Avis Luxury Car rentals are a great way to travel in style, but it's essential to understand the financial implications.
The liability amount for the vehicle being rented is also included in the authorization hold.
This means you'll need to have sufficient funds available to cover these additional costs.
Debit Card Policy
If you rent a car with a debit card, Avis will put a hold on your bank account for the full cost of the rental plus a security deposit, which is typically $200.
The hold is a security measure to guard against late returns, additional fuel charges, or other potential incidents. This hold is not available to you during the rental period.
Avis will withdraw the security deposit from your bank account to cover late fees or damage repair, as stated in your signed agreement.
At certain airport locations, the debit card hold will be the estimated rental charges plus $350. This is a significant amount, so make sure you have enough funds in your bank account to cover it.
If you return the vehicle undamaged and on time, your debit card is charged for the rental and the hold on the security deposit is lifted. However, it can take 10-14 days for those funds to become available in your bank account.
If you don’t get your security deposit back from Avis within 10-14 days, call (800) 352-7900.
Here's a breakdown of the debit card hold amounts:
- Airport locations: estimated rental charges plus $350
- Other locations: full cost of the rental plus a $200 security deposit
Deposit Amount

The deposit amount for an Avis rental varies depending on your payment method and pick-up location. If you're paying with a debit card, the typical deposit amount is $200.
In some airport locations, the hold on your debit card can be even higher, estimated rental charges plus $350. This is a specific case, but it's essential to be aware of it.
Avis also requires a security deposit for credit card rentals, which is the full cost of the rental plus a security deposit. This amount will be held on your credit card until you return the vehicle.
The security deposit is part of the hold placed on your card, and the amount depends on your payment method and pick-up location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Avis charge me an extra $200?
Avis may charge an extra $200 as a debit card authorization hold to ensure sufficient funds for estimated rental charges. This hold is typically in addition to the estimated rental charges and may temporarily restrict access to those funds.
Sources
- https://www.avis.co.za/contact-avis/authorisation-hold-explained
- https://blog.autoslash.com/how-much-does-avis-hold-on-your-card/
- https://carinsurent.com/car-rental/avis-rental-car-deposit-all-you-need-to-know/
- https://mexrentacar.com/en/find-out/46-rent-a-car-how-does-the-deposit-on-a-credit-card-work-for-renting-a-car
- https://brasil.avislac.com/faqs.php
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