Does Ace rental car put a hold on your credit card?

[LucyDella]

Yes, ACE Rent A Car places a hold on your credit card. At pick-up, they authorize an amount covering the estimated rental total plus a refundable security deposit, typically $200 to $300. This hold, also known as a block or pre-authorization, is standard practice to cover potential charges like fuel, tolls, or damage. A major credit card in the driver's name is mandatory for this transaction; debit card policies are more restrictive.

The total hold amount is the sum of your rental charges and the security deposit. For a week's rental estimated at $500 with a $250 deposit, the hold on your card would be around $750. This temporarily reduces your available credit or funds.

You must present a physical Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card at the counter. Digital wallet payments or cards not in the renter's name are not accepted for the hold. For debit card users, policies are stricter. ACE often requires a credit check and proof of a return airline ticket for non-local renters. International renters are generally required to use a credit card; debit cards are not accepted.

The hold release timing is crucial for budgeting. For credit cards, the hold is lifted after vehicle return, but it may take your bank 3 to 7 business days to reflect the available credit. For debit cards, the funds are fully blocked, and the release back to your account can take 7 to 14 business days.

This table clarifies the key differences in hold policies:

Aspect	Credit Card	Debit Card
Typical Security Deposit	$200 - $300	$200 - $300
Eligibility	Required for all renters.	Often restricted; may require credit check & roundtrip ticket. Not for international renters.
Hold Impact	Reduces available credit limit.	Directly blocks funds from checking account.
Funds Release Time	3-7 business days after return.	7-14 business days after return.
Primary Requirement	Physical card in renter's name.	Additional documentation and checks often needed.

All drivers must meet age requirements, usually 25 or older (21+ at some locations), possess a valid driver's license, and provide proof of insurance. It's vital to confirm the specific policy with your rental location, as airport franchises may have slight variations. To avoid surprises, ensure your card has sufficient available credit or funds to cover the total hold amount before your trip.

[StephanieLynn]

As someone who rents for business every month, I always factor in the hold. With ACE, I know my corporate card will get hit for the rental cost plus that $200-$300 deposit buffer. The key thing for expense reports is the timing. Even though the final charge is correct, that hold can tie up credit for a few extra days after I return the car. I always use a credit card, never a debit, for exactly this reason. I make sure my card has a high enough limit to absorb the hold without affecting other planned purchases.

[VanDominic]

We learned this the hard way on our family vacation. We used a debit card at the ACE counter, and they put a massive hold on our checking account—the whole week's rental plus a $250 deposit. It locked up money we needed for hotels and meals. The agent did explain it, but we didn't realize how long it would take to get the money back. It didn't clear until almost two weeks after we got home. My advice? If you have to use a debit card, budget as if that money is completely gone for your entire trip and then some. Honestly, using a credit card is just simpler and safer for travel.