How much does Routes Car Rental hold on a credit card?

[LouisFitz]

Routes Car Rental places a credit card authorization hold typically between $250 and $1,500, on top of the rental cost, with the final amount determined by vehicle type, location, and driver profile. The hold is released after the vehicle return, but the funds may take 3 to 10 business days to reappear in your available balance, depending on your bank's policies.

The primary security deposit for a standard economy or intermediate car is usually $250. However, opting for a premium, luxury, or specialty vehicle like a Jeep can increase this hold significantly. Market data and customer reports indicate holds for these categories often range from $500 to $1,500.

Your rental location significantly influences the hold amount. Rentals at airports or major tourist hubs typically follow the standard range. Some local rental offices, particularly in certain regions, may institute higher security measures. Instances have been reported where local renters face a hold of $1,500, regardless of vehicle type.

Driver age is a critical cost factor. Renters under the age of 25 are classified as "young drivers" and are subject to an additional daily surcharge. More importantly, they often face a substantially higher security deposit. It is common for an extra $500 to be added to the standard hold amount for underage drivers.

The authorization hold is designed to cover potential extra charges beyond the base rental fee. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Unpaid tolls or traffic violations.
• Returning the vehicle with less fuel than when rented.
• Late return fees.
• Potential costs for damage to the vehicle.

Factor	Typical Hold Amount Impact
Standard Vehicle (Economy/Compact)	Base hold of $250
Premium/Luxury/SUV/Jeep	Hold increases to $500 - $1,500
Local Renter (at select locations)	Hold may be set at a flat $1,500
Young Driver (under 25)	Additional $500 added to the applicable hold

Only a valid credit or debit card in the primary driver's name will be accepted for this hold. Prepaid cards, cash, or cards not bearing your name are universally not accepted for the security deposit. The hold release is initiated by Routes Car Rental once the vehicle is returned with no pending issues, but the subsequent processing time is controlled entirely by your card issuer's banking policies, hence the 3-10 business day window. To avoid any surprises, always verify the exact deposit requirements for your specific reservation details directly with Routes Car Rental before your trip.

[VanBethany]

As someone who rents cars a few times a year for work, I always budget for the hold, not just the rental rate. With Routes, I’ve seen a $250 block on my card for a mid-size sedan. My colleague rented a SUV for a team outing last spring, and his hold was $750. The money wasn’t gone, but it reduced my available credit for over a week after I returned the car. My advice? Call the specific branch you’re booking with and ask point-blank: “What’s the exact security deposit for my reservation?” Get the figure in writing if you can. Then, plan your trip budget knowing that amount plus the rental cost will be tied up on your card.

[MacElla]

Let me explain how this works from a customer’s perspective. You’re not being charged twice. The rental company places a temporary “authorization” or hold on your credit card. For a standard car with Routes, this is often $250. This isn’t a charge; it’s a reservation of funds. Think of it like a hotel putting a hold for incidentals. The total cost of your rental is charged separately. The hold stays in place until after you return the car. If you add no extra fuel, incur no tolls, and return the car on time in good condition, the hold simply drops off. The frustrating part for many is the bank’s processing delay, which can feel like an eternity when you need that credit available again.

[MacWalter]

The biggest shock for young drivers is the added cost. I’m 22, and when I rented with Routes, the quoted price online wasn’t the full story. At the counter, I was told the underage driver fee was one thing, but the security deposit was another $500 on top of the standard hold. For a basic car, the total block on my card was close to $800. It’s crucial to factor this in. If your card has a low limit, this hold could max it out, causing problems for other purchases. Always use a credit card with a limit significantly higher than the total of your rental charges plus the maximum possible hold.

[ChristopherLynn]

Managing the financial hold is key to a stress-free rental. First, use a credit card, not a debit card. With a debit card, the hold locks up your actual cash, which can be a major inconvenience. Second, confirm the vehicle category’s specific hold amount. A “Jeep” or “convertible” listed on their website will almost certainly trigger a higher authorization than a Toyota Corolla. Finally, the release timeline is out of the rental company’s hands after vehicle return. Your bank dictates the speed. Major banks might clear it in 3 days, but smaller institutions can take the full 10 business days. Plan your finances so you don’t rely on those funds being immediately available after your trip ends. Always review the rental agreement at the counter, as the exact security deposit amount will be stated there.