Yes, Hertz accepts Bank of America credit and debit cards at rental locations and online
Hertz takes Bank of America Visa and Mastercard credit cards at all of its rental counters in the United States and when you book through their website or phone line. You can also use a Bank of America debit card, though the rental process works differently with a debit card than with a credit card — Hertz will place a larger hold on your account to cover the rental and any potential damage.
The card you use to reserve the car does not have to be the same card you use to pay at pickup, but Hertz requires the primary renter to present the card used for the reservation. If you booked with a Bank of America card but want to pay with a different card at the counter, you can ask, but Hertz may decline depending on their fraud prevention rules.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz accepts Bank of America Visa and Mastercard credit cards for reservations and payment at all U.S. locations.
- Bank of America debit cards work at Hertz, but the company places a larger hold on your account than it does with a credit card.
- The card you use to make the reservation must be presented at pickup, even if you plan to pay with a different card.
- Hertz may ask for a second form of ID and proof of insurance when you rent, regardless of which Bank of America card you use.
How the hold works when you use a Bank of America debit card
When you rent from Hertz with a debit card, the company places a hold on your account — money that is set aside but not charged to you right away. This hold covers the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit, which typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the car type and location. The hold is released after you return the car and Hertz processes the actual charges, usually within three to five business days.
During those three to five days, the held money counts against your available balance even though you have not been charged yet. If your Bank of America account has limited funds, this hold can prevent you from making other purchases or withdrawals until it clears. Credit cards do not work this way — Hertz does not place a hold on a credit card, only a charge when you pay.
To avoid surprises, check your Bank of America account balance before you rent and make sure you have enough to cover both the hold and your regular expenses. If the hold concerns you, using a Bank of America credit card instead of a debit card removes this issue entirely.
What identification and documents Hertz requires
Hertz requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and the credit or debit card used to make the reservation. The card itself must be in the name of the person renting the car — Hertz will not accept a card in someone else's name, even if that person is present at pickup.
Some Hertz locations also ask for a second form of ID, such as a passport or military ID. This is more common if you are renting a premium vehicle or if the location has had fraud issues. Bringing both your driver's license and one additional ID form prevents delays at the counter.
Booking a Hertz rental online with your Bank of America card
When you book through Hertz.com, enter your Bank of America card details in the payment section. Hertz will ask for the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing address associated with the card. Make sure the billing address matches what Bank of America has on file — mismatches can cause the transaction to be declined.
After you complete the reservation, Hertz sends a confirmation email with your reservation number, the pickup location, and the car type. Save this email and bring it to the counter, along with your Bank of America card and driver's license. If you need to change or cancel the reservation, you can do so through Hertz.com using your reservation number.
What happens if your Bank of America card is declined
If Hertz declines your Bank of America card at pickup, the most common reasons are a billing address mismatch, insufficient funds (especially with a debit card hold), or a fraud alert on your account. Call Bank of America's customer service number on the back of your card before you go to the rental counter to check for any blocks or alerts.
If Bank of America has flagged the card for fraud protection, you can confirm the Hertz charge is legitimate and ask them to clear the block. If the issue is insufficient funds, you will need to use a different payment method or add funds to your account. Hertz can hold a reservation for a short time while you resolve the issue, but policies vary by location.
Renting a car without a credit card
If you do not have a Bank of America credit card and only have a debit card, Hertz will still rent to you, but the hold on your account will be larger and the process takes longer. Some Hertz locations require additional verification when you use a debit card, such as a phone call to your bank or a second form of ID.
A few Hertz locations in certain states allow you to pay with cash if you also provide a credit card for the damage hold — the credit card is not charged, only held. This option is rare and not available everywhere, so call the specific location ahead of time to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Bank of America gift card to rent from Hertz?
Bank of America gift cards work like prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards and Hertz will accept them. However, the card must have enough balance to cover the rental cost plus the damage hold. If the balance is too low, the transaction will be declined.
What if I lose my Bank of America card during the rental?
Contact Bank of America when ready to report the card lost or stolen. They will cancel it and issue a replacement. Call Hertz at the location where you rented to let them know your payment method has changed. Hertz may ask you to provide a different card or payment method to settle the final bill.
Does Hertz accept Bank of America contactless or mobile payments?
Hertz accepts contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at some locations, but not all. These services use your Bank of America card information, so they work the same way as presenting the physical card. Call your local Hertz location to confirm they accept mobile payments before you rent.
Can I use someone else's Bank of America card to rent a car?
No. Hertz requires the primary renter to present the card used for the reservation, and the card must be in that person's name. Using someone else's card is considered fraud and Hertz will refuse the rental.
How long does the debit card hold stay on my account?
The hold typically releases within three to five business days after you return the car, but it can take up to ten business days depending on your Bank of America account type and the Hertz location. Contact Bank of America if the hold remains after ten days.