Orlando car rental security deposits: how they work

At Orlando's airport, Hertz's terms put the credit-card hold at up to $200 for a car and as much as $900 for a Prestige SUV, on top of the estimated rental charges. That hold is the security deposit. The money stays in your account, but your available balance shrinks, and the terms say the funds "will not be available for your use."

How much each company holds at MCO

Hertz sets a figure for each class. In the terms it showed for its MCO branch in November 2026, SUVs run $300 for a Small SUV, $400 for a Standard SUV, $500 for a Utility and $750 for a Large SUV, and a Dream Car is held at $850. A debit card is held up to $500.

Avis's MCO terms are vaguer. They say it "generally" holds the total estimated charges, but that "many rentals" need the estimate plus $200, without saying which. Paying by debit card for four days or more can raise that to the estimate plus $300. A rental prepaid with a debit card is held at $250.

Enterprise's MCO page asks for a deposit of $400 from renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary, or $850 if they rent one of 12 premium classes, among them Performance Sport, the luxury sedans and SUVs, the Limo Van and the Corvette. The page says the deposit isn't available to you until the car has been returned.

Debit cards: the airport adds conditions

Enterprise's MCO page takes a debit card at the counter only with a ticketed return travel itinerary. At airport branches, Hertz asks for proof of a return flight and two forms of ID, and its terms say that in most cases the branch runs a credit check on debit-card customers. Hertz limits debit to economy through full-size cars, premium and electric cars, and compact or small SUVs. A Large SUV, a Prestige SUV or one of its Adrenaline or Dream Collection cars can't be picked up on debit at all.

Avis rents on debit only to renters 25 or older, from select car groups. At airport counters it also wants a return airline ticket, and it runs a credit check and asks for a second ID.

When the money comes back

After the car is returned, Avis says the bank may take up to two weeks to release the hold. Enterprise's payment FAQ says that at airport locations, money due back on a debit card is released at the end of the rental. Bank processing can delay it a couple of days, and customers typically have it within 15 business days.

Charges that arrive after the hold is gone

Toll fees reach your card after the rental closes. National, which also rents cars at MCO, says in its toll terms that toll data typically arrives and is billed within about 4 to 6 weeks. PlatePass, which Hertz uses in Florida, says its charges usually reach the card statement 1 to 3 weeks after the rental agreement closes. Both bill the card on file. Our Orlando car rental guide compares what each toll program costs.

No deposit: what Allycar says, and what it doesn't

Allycar, an Orlando company that delivers its cars, says on its homepage and in its FAQ that it takes no security deposit. Its comparison table lists the traditional rental as "often an authorization hold." It also lists tolls, insurance with third-party liability and one additional driver as included, and says it delivers within 30 miles of Orlando, airport included.

What the pages leave out is the damage amount. Neither the homepage nor the FAQ gives a deductible (checked November 7, 2026). The FAQ says displayed daily rates are starting points, that Allycar confirms the final amount for your dates and vehicle, and that the signed rental agreement governs the final terms. Before you pay, ask what that agreement says you owe if the car is damaged.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Hertz hold in Orlando?

Up to $200 on a credit card for a car, $400 for a Standard SUV and $750 for a Large SUV, on top of the estimated charges, in the terms Hertz shows for its Orlando airport branch. A debit card is held up to $500.

Can I rent with a debit card at Orlando airport?

Usually only with a return ticket. Enterprise at MCO, Hertz's airport branches and Avis's airport counters all ask for one. Hertz also wants two IDs, and Avis rents on debit only to renters 25 or older.

How long until the hold comes off my card?

Avis says its hold may take up to two weeks to be released by your bank. For debit cards at airport locations, Enterprise says money due back to you is released when the rental ends, and customers typically have it within 15 business days.

Does Allycar really take no deposit?

Allycar says so on its homepage and in its FAQ. Neither page gives a damage amount or deductible.

Amounts on this page were checked on each company's website on November 7, 2026. FinalAirfare may earn a commission if you book through the Allycar link, at no extra cost to you. The information about Allycar comes from the company's website and can change.