Payment Hold
Quick answer
The Agreement permits a reasonable additional payment-card reserve that may be applied to Charges; the issuer controls when released funds or credit become available.
60-second explanation
Why it matters
A hold can reduce available credit or bank funds even though it is not the same as the rental charge.
In plain English
The rental company asks the card issuer to reserve an amount. That reserved amount can be available for Charges under the Agreement.
After STARS authorizes excess release, the financial institution's rules and processing determine when the customer sees the funds or credit again.
Useful context—not a universal rule
Card holds are common risk controls in vehicle rental, but amounts, processing methods, and release timing vary by company, card, issuer, vehicle, and rental.
What to confirm before you arrive
Practical checklist
- Confirm the hold or reserve amount for the specific rental.
- Ask whether it is an authorization or collected amount.
- Allow for issuer processing without relying on a universal release deadline.
Example
A $0 rental balance does not necessarily mean a recently released authorization immediately reappears as available credit; the issuer still posts the release.
Treating a hold as the rental price—or treating the rental company and card issuer as the same processing system.
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Deeper guides
Information and Agreement boundary
This plain-language entry is educational, not legal advice. The Rental Agreement, Rental Record, confirmed STARS policy, applicable law, and rental-specific facts control. Industry context does not create a STARS promise, price, or contractual obligation.