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Car Hire Deposit Hold Not Released
A pre-authorisation hold on your card should be released promptly if there is no damage. One guide says most are released within 7 to 21 days. If a hold is turned into a charge without justification, dispute it with your card issuer and tell the hire company in writing.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Card Holds
Card Holds
A pre-authorisation hold on your card should be released promptly if there is no damage. One guide says most are released within 7 to 21 days. If a hold is turned into a charge without justification, dispute it with your card issuer. source
Section 75
If you paid by credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may apply to totals between £100 and £30,000. Debit card holds are harder to dispute, but you can ask your bank about chargeback, which is a card scheme and not a legal right. source
Paying Under Protest
Which? advises telling the company you are paying 'under protest' if you are unhappy and telling your card provider about the dispute. Also query any unexplained card charges, since firms have sometimes refunded customers after being challenged. source
Complaining
UK Rentals
For UK rentals, complain to the hire company first and allow a reasonable period, usually 8 weeks. If it is unresolved and the company is a BVRLA member, you can use the BVRLA Conciliation Service. It is free, but its recommendation is not legally binding, though most members follow it. source
The BVRLA Scheme
The BVRLA scheme covers its UK members only. Most major UK firms are members, but overseas firms may not be. Which? says members must follow a code of conduct and have a complaints procedure, and you can check the BVRLA member directory. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 7 to 21 daysCard pre-authorisation hold releasedUsually within 7 to 21 days if there is no damage
- £100 to £30,000Section 75 card claimCredit card payments over £100 and up to £30,000
- 8 weeksWait before going to the BVRLAUsually about 8 weeks
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Check your card statement and note the amount held and the date.
Step 2 of 4
If more than 21 days have passed with no damage reported, write to the hire company and ask it to release the hold. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 4
If the hold has become a charge you did not agree to, ask for the evidence and dispute it with your card issuer.
Step 4 of 4
If the company is a BVRLA member and has not resolved it in about eight weeks, use the BVRLA Conciliation Service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Hire Company's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and ask for the evidence.
Your Card Provider
Tell it about the dispute straight away. Section 75 for credit cards, chargeback for debit cards.
BVRLA Conciliation Service
If the company is a BVRLA member and it has not resolved it after about 8 weeks.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Debit card holds are harder to dispute than credit card holds, so a credit card is usually the better choice for car hire.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- civilhelp.co.uk/travel-consumer/car-hire-disputes Checked 12 October 2026
- which.co.uk/reviews/car-hire/article/car-hire-advice/car-hire-scams-auABy0O5rX7M Checked 12 October 2026