The short answer
A vehicle rental charge, security deposit hold, fuel refill surcharge, or late return fee billed by The Hertz Corporation.
Decoding HERTZ *RENT A CAR
A transaction displaying HERTZ *RENT A CAR represents an active or finalized vehicle booking from The Hertz Corporation. Depending on the timing of the transaction, it functions as a car rental charge, fuel surcharge, or security deposit hold. When you pick up a rental car at an airport or neighborhood branch, Hertz authorizes a temporary deposit on your card, typically estimated rental costs plus an extra 200 to 500 dollars. Once you return the keys and the counter agent inspects the vehicle, that initial hold drops off and the final settled folio amount posts to your ledger.
Unexpected amounts or secondary charges usually stem from post-return adjustments. If you returned the vehicle with less fuel than when you drove off the lot, Hertz applies a refueling surcharge that runs significantly higher than local pump prices. Other common additions include airport concession recovery fees, vehicle licensing recovery fees, late return penalties, or equipment rentals. Electronic toll booth transactions are typically handled through PlatePass and may bill separately several days or weeks later, a practice common across competitors like Avis and Enterprise.
If the billed amount does not match your rental agreement quote, visit hertz.com/receipts to download your itemized post-rental invoice using your reservation number or driver's license. Compare the itemized breakdown against your return slip. If you refueled before drop-off, keep your gas receipt ready when contacting Hertz customer support to request a fee reversal. In cases where you never rented a vehicle or visited a Hertz counter, treat the line item as potential card fraud and contact your card issuer to lock the account.
- Review Hertz Rental Agreement Log into hertz.com/receipts to download your itemized post-rental invoice PDF.
- Check Refueling Charges Returning a rental without a full tank triggers automated premium refueling fees ($9 to $10/gallon).
- Inspect Toll PlatePass Charges Automated highway tolls incur separate post-rental billings via PlatePass.
Disputes and Security Deposit Releases
Security deposit authorization holds release automatically within 3 to 10 business days following vehicle inspection and check-in.
If you believe you were erroneously charged for vehicle damage or fuel, contact Hertz Customer Relations with your return timestamp and gas pump receipt.
Disputing a rental car contract charge through a bank chargeback will result in your permanent placement on the national Do Not Rent (DNR) blacklists.
Why did The Hertz Corporation charge my card or bank account?
Charges from The Hertz Corporation under statement descriptor "HERTZ *RENT A CAR" usually correspond to authorized direct purchases, digital orders, or recurring membership renewals.
How do I cancel future charges or dispute an error with The Hertz Corporation?
Log in to your The Hertz Corporation account portal at https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/customersupport to cancel your subscription or request an order adjustment.
Independent reference — not affiliated with The Hertz Corporation. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- Hertz Rental Terms and Conditions https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/reviewmodifycancel/templates/rentalTerms.jsp
- FTC Consumer Advice on Car Rental Fees and Deposits https://www.ftc.gov
Reviewed Sep 11, 2026 · high · About UnknownCharges