Why did my hotel or car rental company block money on my card in Norway?
Card reservations, how much is held and when it is released.
Short answer
Hotels and car rental companies reserve money on your card as security, and the reservation is released once the final amount is settled. Hertz in Norway holds at least NOK 3,000 and releases it 3–5 days after you get the receipt, sometimes later depending on your bank. While money is reserved, your available balance is lower.
Why
- Swedbank Pay's card rules for hotels say the estimated amount is based on the planned stay, the room rate and extra charges, and the guest approves it at check-in.
- Hertz Norway places a reservation of at least NOK 3,000 on your credit card at the start of the rental and releases it 3–5 days after you receive the receipt.
- SpareBank 1 explains that a reserved amount is money that will be charged to your card but has not been withdrawn yet, and your available balance drops by the same amount.
Details
Enterprise in Norway reserves NOK 10,000 when you book and releases it when you return the car, as long as it has no damage and you have stayed within the agreed mileage. Under Swedbank Pay's rules, a hotel must make any additional charge no later than 60 days after the stay. Hertz notes that the release can take longer depending on the bank's processing time.
Tip
Book hotels and rental cars with a credit card: DNB points out that the amount is then not reserved on your everyday account, so the money there stays available.
What may differ
A debit card is often not enough for a rental car: Hertz requires a credit card in the driver's name, and in Norway accepts debit cards only for some car groups.
Common misconception
The hotel or rental company has charged me twice.
What actually happens
A reservation is not a payment. The money is held but not withdrawn, and the company releases it once the final amount is settled.
People also ask
- Why is money reserved on my card after a hotel stay?
- How long does a hold on my card last?
Sources
- Hertz Norway: Frequently asked questionsChecked at:
- Enterprise Norway: Do I have to pay a deposit?Checked at:
- Swedbank Pay: Industry rules for hotelsChecked at:
- SpareBank 1: What does a reserved amount mean?Checked at:
- DNB Nyheter: Using your credit card to your advantageChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Terms can change, so check the conditions of your hotel, rental company and bank.
Everyday payments mini-guideRelated questions
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You find the IBAN for your Norwegian account in your bank's online bank or app under the account details, and also on your account statement.
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To pay a Norwegian invoice from abroad, make an international transfer to the payee's IBAN and BIC and enter the KID number as the payment reference.
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Do Norwegian banks charge an annual fee for debit cards?
Yes, banks such as DNB charge an annual fee for an adult debit card, currently NOK 295 a year, while cards for children and young people are free.
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As a newcomer you normally need a Norwegian national identity number first, and then you apply to a bank, which checks your age, income, debt and payment record.