Releasing a hold removes the reserved funds from the renter's card, making those funds available to them again.
How to Release
- Open the rental detail view
- Go to the Payments tab
- Find the active hold
- Click Release
- Confirm the release
When to Release
- No damage — The vehicle was returned in good condition, no deposit charge needed
- Different payment arrangement — You're collecting the final amount through a different method
- Rental cancelled — The booking was voided and no charges are applicable
How Long Does the Release Take?
PocketOS releases the hold immediately through Stripe. However, the renter's bank may take 3-10 business days to make the funds available again. This timeline is controlled by the renter's bank, not PocketOS or Stripe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I partially release a hold?
Not directly. To keep part of the hold, use Capture with a reduced amount — the difference is automatically released.
What happens if a hold expires before I act?
Expired holds are automatically released by Stripe. The funds return to the renter's card. If you still need to charge them, take a regular payment.