The $1 authorization someone else noted is typically from when you made the reservation -- they authorize the card for $1 to make sure it's valid.
Originally Posted by
wahooflyer
National only authorizes credit and debit cards for the estimated amount of the rental (both corporate and franchisee locations do this, as they use the same computer system). For example, if you're using a free day coupon and you only have to pay $8 in taxes, your card is authorized for $8. No ridiculous $400 authorizations like some of the sleazier places.
This has always been my experience with National, as well. (And the list of sleazier places extends to Hertz -- I got a nasty surprise once when they authorized my card for $800 on a free days redemption that ended up costing $24.)