It might be difficult to decide which car rental company to use when hiring a car. Many tourists may choose the cheapest basic rate, but depending on your needs, you may be hit with costly extras like as damage waivers, car seats, or toll insurance.
If your search yields somewhat equal costs, you might want to select a rental company with excellent customer service or the most efficient pick-up and return process.
Regular renters will benefit from joining a loyalty program that provides the most points and the lowest redemption rates for free rental days.
We’ve outlined 10 of the greatest car rental companies to assist you in determining which one is ideal for you.
Car Rental Companies Ranked by Category
- Sixt car rental has the lowest base rates.
- Hertz has the best customer service.
- Best for the Most Locations in the United States: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Sixt car rental is the best for vehicle comfort and quality.
- Avis is the best option for prepaid car rentals.
- Dollar is the most rewarding loyalty program. Car Rental
- Enterprise is the best option for avoiding additional fees.
- Alamo is the best option for the quickest return process. Rent a Car
1 - Advantage Rent A Car
Advantage does not have the vast reach of Enterprise or Hertz, with only 34 offices across the United States. Still, it’s an excellent alternative with international coverage and new and next-to-new car models at low costs.
Membership Program for the Expressway
When drivers join up for the Expressway program, they are immediately rewarded with either a free rental day or a car upgrade. After each rental, all four tier levels receive a random gift, and Gold and Platinum members can choose between a free GPS, toll pass, or car seat for the length of their rental.
Moving from the basic tier to Silver requires just 3-4 rentals, 5-6 rentals to Gold, and 7+ rentals to Platinum. The higher the tier, the greater the perks.
Benefits of Using a Mobile App
The Advantage mobile app streamlines the booking process by letting consumers to search and reserve cars while also obtaining real-time estimations of when their vehicle will be ready.
Optional Extras Fees
Fees for extras vary based on the branch you hire from, as they do with many other vehicle rental companies. Advantage charges up to $13.49 per day for extras such as additional drivers or car seats in places with non-specific rules or price restrictions.
Advantage's Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Expressway members begin earning benefits the instant they sign up.
- Rental rates that are lower than the national average
Cons:
- Before signing, agreements should be properly reviewed to assess any potential costs for extras you may have refused at the counter.
- Higher prices for optional items and surcharges for young drivers
2 - Alamo Rent a Car
Alamo is the largest car rental company in North America for foreign tourists, with offices in all major U.S. airports. Alamo’s footprint is really much less than that of Enterprise and Hertz, with roughly 250 offices across the United States. Nonetheless, Alamo received outstanding marks in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study.
Self-Service Kiosks with Online Check-In
With a 4/5 overall satisfaction rating in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction study, Alamo excels at streamlining the rental process, allowing clients to use self-service kiosks or check in online to avoid the counter completely. Customers can add drivers, upgrade their car, or add extras like toll packages or GPS while checking in online or at the kiosks.
Process of Pick-Up and Return
Customers who check in online at several U.S. airports can go to the rental garage and select their car depending on the car class they ordered. The procedure is quite efficient, and who doesn’t enjoy avoiding lines? On RentalCars.com, Alamo receives a decent 8.8/10 for customer ratings, with many customers applauding the pick-up and drop-off process at several locations.
Membership Savings
Although Alamo isn’t the cheapest rental car provider, it does offer a 5% discount to Alamo Insiders members, which are free to join if you’re renting in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, or Mexico. Where available, you may save an additional 5% by prepaying your rental charge when reserving in advance – just be aware of the cancellation fee ($50-$100) if your plans change.
Alamo's Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A smooth procedure for car pickup and drop-off, with the option to escape the counter lineups entirely if desired.
- All rentals are discounted by 5% for members.
Cons:
- When compared to other rental vehicle providers, they are frequently on the costly side.
- When you prepay your rental cost, you will incur cancellation fees.
3 - Avis Car Rental
Avis was the first company to hire cars from airport sites and has since expanded to operate in over 165 countries worldwide. With over 1,400 facilities rental the United States, you’re never far from an Avis store.
Savings on Advance Payments
Avis is one of the most costly car rental companies, especially if you book a vehicle and pay at the time of pick-up. With that in mind, you should take advantage of its prepaid rates, which may save you up to 30% off the normal charge. Just be aware that if your circumstances changes and you no longer require the rental, a $50 cancellation fee will be levied with more than 24 hours’ notice and a $150 cancellation cost with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Coupon Codes and Discounts
Another option to save on Avis’ above-average rental prices is to visit their Offers website, which is accessible for both domestic and foreign rentals. Avis publishes coupon codes for a number of deals, ranging from money off renting from nearby sites to a free weekend day as part of a longer rental.
Avis Preferred Loyalty Scheme
Drivers may join the Avis Preferred program to earn points toward free rentals and extras like roadside assistance, GPS, and child seats. Members receive one point for every qualifying dollar spent on rentals and two points for every dollar spent on accessories. When drivers achieve certain rental or total expenditure requirements, they will become Avis Preferred Plus members, earning up to 3 points per dollar spent.
Avis's Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Regular promo codes and special offers bring rental expenses closer to rival car rental companies’ lower rates.
- Avis Preferred Points earnings on accessories are greater than competitors, with somewhat lower redemption rates.
- Damage waivers and roadside help are more expensive extras, although Avis provides packages to save money.
Cons:
- The most costly car rental prices of any car rental organization
4 - Budget Car Rental
Budget is part of the Avis Budget Group, therefore it’s not unexpected that policies and deals from both companies appear on both websites. Budget, like Avis, has over 1,400 neighborhood and airport locations around the country. The only difference is the rental fee, with Budget being the less expensive of the two (as the name would suggest).
Prepaid Savings
Budget, like Avis, provides substantial discounts of up to 35% if drivers prepay for their rental at the time of booking. Cancellations are subject to the standard prepay terms, meaning you’ll be charged $50-$150 depending on when you cancel.
Spouses receive a free additional driver.
Customers can add their spouse as an additional driver for free as long as they match the basic driver qualifications. With up to $13 per day additional driver costs, this can save you a lot of money on your bill – especially if you are renting outside of California or a state that permits free additional drivers for couples.
Loyalty Program at Fastbreak
Budget’s Fastbreak program differs from other rental vehicle companies in that it does not use a point earning and redemption system. Members, on the other hand, enjoy expedited service while picking up and putting off a car.
Members also get special offers; for example, at the time of writing, Budget was paying members $25 in Budget Bucks for renting twice before the end of the year.
Budget's Pros and Cons
Pros:
- In all states, couples receive a free additional driver.
- When booking in advance, you may save up to 35%.
Cons:
- Charges a daily e-toll cost even if you do not use a toll.
5 - Dollar Car Rental
Dollar is a subsidiary of The Hertz Corporation, along with Thrifty, and has 260 outlets in the United States and Canada. Despite its reputation as a low-cost car rental provider, Dollar was really on the pricey side when we compared quotes. Fortunately, the corporation runs regular deals to reduce its basic pricing.
Dollar isn’t known for its excellent customer service, receiving only 1.5/5 on Trustpilot.com, but it’s a solid alternative if you want the greatest points from a loyalty program or frequent flyer partners.
Discounts and Special Offers
When you sign up for promotional emails, Dollar will give you 15% off weekday or weekend rentals. Savings can also be available on the Dollar website under the Specials page for customers who have previously registered. This included a 10% discount for young tenants and a 10% discount for AAA members at the time of writing.
Dollar, like most car rental companies, allows clients to prepay their rental price at a lower rate. Customers may prepay and save up to 20% off the base charge if they book at least 24 hours before pick-up.
Dollar Express Bonuses
Dollar’s reward program is one of the most generous on the market, with low redemption costs and additional membership advantages.
Members may skip the desk and go right to the parking lot to pick up their car at specified locations, and spouses can be registered as an extra driver for free.
Members receive one point for every dollar spent on rentals and accessories, with redemption costs beginning at 500 points per day (for other programs, this is usually around 700).
Dollar's Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Loyalty program with generous perks and cheap redemption fees
- IHG Incentives offers generous partner travel rewards such as 125 hotel points each rental day.
Cons:
- Express Rewards free rental days include blackout dates.
- Customer service standards were poorly evaluated (1.5/5 on Trustpilot.com).
6 - Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise is the largest vehicle rental firm in the United States, with over 4,500 neighborhood and airport branch locations. Enterprise Holdings, together with its sibling firms Alamo and National, has offices within 15 miles of 90% of the US population, making it by far the most accessible. Enterprise was rated 5/5 in all but one area in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study.
Dollar isn’t known for its excellent customer service, receiving only 1.5/5 on Trustpilot.com, but it’s a solid alternative if you want the greatest points from a loyalty program or frequent flyer partners.
Optional Extras Fees
Enterprise’s rental rates are on the pricier side, but when compared to its competitors (except Alamo and National), its pricing for optional accessories like kid seats or GPS are significantly lower. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 can also save money on daily young driver surcharges because non-state specific rates are $5-$15 less per day than rivals.
Toll Regulations
Enterprise, along with Alamo and National, has one of the more moderate toll policies, with a maximum of $19.75 per rental term. Advantage and Dollar have a much greater maximum of $90 each rental period, so if your travel includes numerous electronic toll booths, select Enterprise.
Membership Scheme
Members of the Enterprise Plus program may earn points toward free vehicle rentals and can join for free. Frequent renters are eligible for tier status and can obtain Silver, Gold, or Platinum level to gain additional points and free automobile upgrades.
Enterprise Pros and Cons
Pros:
- There are several office locations around the United States where you can seek assistance if you experience a problem.
- Reduced prices for optional items and surcharges for young drivers
Cons:
- Rental rates that are higher than the national average
- Membership program point earnings are not as large as those offered by Hertz or National.
7 - Hertz
With over 3,000 neighborhood and airport outlets, Hertz is one of the leading car rental firms in the United States. It’s simple to understand why it was the highest-rated automobile rental business in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction study, with reasonable pricing and exceptional customer service.
Customers may hire from Hertz’s conventional automobile models, but for an additional special treat, they can rent from the Hertz Dream Collection, which includes an Aston Martin DB11 Volante and a Lamborghini Huracan Evo.
Guaranteed Lowest Price
Hertz emphasizes direct booking and has an attractive price matching policy. Hertz will not only match the pricing for the identical Hertz car category and rental duration, but will also deduct an extra 10% after the claim is validated.
Hertz Express Lane CLEAR is in charge.
Hertz Fast Lane Powered by CLEAR is offered at 14 Hertz sites around the United States. Having avoided the check-in desks, registered clients can use CLEAR identification to pick up their car and depart the parking lot more quickly.
Hertz Gold Plus Benefits
Customers may join the Hertz loyalty program to earn one point for every dollar spent and work their way up to Five Star or President’s Circle level to get additional rewards. All membership categories can bypass the check-in counter, use e-returns for faster processing, and receive a free airport trial of the CLEAR security program.
Point redemptions are on the expensive side, beginning at 750 points for a day’s rental, but members are not subject to any ban periods.
Hertz Pros and Cons
Pros:
- For the same Hertz car and rental duration, price match + 10% savings is available.
- There are no blackout dates for incentive rentals, and members receive several perks.
Cons:
- When compared to other reward programs, redemption rates are higher than average.
- Prepaid reservations include high cancellation fees: $100 if canceled more than 24 hours before pick-up and $200 if canceled within 24 hours of pick-up.
8 - National Car Rental
National, which is owned by Enterprise Holdings, is the tiny sister company of Enterprise Rent A Car, with approximately 330 office locations around the United States. National fell a few spots in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction study compared to the 2018 poll, but the company is still well-regarded for its customer service.
Loyalty Program for the Emerald Club
The Emerald Club is for repeat customers who wish to earn rental credits toward free rental days, among other perks. When reserving a medium car, all members can select any car (midsize or higher) from the Emerald Aisle, and all members earn 1 rental credit for every qualifying rental.
Emerald Club members can use 7 credits to get a free rental day, however Elite members (Executive and Executive Elite) need less rental credits to get a free rental day. Executive members just need 6 rental credits, while Executive Elite members only need 5.
The Emerald Aisle
Emerald Club members get access to the Emerald Aisle while renting in the United States or Canada, and when reserving a midsize car, clients can skip the counter and go right to the Emerald Aisle to select whatever make and model they want (the keys are ready in the car).
Corporate Program
National is well-known for its small and medium-sized enterprise corporate rental programs. Contract prices that are favorable allow firms to rent a car at the drop of a hat without paying exorbitant last-minute expenses.
National Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Emerald Club members do not have to pay any additional driving costs for family or business partners.
- Customers can select their vehicle from the Emerald Aisle.
Cons:
- National’s rates, like those of its sibling firms, are on the higher side.
9 - Sixt rent a car
Sixt is one of the newest rental companies, having entered the North American market in 2011 and rapidly expanding to over 60 offices around the country. Sixt has a fresh and premium fleet of German and American automobiles that are on average 3 months old.
Despite having some of the most recent cars available, Sixt provided some of the most affordable rates when we searched for bids.
Long-Term Rental Savings
When renting a car for more than 28 days, Sixt provides especially low weekly prices. At the time of writing, a Jeep Grand Cherokee could be rented for as little as $122 a week on a long-term basis.
Circle of Sixt Advantage
The Sixt Advantage Circle is made up of several tiers of reward cards that allow users to earn points with other partners like airlines and hotels while also receiving rental perks. Customers who sign up will obtain a Sixt Express card, which allows members to avoid the customary counter procedures and receive inexpensive self-service pricing.
Members will obtain a Sixt Gold card after three rentals, a Sixt Platinum card after ten rentals, and a Diamond card after receiving an invitation. Cardholders in the Elite category are entitled to incentives such as free extra drivers, savings of up to 20%, and free upgrades.
Sixt Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low rental rates
- New premium car fleet
Cons:
- When compared to other rental firms, we have less office coverage across the United States.
10 - Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty is a subsidiary of the Hertz Corporation, and it, like its sister firm Dollar, focuses on value for money. Having said that, unlike most other automobile rental businesses always provide lower prepayment prices, Thrifty does not.
Thrifty offices may be located in neighborhoods and at major airports around the United States, with 472 sites. Customers in a hurry will appreciate Thrifty’s Timesaver Check-in, which allows you to submit your data ahead of time and bypass the formalities at the desk.
Blue Chip Reward Scheme
Members of the Blue Chip Rewards program may earn points toward free rental days and enjoy a variety of other privileges such as free additional driver (spouse or domestic partner), skipping the counter and going right to the lot, and priority counter service.
Members get one point for every dollar spent, and redemption rates start at 500 points for a weekend day.
Offers from Partners
Thrifty collaborates with several airline and hotel partners to maximize points gains. Customers may earn triple Alaska Airlines miles when renting with Thrifty at the time of writing, or double points with Southwest Rapid Rewards.
Thrifty Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low rental rates
- The Blue Chip Rewards program provides generous redemption opportunities.
Cons:
- Prepaid prices have a limited availability.
- Customer service evaluations are mostly bad (1.5/5 on Trustpilot).
Last Thoughts
The finest car rental company will be determined by your needs. If price is the decisive factor, pricing might vary depending on how far in advance you book and how long you rent for. Budget provides up to 35% discount when you prepay when you reserve your vehicle, while Sixt has some amazing deals on long-term rentals of more than 28 days.
If having the greatest customer service is critical, then Hertz is the company to choose. Hertz surpassed Enterprise in the 2019 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study, earning 5/5 in all but one area.
If you’re a frequent renter, most vehicle rental reward programs give you one point for every dollar spent, however Avis gives you two points for every dollar spent on accessories. Members particularly benefit when redemption rates are lower, and Dollar and Thrifty both offer low redemption rates beginning at 500 points for a weekend day rental.
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