Best Rental Car Company for Under 25 in 2026

Hertz is our top pick for younger renters because its minimum age is lower than most competitors in many US locations. Drivers aged 20 and up can rent from Hertz in many places, while several rivals set the floor at 21. That one-year difference matters a lot for college students and young workers who need a car before turning 21.

The fee waiver is the other reason Hertz leads this list. AAA members aged 20 to 24 can have the young-driver fee waived at Hertz, which can change the total cost of a multi-day rental substantially. The catch is that the waiver depends on membership and booking with the right discount code, and under-25 renters still face vehicle class restrictions. Confirm the waiver applies to your booking before you rely on it.

Enterprise is the neighborhood rental leader, with far more local branches than airport-focused rivals. That matters for under-25 renters who are not flying, since a nearby branch can be easier and cheaper to reach than an airport counter. Enterprise also handles a large share of insurance replacement rentals, and those bookings sometimes carry different age and fee terms.

The drawback is the standard age floor of 21 in most locations, with exceptions in states such as New York and Michigan where state rules differ. USAA members aged 21 to 24 can qualify for a young-driver fee waiver, and some corporate or university accounts include waivers too. Without one of those, expect a daily surcharge that varies by location.

Avis is a strong airport option for younger renters, especially those with a USAA connection. USAA members aged 18 to 24 can have the young-driver fee waived at Avis, which is one of the broader waiver windows in the industry. Avis also runs a large airport network, so it is easy to find at most major terminals.

Without a waiver, Avis charges a daily young-driver surcharge that varies by location, and renters under 25 are limited to economy through standard cars and smaller SUVs. The brand suits travelers who value airport convenience and a straightforward booking process, provided the total price including the surcharge still beats the alternatives.

Budget is the value sibling of Avis, and it shares much of the same policy structure with typically lower base rates. That makes it a sensible default for younger renters who are paying their own way and want the lowest total, not the nicest car. USAA members aged 18 to 24 can have the young-driver fee waived here as well.

The same limits apply as at Avis: a daily surcharge without a waiver, a general minimum age of 21, and restrictions on premium vehicles, large SUVs, and vans for under-25 renters. Budget also generally requires a credit card for young renters rather than a debit card, so check payment rules before booking.

Alamo focuses on leisure travelers, and its airport locations in vacation destinations are a natural fit for younger renters heading to a holiday. Self-service kiosks at many locations let renters skip the counter line, which is a real benefit after a flight. Alamo is part of the same parent company as Enterprise and National, so policies overlap across the three brands.

For under-25 renters, Alamo generally requires age 21 or older and charges a daily surcharge that varies by location. USAA members aged 21 to 24 and military or government renters on official orders may qualify for a waiver. Vehicle restrictions apply, so do not plan a trip around a premium or specialty car.

National is built for business travelers who rent often, and its Emerald Club lets members choose their own car and skip the counter at many airport locations. That speed is appealing for any renter, but it matters most for frequent travelers who value a fast pickup. National shares the Enterprise parent company, so its policies are similar to Enterprise and Alamo.

Under-25 renters face the usual pattern: a general minimum age of 21, a daily surcharge that varies by location, and vehicle class limits. Military and government renters on official orders may be exempt, and some corporate accounts waive the fee. Without an exemption, National rarely beats Budget on total price for a young renter.

Sixt stands out for its fleet, which tends to feel newer and more premium than the average rental lot, and it has a strong presence in Europe as well as a growing US network. Younger renters who care about the car itself, not just the price, often look at Sixt first. Its app and booking flow are straightforward, and airport locations are well signed.

The downside for under-25 renters is the lack of a broad waiver program comparable to AAA or USAA deals elsewhere. Sixt charges a daily young-driver surcharge that varies by location and car class, and under-25 drivers are limited to economy through standard cars and smaller SUVs. Price the full total before assuming the nicer car is worth it.

Turo is a peer-to-peer marketplace where local hosts rent out their own cars, so the experience differs from a traditional counter. Renters can pick an exact car rather than a class, which suits trips where the vehicle matters, and prices for multi-day rentals can beat traditional companies. Turo also operates in many cities where traditional rental offices are thin.

Age rules on Turo are set by the platform and can vary by host and location, and younger renters may face higher fees or restricted cars. Insurance and protection plans add to the quoted price, and a host cancellation can disrupt a trip in a way a corporate fleet would not. Read the trip price breakdown carefully, including all fees, before comparing Turo with a traditional rental.

Zipcar works differently from every other company on this list: members reserve cars by the hour or day from designated spots in cities and on campuses. Fuel and insurance are typically included in the rate, which makes short trips simple to price. For a student who needs a car for a few hours to move boxes or visit a nearby town, Zipcar can be far cheaper than a daily rental plus surcharge.

The limits are geographic and practical. Zipcar requires membership, cars are only available where Zipcar operates, and it is not designed for multi-day road trips or airport pickups. Age eligibility for membership varies, so younger applicants should confirm they qualify in their city before relying on Zipcar as a plan.