Finding a rental car when you’re under 25 can feel like a hidden cost trap. The daily surcharge alone can add $20‑$35 to every trip. The good news? A few brands keep the fee low, and you can dodge extra charges with the right tricks. For example, travelers heading to economy rates in Mallorca can lock in deals that stay well below typical young‑driver surcharges. In this list we break down the cheapest options, show where the fees differ, and give you a quick way to pick the right ride for your budget.
1. Budget , Low Daily Rates for Young Drivers
Budget lets you rent at 21 in most states and adds a modest young‑driver fee. The base daily rate for an economy car sits around $30‑$45, and the surcharge is typically $25 per day. That makes the total cost competitive against brands that charge $35‑$40.
Why does Budget stay cheap? They keep a large fleet of compact models that have lower insurance risk. When you book online you’ll see the surcharge displayed up front, so there are no surprise fees at the counter.
Budget also offers a loyalty program called “Budget Fastbreak”. Members get a free additional driver and occasional discount codes that shave off $5‑$10 per day. If you’re traveling solo, a single‑driver reservation is the simplest way to keep costs down.
Real‑world example: Imagine a 4‑day road trip from Denver to Colorado Springs. With Budget you’d pay roughly $30 base + $25 surcharge = $55 per day. That’s $220 total, plus fuel. Compare that to a rival charging $35 surcharge, which would push the daily total to $65 and add $40 to the whole trip.
Bottom line: Budget offers the cheapest blend of daily rate and surcharge for most young renters.
2. Thrifty , No Age Surcharge in Select Markets
Thrifty says you can rent at 20 across the U.S. and Canada, and even at 18 in New York and Michigan. While a Young Renter Fee usually applies, the fee varies by location and car class, and in some markets the fee is waived entirely.
According to Thrifty’s official policy, drivers 20‑24 can rent most classes from compact to SUV, but specialty vehicles are excluded. The company also highlights that the fee is lower than many competitors, and in places like New York it can be $0 if you meet certain credit criteria.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that younger drivers are more likely to be in accidents, which is why many firms add a surcharge. Thrifty, however, keeps the fee modest to stay competitive. You can see the NHTSA data here: NHTSA young driver safety stats.
Here’s a quick checklist for Thrifty renters:
- Check the specific airport or city location for fee waivers.
- Bring a credit card in the primary driver’s name to avoid extra deposits.
- Consider booking a compact car to stay in the fee‑free class.
Imagine you’re traveling to New York for a concert. You book a compact at Thrifty, qualify for the $0 surcharge, and end up paying only the base rate of $38 per day. That’s $152 for four days, well under the $200‑plus you’d spend elsewhere.
Bottom line: Thrifty’s flexible age policy and occasional fee waivers give you a chance to save big.
3. Enterprise , 25+ Youth Discount Program
Enterprise is known for its wide network of locations and solid customer service. For drivers 25 and older, the company offers a youth discount that lowers the daily surcharge to $20. If you’re 23‑24, you can still rent, but the surcharge is $25.
Enterprise’s program is especially useful for road‑trip planners who need a reliable car with generous mileage limits. Their “Enterprise Plus” loyalty tier gives you free upgrades when available, which can turn an economy rental into a midsize without extra cost.
We’ve seen travelers use Enterprise’s discount to stretch a weekend budget. For example, a 3‑day trip from Austin to San Antonio with a midsize vehicle costs about $45 base + $20 discount surcharge = $65 per day, totaling $195. Add in the free upgrade and you might end up in a larger car for the same price.
Enterprise also partners with AAA, offering an extra $5‑$10 off the surcharge for members. If you have a AAA card, you can drop the surcharge to $15 per day.
For an Iceland road trip, the 4WD Car Rental in Iceland guide shows how to find budget‑friendly 4×4 options even if you’re under 25.
Here’s a short pros‑cons list:
- Pros: Large fleet, free upgrades, AAA discount.
- Cons: Minimum age 21 in most places, surcharge higher than Hertz for 20‑year‑olds.
Watch this quick video to see how to add a discount code at checkout:
Bottom line: Enterprise is a reliable choice with extra perks for AAA members and loyalty members.
4. Alamo , Free Under‑25 Waiver with Membership
Alamo offers a unique perk: if you hold a membership with a partner program, the under‑25 surcharge can be waived entirely. This includes memberships like AAA, AARP, and certain credit‑card loyalty clubs.
The official Alamo page notes that the waiver applies to most car classes, from economy to full‑size SUVs, as long as you present your membership card at the counter. This can drop a typical $30 surcharge to $0, saving you $120 on a four‑day rental.
Alamo’s fleet is geared toward leisure travelers, with many locations at airport terminals. Their “Alamo Insiders” program also gives you a free additional driver, which is handy if you’re sharing the wheel with a friend.
According to Wikipedia’s Alamo entry, the company has a reputation for quick check‑in and a straightforward fee structure, which reduces the chance of hidden costs.
Example scenario: You’re heading to Orlando for a theme‑park marathon. You have an AAA membership, so Alamo removes the surcharge. You book a midsize for $42 per day, pay $168 total for four days, and keep the extra $120 you would have spent on a fee.
Bottom line: Alamo is the go‑to brand when you have a membership that waives the young‑driver surcharge.
5. Hertz , Discounted Rates via AAA for Under‑25
Hertz lets renters as young as 20, and it charges one of the lowest daily surcharges in the market , $25 per day according to its own policy. When you add a AAA discount code, the surcharge can drop to $19, matching the industry low‑end figure mentioned in recent research.
Hertz’s fleet includes everything from economy hatchbacks to larger SUVs. Young drivers are barred from the Dream Car, Prestige, and Adrenaline collections, but the everyday models are plentiful.
Official Hertz data confirms the $25 surcharge, and the company notes that AAA members receive a “discounted rate” that brings the fee down further. You can see the details on Hertz’s Wikipedia page: Hertz Wikipedia.
Let’s say you’re 22 and need a car for a week in Seattle. Base rate $45, surcharge $25 = $70 per day. With a AAA discount you pay $64 per day, saving $42 over the week.
Hertz also offers a “Gold Plus Rewards” program that gives you a free additional driver and occasional free upgrade coupons. Those perks can be valuable if you plan a longer trip.
Bottom line: Hertz combines low fees with a strong rewards program, making it a top value for under‑25 drivers.
How to Choose the Right Cheap Rental Car Under 25
Picking the best deal isn’t just about the daily rate. You need to look at mileage limits, insurance options, and the total cost after taxes and fees. Here’s a quick checklist you can use before you click “Book”.
- Confirm the minimum age at the specific location. Some states allow 18‑year‑olds, others stick to 21.
- Check the Young Driver surcharge and see if a membership (AAA, AARP, credit‑card) can waive it.
- Look at mileage caps. Unlimited mileage saves you from surprise overage fees.
- Read the fuel policy. Pre‑paid fuel is convenient but adds $5‑$10 per day.
- Compare the total price on a site like Car Hire Deals: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Saving 50% or More to make sure you’re seeing the real cost.
If your journey includes Ireland, check out the Car Rental Dublin Airport guide for tips on avoiding age fees.
When you add up all the pieces, the cheapest “base rate” may not be the cheapest overall. For instance, a $30 base rate with a $35 surcharge and a $10 fuel surcharge ends up $75 per day, while a $40 base rate with a $20 surcharge and no fuel charge totals $60.
Our own experience with the GreenSpicks comparison engine shows that travelers who filter by “under‑25 fee waived” save on average $150 on a week‑long trip.
Bottom line: A systematic look at fees, mileage, and memberships will land you the cheapest total price.
Quick Comparison of Top Cheap Rental Car Options
This table gives you a snapshot. Plug your dates into GreenSpicks to see real‑time prices and any special codes.
Bottom line: Compare the five providers side‑by‑side to pick the best total cost for your trip.
FAQs
Can I rent a car at 20 years old?
Yes. Both Hertz and Thrifty allow renters as young as 20 in most U.S. locations. Hertz charges a $25 daily surcharge, while Thrifty’s fee depends on the market and can be $0 in places like New York. Always double‑check the location‑specific policy before you book.
What documents do I need to bring?
You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the primary driver’s name, and a second form of ID such as a passport or state ID. Some locations may also ask for proof of address, especially if you’re using a debit card. Having your membership cards (AAA, AARP) handy can help you claim fee waivers on the spot.
Are there mileage limits for under‑25 renters?
Most major brands offer unlimited mileage on economy and compact cars, but some may cap mileage on midsize or SUV classes. Check the rental agreement for any limits. Unlimited mileage is especially useful on long road trips where extra miles could add up quickly.
How can I avoid the fuel surcharge?
Skip pre‑paid fuel. Fill up the tank yourself before you return the car, and keep the receipt. Most companies charge a premium for pre‑paid fuel, typically $5‑$10 per day, which adds up. If you’re near a cheap gas station, fill up there and you’ll save more.
Does my credit card cover rental insurance?
Many premium credit cards include rental car collision damage waiver (CDW) when you pay with the card. Call your card issuer to confirm coverage limits and any age restrictions. If your card covers you, you can decline the rental company’s insurance and cut out a $10‑$20 daily charge.
What’s the best way to compare prices?
Use a price‑comparison tool like GreenSpicks. It pulls real‑time rates from multiple providers, lets you filter by age, membership discounts, and vehicle type, and shows the total cost after fees. This helps you spot hidden surcharges and pick the cheapest total price.
Conclusion
Travel on a budget doesn’t have to mean paying a premium just because you’re under 25. By targeting brands that keep the young‑driver surcharge low, or even waive it, you can shave $100‑$200 off a week‑long trip. Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz each have a unique way to help you save, whether it’s a low base rate, a membership‑based waiver, or a partnership discount.
Ready to lock in the cheapest ride?Our comparison engine will show you the best real‑time deal, so you can book with confidence and hit the road without breaking the bank.
Remember: check the minimum age, look for membership waivers, verify mileage limits, and use a trusted comparison tool. Follow those steps and you’ll drive away with a great car and a happy wallet.