How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Hertz is often the best starting point for drivers aged 20 to 24, since it rents from age 20 in most states and waives the fee for AAA members.
- Enterprise, National, and Alamo share a parent and similar young driver fees, so compare their base rates side by side for your dates.
- New York and Michigan have special rules and higher fees for drivers under 21, so budget separately for trips there.
- Always compare the all-in daily total, not the advertised base rate, since the young driver fee can add $20 to $35 per day.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Hertz | Lowest minimum age and AAA waiver | $19 per day young driver fee | No |
 Enterprise | Neighborhood locations and USAA waiver | $25 per day young driver fee | No |
 National | Business-style pickup for young renters | $25 per day young driver fee | No |
 Alamo | Leisure trips and family rentals | $25 per day young driver fee | No |
 Avis | Airport rentals with USAA waiver | $27 per day young driver fee | No |
 Budget | Value airport rentals | $27 per day young driver fee | No |
 Sixt | Premium fleet for drivers 21 plus | See website | No |
 Dollar | Budget rentals from age 20 | See website | No |
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The best rental car company for under 25
Starting price$19 per day young driver fee
Free planNo
Hertz stands out for young renters because it accepts drivers from age 20 in most US locations, while several rivals start at 21. That one-year gap matters for college students and early-career renters who need a car before turning 21. The AAA waiver is the other major advantage: AAA members aged 20 to 24 can have the young driver fee waived at Hertz, which can save hundreds of dollars on a week-long rental.
The fee itself is not fixed nationwide. Published estimates put the standard young driver charge around $19 to $29 per day for ages 20 to 24, with higher charges for drivers under 21 in New York and Michigan. Vehicle choice is also limited, with luxury, premium, and specialty classes off limits to under-25 renters. For most young renters, Hertz is the first quote to get.
What we like- Rents from age 20 in most states
- AAA waiver for ages 20 to 24
- Large airport network
Watch out for- Fee varies by location and car class
- Luxury and specialty cars restricted
- New York and Michigan fees higher
Starting price$25 per day young driver fee
Free planNo
Enterprise suits young renters who prefer a neighborhood branch over an airport counter, since its network extends well beyond airports. The typical young driver fee is around $25 per day for ages 21 to 24, though New York charges are far higher, especially for drivers under 21. USAA members aged 21 to 24 can have the fee waived at Enterprise, which is a major saving for eligible military families.
Enterprise also works well for insurance replacement rentals and longer local rentals, where a nearby branch and pickup service help. The main limit is age: most locations require renters to be at least 21, with exceptions at 18 in Michigan and New York under state rules. For renters 21 and over who live near a branch, Enterprise is a practical choice.
What we like- Many neighborhood branches
- USAA waiver for ages 21 to 24
- Strong customer service reputation
Watch out for- Minimum age 21 in most states
- Fee higher in New York
- Premium cars restricted
Starting price$25 per day young driver fee
Free planNo
National, part of the same group as Enterprise and Alamo, offers a similar young driver fee around $25 per day for ages 21 to 24. Its Emerald Club lets members skip the counter at many airports and choose a car from the aisle, which speeds up pickup for frequent renters. That convenience matters on business trips and tight travel schedules.
The trade-offs mirror Enterprise: minimum age 21 in most states, higher fees in New York, and limits on premium vehicle classes. National leans toward business travelers in its branding, but leisure renters get the same fleet and policies. Compare National and Enterprise base rates for your exact dates, since the fee is similar but the daily rate can differ.
What we like- Emerald Club skip-the-counter benefits
- Similar fees to Enterprise
- Good airport coverage
Watch out for- Minimum age 21 in most states
- Business focus may feel less leisure-friendly
- Premium classes restricted
Starting price$25 per day young driver fee
Free planNo
Alamo targets vacation and family renters, with airport locations and online check-in that suit leisure trips. Its young driver fee is around $25 per day for ages 21 to 24 in many locations, with USAA waivers available for eligible members in the same age range. Families renting for a holiday often find Alamo base rates competitive, especially outside peak airport surcharges.
Young renters should still check vehicle limits, since larger SUVs, vans, and premium classes may be restricted. Fees also vary by location, so a quote for one city does not guarantee the same fee elsewhere. For leisure renters aged 21 to 24, Alamo is worth quoting alongside Enterprise and National.
What we like- Leisure-friendly pricing
- USAA waiver for ages 21 to 24
- Self-service check-in options
Watch out for- Minimum age 21 in most states
- Fee varies by location
- Larger vehicles restricted for young renters
Starting price$27 per day young driver fee
Free planNo
Avis offers a wide airport network and a loyalty program that lets members skip the counter, which helps on arrival after a flight. The young driver fee is typically around $27 per day for ages 21 to 24, with higher charges in New York. USAA members aged 18 to 24 can have the fee waived at Avis, which makes Avis one of the better options for eligible military renters under 21 in states where Avis rents to that age group.
Base rates at Avis can be higher than at Budget, its sister brand, so compare both before booking. Vehicle restrictions also apply, limiting young renters to economy through standard cars and smaller SUVs in many locations. For airport renters with a USAA waiver, Avis moves near the top of the list.
What we like- Large airport network
- USAA waiver for ages 18 to 24
- Avis Preferred skip-the-counter benefits
Watch out for- Minimum age 21 in most states
- Fee around $27 per day
- Premium cars restricted
Starting price$27 per day young driver fee
Free planNo
Budget, the value brand paired with Avis, often posts lower base rates for the same trip, which can offset a similar young driver fee. Its fee is typically $27 per day at most locations for ages 21 to 24, with USAA waivers for eligible members aged 18 to 24. That combination makes Budget a good second quote whenever Avis is on the list.
Service and fleet are close to Avis, since the brands share systems and many locations, but Budget locations can be smaller at some airports. Young renters face the same vehicle class limits as at Avis. If the base rate is lower and the fee is the same, Budget wins the comparison on total price.
What we like- Often lower base rates than Avis
- USAA waiver for ages 18 to 24
- Large airport presence
Watch out for- Minimum age 21 in most states
- Fee around $27 per day
- Premium and large vehicles restricted
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Sixt appeals to renters who want a newer or more premium car, with a fleet that leans toward German brands and well-equipped models. Its US network covers major airports and cities, and online booking shows the total for your age and location. That transparency at the quote stage helps, since Sixt does not publish a single flat young driver fee for the US.
The lack of a broad waiver program is the drawback. Sixt does not match the AAA waiver at Hertz or the USAA waivers at Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, so young renters usually pay the full surcharge. Fees also vary by car class, with premium classes costing more for young drivers. For renters 21 and over who value fleet quality over the lowest fee, Sixt is worth a quote.
What we like- Premium and newer fleet
- Clear online pricing at booking
- Growing US airport network
Watch out for- Young driver fee shown only at booking
- No broad AAA or USAA waiver
- Minimum age 21 in most states
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Dollar, part of the Hertz group, rents to drivers aged 20 to 24 in many locations, which gives younger renters another option beyond Hertz itself. Its value pricing can undercut larger brands on base rate, especially for economy cars on leisure trips. Dollar states on its own site that it rents to drivers aged 20 to 24, making it one of the few value brands open to that age group.
The young driver fee is not published as a single flat figure, so renters must get a quote for their exact dates and location to know the total. Debit card rules are also stricter than at some rivals, with proof of return travel and extra identification often required. For budget-minded renters aged 20 to 24, Dollar is a useful quote alongside Hertz.
What we like- Rents to drivers aged 20 to 24
- Value pricing
- Airport locations
Watch out for- Young driver fee not published as a flat rate
- Debit card rules are strict
- Premium classes restricted
How we chose
We compared companies on minimum age, published or widely reported young driver fees, waiver programs, vehicle restrictions, and network coverage. Fees were checked against company policy pages and recent published comparisons, with location-varying fees marked as See website where no flat national figure is published. We did not claim hands-on rentals. Review coverage and policy pages were used to check waiver rules for AAA and USAA members.
How to cut the under-25 cost
Check your insurance and the rental terms before driving. This guide is not insurance advice, and coverage rules for young drivers, additional drivers, and optional waivers vary by company, state, and personal policy. Confirm what your own auto insurance or credit card covers before declining any rental coverage.
Use a waiver if you qualify
AAA membership waives the young driver fee at Hertz for ages 20 to 24, while USAA membership waives it at Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Alamo for eligible ages. Membership costs can pay for themselves in a single rental if the fee is $25 per day or more. Check that the waiver applies at your pickup location and for your car class before booking.
Compare the all-in total
Enter your exact age, pickup location, and dates on each company site, and compare the final total including taxes and fees. A lower base rate with a higher young driver fee can cost more than a higher base rate with a waiver. Airport locations also add surcharges that neighborhood branches may not, so compare both when a branch is nearby.
Watch age, car class, and driver rules
Most companies limit under-25 renters to economy through standard cars and smaller SUVs, and an additional driver under 25 triggers a second young driver fee on top of the additional driver charge. Bring a valid license, a credit card in the renter name, and any membership proof to pickup. For drivers under 21, check New York and Michigan rules closely, since fees and minimum ages there differ sharply from other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age to rent a car in the US?
Most major companies require renters to be at least 21, while Hertz and Dollar rent from age 20 in most states. Michigan and New York allow rentals from age 18 under state rules, with higher fees for drivers under 21. Always check the policy for your pickup location, since franchise locations can differ.
How much is the young driver fee?
Typical fees run from about $19 to $35 per day for drivers aged 21 to 24, depending on company and location. Hertz is often near the low end, while Avis and Budget are often around $27 per day. New York fees for drivers under 21 can exceed $50 per day at some companies.
Can the under-25 fee be waived?
Yes, in some cases. AAA members aged 20 to 24 get the fee waived at Hertz, and USAA members get waivers at Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Alamo for eligible ages. Corporate, university, and government accounts can also include waivers. Check eligibility and location rules before relying on a waiver.
Can I rent a luxury car if I am under 25?
Usually no. Most companies restrict under-25 renters to economy through standard cars and smaller SUVs, with luxury, premium, large SUV, and specialty classes excluded. The exact excluded classes vary by company and location, so check during booking if you have a specific car in mind.
Do I need a credit card to rent under 25?
Most companies require a credit card in the renter name at pickup, and debit card rules are stricter for young renters. Some locations accept debit cards with proof of return travel, extra identification, and a credit check. Bring a credit card if possible, and confirm debit rules with the pickup location in advance.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.hertz.com
- https://www.enterprise.com
- https://nationalcar.com
- https://www.alamo.com
- https://www.avis.com
- https://www.budget.com
- https://www.sixt.com
- https://dollar.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.