Where can you rent a car if you are 20?

Question

OAdriel · Accepted Answer

You can rent a car at age 20 from several major companies, including Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget. However, you will face a Young Renter Fee, typically ranging from $20 to $30 per day, which significantly increases the total rental cost. The key is identifying companies with established policies for drivers under 25 and understanding the associated fees and restrictions.

Dollar Car Rental is a primary option, explicitly welcoming drivers aged 20 and older at all U.S. locations. They exemplify the standard industry practice for young renters: allowing rentals but applying a daily surcharge. Their policy makes them a go-to for many in this age group.

Hertz also rents to 20-year-olds, but this policy applies to specific vehicle classes and varies by location. Their young renter fee is a standard industry addition. Enterprise Holdings, which owns Enterprise, National, and Alamo, sets a minimum age of 21 at most locations, but a significant number of airport and neighborhood branches will rent to 20-year-olds, always with the mandatory daily fee.

To navigate this landscape efficiently, use the following comparison of major rental companies' policies for 20-year-old drivers:

Rental Company	Minimum Age (U.S.)	Young Renter Fee (Approx. Daily)	Key Notes
Dollar	20	$20 - $30	Applies to all rentals; clear policy.
Hertz	20	$20 - $30	May be limited to certain car classes; location-dependent.
Budget	20	$20 - $30	Similar to Hertz; check specific location rules.
Enterprise	Varies (often 21)	$20 - $30	Many airport locations allow age 20; call to confirm.

The Young Renter Fee is unavoidable with major brands and is not a deposit but a non-waivable daily charge. Industry data from auto rental platforms indicates these fees collectively add millions in revenue for companies, reflecting the perceived risk of insuring younger drivers.

Your best strategy is to book directly through the company's website and enter your correct date of birth. The system will automatically apply the young renter fee, showing you the true total cost for comparison. Avoid third-party booking sites that may not calculate this fee accurately until pickup, leading to unexpected charges.

Always have your valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name (debit cards are rarely accepted for young renters), and proof of any eligible discounts. Membership in associations like USAA or AAA can sometimes reduce or waive the young renter fee, so investigate all affiliations.

In summary, while your options at 20 are more limited and expensive than for older drivers, planning ahead and comparing the total cost—base rate plus the daily young renter fee—from Dollar, Hertz, and Enterprise/Budget will secure you a rental. Confirm the policy directly with your chosen pickup location before final booking.

OAdaline · Answer

I just went through this last month for a trip to Florida. I'm 20, and my only real option without crazy hassle was Dollar. I booked online, and yeah, the “Underage Fee” popped up right away—it was like $27 a day. That stung, but at least I knew the full price upfront.

The process was smooth at the counter. They just needed my license and the credit card I used to book. I’d tried a smaller local company first, but they wanted a huge cash deposit. With Dollar, it was all straightforward. My advice? Don’t waste time on companies that have “25+” all over their website. Go straight to the ones that list policies for under-25 drivers. The fee is a bummer, but it’s the standard price of admission at our age.

HectorMarie · Answer

As a college student who rents cars a few times a year to visit family, I've become a reluctant expert on the under-25 circuit. The landscape isn't as barren as you might think, but it is pay-to-play.

Dollar and Thrifty (they're sister companies) have the most consistent nationwide policy for 20-year-olds. Hertz and Budget are viable, but you must select a specific location on their website and check the "Age Requirements" section—policies can differ between an airport and a downtown office. The daily young driver fee is universal; think of it as an unavoidable surcharge, similar to airport fees.

The real cost comes from that daily fee on top of your rental rate. A $30-a-day car quickly becomes a $60-a-day expense. To mitigate this, rent for the shortest period necessary and look for weekend or weekly rates that might offer a better base price. Always, always book directly to see the full, fee-included total before you commit. It’s manageable with planning, but expect to pay a premium.

MacEverett · Answer

Here’s the straight talk on renting at 20: You can, but it costs extra. Major companies like Dollar, Hertz, and Enterprise will do it, but they charge a daily young renter fee. This isn't a scam; it's their standard policy for drivers under 25.

Your first step is to use the "Age" filter on rental comparison sites or directly on the company websites. Be brutally honest about your birth date. The final price you see should include that daily surcharge.

Have a credit card. A debit card usually won't work for young drivers. Also, check if your parents’ credit card insurance or your own auto insurance policy provides coverage for rental cars—this can save you from buying the expensive extra insurance at the counter. Stick to airport or major city locations for the most predictable policies.

Corinne · Answer

Navigating car rentals at 20 requires a tactical approach focused on minimizing the financial hit from the mandatory young driver surcharge. My experience has led to a few key strategies.

First, loyalty programs matter. Sign up for free membership with Dollar, Hertz, and Enterprise. Sometimes, being a member unlocks offers or ensures the fee is calculated transparently during booking. I once found a “member discount” that almost offset the daily fee for a weekend rental.

Second, consider your insurance options before you arrive. The rental agent will push their loss damage waiver (LDW). If you already have coverage through your personal auto policy or a credit card (many premium cards offer primary coverage), you can decline this. This decision alone can save you $15-$30 per day on top of the young render fee. Verify your coverage terms in writing.

Finally, be location-flexible. An off-airport rental location in a suburb might have a slightly lower base rate or a more lenient agent than a busy airport counter, though the young renter policy and fee are usually corporate-mandated. The goal is to control all controllable costs, as the underage fee itself is non-negotiable.