where can you rent a car under 25

[VanLiam]

You can rent a car if you're under 25, but your options will be more limited and it will almost always cost more due to a mandatory young renter fee. Major national companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis typically rent to drivers as young as 20 or 21, but you must meet their specific requirements. The key is to shop around, as fees and policies vary significantly.

The primary challenge is the underage surcharge, which is a daily fee added to the rental cost for drivers under 25. This fee can substantially increase your total bill. To manage this, consider renting from a location away from a major airport, as airport locations often have higher fees across the board. Non-airport branches might offer more flexibility or lower young driver fees.

Here’s a comparison of major rental companies' policies for under-25 renters:

Rental Company	Minimum Age to Rent	Standard Under-25 Fee (Per Day)	Vehicle Class Restrictions	Required Documentation (Beyond License & Credit Card)
Enterprise	21 (in most states)	$20 - $30	May exclude premium, luxury, SUVs	Proof of insurance, additional ID
Hertz	20 (in most states)	$25 - $35	Often restricts high-value vehicles	Same as above, possible proof of address
Avis	21 (in most states)	$27 - $35	Similar restrictions apply	Standard rental requirements
Budget	21 (in most states)	$25 - $30	Limited to economy to full-size cars	Standard rental requirements
Sixt	21 (at most locations)	$30+	Varies by location and vehicle	International drivers may need passport

Beyond the major players, look into Turo, the peer-to-peer car-sharing service. On Turo, you can filter searches for hosts who allow drivers under 25, though they will also charge a young driver fee. Another option is USAA or credit union memberships; some organizations have partnerships with rental companies that waive the young renter fee for their members. Always read the rental agreement carefully to understand all charges and restrictions before you book.

[EvanAnn]

It's a pain, but it's doable. I just went through this renting a car for a road trip. Your best bet is Enterprise—they were the most straightforward. Expect to pay an extra $20 to $30 a day on top of the rental price. Don't even bother looking at the fancy cars; they'll restrict you to basic sedans. Book directly on their website and be ready with your driver's license and a major credit card in your name. Debit cards are a huge hassle.

[LeilaniMarie]

Think outside the big box rental agencies. Check out Turo, it's like Airbnb for cars. Individual car owners set their own rules, so you can specifically search for listings that allow under-25 drivers. The young driver fee is still there, but the base prices can be cheaper. Also, if you're a member of a credit union or have certain alumni associations, see if they offer rental discounts that waive the underage fee. It takes a little more research, but can save you a lot.

[OGenesis]

As a recent grad who rents for work, my advice is to be strategic. Location matters. Renting from an office in the city is often cheaper than at the airport, which has extra taxes and higher young driver fees. Always book the car in your name with your own credit card. If someone else books it for you, the company will likely still charge the fee when you show up to drive. Call the local branch directly to confirm their policy—sometimes the website info isn't perfectly up to date.

[Dias]

Focus on the total cost, not just the daily rate. A cheap $30-a-day rental becomes a $60-a-day expense with the under-25 surcharge. To minimize the hit, rent for the shortest time possible and avoid unnecessary insurance if you're already covered by your personal policy. Compact cars are your friend; they're almost always available and have the lowest fees. Finally, return the car with a full tank of gas to avoid high refueling charges. Planning ahead is the only way to make it affordable.