Thrifty Rent A Car is owned by Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., one of the world's leading airport car rental companies. Hertz acquired Thrifty in 2012 as part of a larger deal that also included the Dollar Rent A Car brand. This means Thrifty operates as a value-oriented brand within the Hertz corporate family, sharing resources like vehicle fleets and loyalty programs while maintaining its own brand identity focused on budget-conscious travelers.
This ownership structure is significant for customers. When you rent from Thrifty, you are essentially accessing the large-scale infrastructure of Hertz. This includes the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, which can be used for rentals at all three brands to earn and redeem points. The primary difference lies in the target market and pricing strategy. Thrifty and Dollar are positioned as the budget-friendly options, often featuring a slightly older fleet or more economical vehicle models compared to the core Hertz brand, which targets business and premium leisure travelers.
From a practical standpoint, renting from Thrifty can mean lower base rates. However, it's crucial to understand that the parent company's policies on things like additional driver fees, young renter surcharges, and insurance options are generally consistent across the brands. The table below shows a comparison of key brand attributes under the Hertz Global Holdings umbrella.
| Brand | Primary Market | Loyalty Program | Typical Fleet Age | Airport Counter Presence |
|---|
| Hertz | Business & Premium Leisure | Hertz Gold Plus Rewards | Newer | Full-Service |
| Dollar Rent A Car | Value-Conscious Leisure | Hertz Gold Plus Rewards | Moderate | Often Shared |
| Thrifty Car Rental | Budget-Conscious Leisure | Hertz Gold Plus Rewards | Moderate | Often Shared |
Knowing this connection helps you make a smarter choice. You can compare prices across all three brands, as you're ultimately dealing with the same parent company, and leverage a single loyalty account for all your rentals.
