Is Thrifty Car Rental Any Good? (Top 5 Issues + Comparisons)
Plenty of car rentals suffer from dips in the general customer satisfaction marker, some more than others.
Still, Thrifty leaves more room for improvement than most others.
Is Thrifty Car Rental Legit?
With over 1,000 rental locations in the US and abroad, Thrifty is a legit business, but its underhanded practices have weighed down customers’ trust in the company.
Is Thrifty Car Rental Part of Enterprise or Hertz?
Thrifty car rental isn’t part of Enterprise, but its ownership comes under the Hertz Corporation, which also controls Dollar.
Is Thrifty Car Rental Reliable?
JD Power does an annual satisfaction survey for the North American car rental industry.
The survey covers the eight largest car rentals in the US, and Thrifty came in last in the latest edition, marking it as the least reliable among them.
Thrifty is a thoroughly affordable car rental, but only if the final bills reflect what’s advertised.
Thrifty Car Rental Problems & Complaints:
#1 Unauthorized Add-Ons When Signing on a Digital Pad
Numerous customers have complained to the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs about illegitimate add-ons that Thrifty charges without the customer’s knowledge.
Despite the customer declining the purchase of Thrifty’s insurance, the agent would ask the customer to sign digitally on an electronic device – one customer claimed that the e-document did not show an amount or other details.
Topping the list of add-ons in prohibitive charges is liability insurance, in some cases totaling over $500 for that single item.
Yes, customers should read before signing, but a lengthy document on an electronic screen rather than a stack of paper makes it easier to mislead customers into signing a seemingly harmless authorization.
If a rental service asks you to sign a digital pad, always ask to see the details of what you’re signing, without which you should refuse.
#2 Outrageous Toll Charges
Newbie renters typically fall for expensive toll charges that rental services impose when they opt for the company’s toll pass when recommended.
Like other car rental companies in America, several Thrifty customers had had to incur overpriced toll fees on their credit cards.
While the actual toll charge may be low, the administrative fees can be 10x that, bringing the total toll charges to a whopping three-figure amount.
Customers should educate themselves on how toll charges work for rental vehicles to avoid falling for these sky-high fees. Better still, the solution is to bring your own toll pass transponder!
When in doubt if you will use tolled roads, bring your transponder; plus, ensure that the document you sign specifically rejects the rental company’s toll device.
#3 Forced Car Upgrades
Car rentals typically allow overbooking, so customers may not get a car as reserved, especially during peak travel seasons.
Or, the rental location could claim that a vehicle class is unavailable and that the customer needs to upgrade.
Whichever the case, some Thrifty customers reported having to pay for an upgrade when a lower-rate vehicle they reserved wasn’t available.
#4 Expensive Damage Charges
It’s another common complaint, with more customers having to pay for damages they did not cause.
Like the experiences many renters have had at other car rentals, Thrifty customers had fallen victim to this malpractice when they did not inspect and record the car’s condition at pickup and return.
The result is unanticipated credit card charges, and customers were left to dispute them with the rental company and the bank in a protracted battle over the phone and email.
Knowledge is power, and newbies can better prepare themselves by browsing the reviews online before making their first rental.
#5 Cleaning Fee
All car rentals stipulate that they can impose a cleaning fee should they find the vehicle unclean or has stains or pet hair upon return.
Although Thrifty indicated $50 to $250 for cleaning, one customer received a $300 charge for smoking, animal hair, and stains in the cabin – the car underwent an inspection when dropped off, and the rep gave an OK.
Again, it is crucial to document the car’s interior and exterior via photographs or videos, so you at least have evidence to counter their claim.
Thrifty vs. Other Car Rental Companies:
Thrifty vs. Alamo Car Rental
| THRIFTY | ALAMO | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | 837/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Moderate to Pricey. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $300-$400 for credit and debit cards; debit cards accepted only if accompanied by a ticketed return itinerary. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes; charges apply and vary depending on the location. Higher rental rates may apply. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Available in all vehicle classes. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | NA |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $5-$15/day, location dependent. Free for spouse or domestic partner. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | 21-24-year-olds pay approx. $25/day surcharge, location dependent. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $12/day |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes, crated. Service animals without carrier is OK. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Most US vehicles can travel into Canada. Exotics and vans may not travel outside the US. Most renting locations forbid travel into Mexico w/o additional insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. |
Alamo surpasses Thrifty as the better car rental overall if you compare JD Power’s annual satisfaction survey, fleet size, and pricing transparency on their websites.
However, user reviews on Consumer Affairs and Trust Pilot suggest Thrifty to be ahead of Alamo when meeting renter expectations.
The US car rental comparison post has more details.
Thrifty vs. Avis Car Rental
| THRIFTY | AVIS | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | 826/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Pricey. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $250-$300 via credit or debit card hold. $100 if you prepaid with a debit card. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes; charges and higher rates apply, and they vary depending on the location. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes; standard for most vehicle classes and locations. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | NA |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $3/day in New York, no max. $11/day in Nevada, max. $65/rental. $13/day in other States, max. $65/rental. Qualifying family members drive for free. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | 21-24-year-olds pay $28-$35/day surcharge, location dependent. 18-20-year-olds in NY and MI pay $41-$84/day surcharge. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | Up to $14/day, depending on rental length. Must return the seat to the same location, or pay a $50 fee. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes, but keep the car clean. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Can travel into Canada w/ prior arrangement; a Canadian non-resident insurance may be necessary. Can drive into Mexico only when renting from select Avis locations, through a corporate account, and with special Avis insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. $450 cleaning fee. |
Avis betters Thrifty with improved customer satisfaction (according to JD Power) and has more rental locations, making it easier to locate one that services your destination.
Thrifty vs. Budget Car Rental
| THRIFTY | BUDGET | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | 807/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Moderate. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $250-$300 via credit or debit card hold. $100 for pre-paid rentals. Canadian rental holds are $500 for the 1st day and $75/day for each additional day. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes. Unauthorized different drop-off location incurs a minimum $45 fee. Some US locations allow one-way travel into Canada. No US rental drop off in Mexico. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes, for most vehicle classes, except Exotics and passenger vans. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | Approx. $0.25 per additional mile for cars with mileage limitation. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $3/day in New York, no max. $11-$13.75/day in Nevada, no max. $13/day in other States, max. $65/rental. Spouse or domestic partner drives for free. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | 21-24-year-olds pay a $27/day surcharge; 18 years old or older in New York and Michigan. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $14/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes, but cleaning fee applies if returned unclean. Renters with service animals will not incur a cleaning fee if hair and stains aren’t excessive. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Yes, anywhere within the US. Can drive into Canada with prior Budget consent and non-resident insurance card. Can drive into Mexico only through corporate account and with a special insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. |
Opt for Budget over Thrifty, as the former has provided great consumer satisfaction, as JD Power’s latest survey indicates.
Otherwise, they are neck and neck in rental rates and vehicle types.
Thrifty vs. Dollar Car Rental
| THRIFTY | DOLLAR | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | 786/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Moderate. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes, but a one-way drop fee may apply. Fee amount unavailable at reservation. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes; standard, except for some vehicles and locations. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | Determined at rental confirmation, if applicable. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $13.50/day per driver. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | Available at time of rental. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $13.99/day |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes. But keep the car clean, or risk a $50-$250 cleaning fee. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Allowed anywhere within the US and Canada, subject to geographic restrictions. Driving into Canada requires prior notice at the counter. Cannot drive into Mexico without Mexico Insurance at the rental counter. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. $400 de-smoking fee. |
Both companies occupy the bottom rungs of JD Power’s satisfaction survey; still, Dollar edges Thrifty with marginally improved ratings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Better car rentals are available, however.
Thrifty vs. Enterprise Car Rental
| THRIFTY | ENTERPRISE | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | 861/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Pricey. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes for most car classes. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | $25/day surcharge. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $12/day; max $72/rental. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. |
Thrifty has more attractive advertised rates, but Enterprise is the better option for a car rental as it provides an all-around better service and a smoother experience when booking online.
With more Enterprise locations, the company will likelier meet one-way rental needs in popular destinations or lesser-known ones.
Thrifty vs. Fox Car Rental
| THRIFTY | FOX | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $150-$1,000, depending on the rental location, payment method, and vehicle class. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes, available between rental locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Washington only. One-way fee may apply. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes, all vehicles. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | Nil. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $5-$12.99/day per driver, depending on the location ($12.99 in most locations). Additional drivers not allowed on cash rentals. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | 21-24-year-olds pay $20/day surcharge. 18-20-year-olds in NY and MI states pay $25/day surcharge. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $10.99/day |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes, but cleaning fee applies if returned unclean. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Restrictions vary by State. Check each State’s policy for details. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. Cleaning fee applies. |
Fox and Thrifty do not enjoy glowing reviews online. Still, if you must choose, Thrifty has slightly better rates and more rental locations for greater accessibility and one-way rental possibilities.
That said, you need to be careful when signing paper or electronic contracts with either company to ensure the unwanted add-on boxes aren’t checked.
Thrifty vs. Hertz Car Rental
| THRIFTY | HERTZ | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | 826/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Pricey. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | Up to $200 for credit cards. Up to $500 for debit cards. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes, intercity fee applies. If change return location after rental started, a $10 return change fee applies. One-way return unavailable for Teslas. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes, for most vehicles. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | NA. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $13.50/day per driver, max $189/rental per driver. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | $19/day per driver. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $13.99 |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | Yes for vehicles with a tow bar. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Yes. Restrictions apply for driving into Mexico. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. $400 cleaning fee. |
Thrifty and Hertz have mediocre customer satisfaction, but Hertz surpasses Thrifty in total rental locations, fleet size, and more transparent pricing on the website.
Thrifty vs. National Car Rental
| THRIFTY | NATIONAL | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | 852/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Pricey to Exorbitant. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $300-$400, depending on the rental location and vehicle class. $800 for luxury and performance vehicles. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes. Typically no drop charge for one-way rentals between airport locations. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | NA. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $15/day per driver. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | Approx. $25/day, location-dependent and subject to specific car classes. Free for govt. employees on authorized govt. travels. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $12-$13.99/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes, crated, except for service animals. If returned unclean, a cleaning fee may apply. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Yes, anywhere within the US and Canada. Limited rental locations allow travel into Mexico. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. |
JD Power’s satisfaction rating and online user reviews point toward National as the preferred car rental over Thrifty, with service quality and fleet size among its pluses.
However, National’s rental rates are some of the most expensive, so it may not work for all travel budgets.
Thrifty vs. Payless Car Rental
| THRIFTY | PAYLESS | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $250 for credit cards. $300 for debit cards. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes, depending on the rental location. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes for most vehicles. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | NA. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $13/day. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | $25/day. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $14/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes. $250 cleaning fee applies if returned unclean. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Yes, but must notify the rental location first. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. $450 cleaning fee. |
Thrifty is a better car rental choice than Payless as it enjoys higher customer satisfaction, and while its rental rates are higher than Payless, they remain relatively affordable.
Thrifty vs. Sixt Car Rental
| THRIFTY | SIXT | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | Minimum $200. $2,500 or more for the priciest vehicle group. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Yes. $0 between airport locations. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | Yes for most vehicles, except for some sports and premium models. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | $0.55/mile or higher, vehicle-dependent. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | $15/day. Free for renter’s spouse and immediate family members. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | Not disclosed. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | $15/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Yes. Cleaning fee applies if returned unclean; no cleaning fee for rental w/ service animal. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Yes. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. |
Thrifty and Sixt are mid-size car rental companies.
Still, Thrifty has enjoyed better customer satisfaction than Sixt across the major review sites, making it the preferred car rental of the two.
Thrifty vs. Turo Car Rental
| THRIFTY | TURO | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 768/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Moderate. | Very low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 2.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 3.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. | $200-$750, depending on car class and renter’s age. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. | Possible; must be within host’s pickup areas or radius. Fee applies. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes, standard. | No. |
| Mileage Fee | NA. | Varies by host; typical range is $0.15-$0.50/mile. The priciest luxury or sports models can exceed $3/mile. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $13.50/day per driver. | No. |
| Under-25 Fee | Not disclosed. | 18-20-year-olds pay $50/day surcharge. 21-25-year-olds pay $30/day surcharge. 18-21-year-olds must buy the Minimum or Standard insurance. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $13.99/day. | Availability varies by host. Best to bring your own. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. | Prohibited in vehicles without a “pet-friendly” label and the host’s consent. Allows service animals. $150 + 3% processing fee for cleaning. |
| Allow Towing? | No. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. | Yes, within the US and Canada. Prohibits driving into Mexico. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. | No. $250 + 3% processing fee for violation. |
As Turo has infinitely more vehicle choices in almost any location, it is a better car rental service than Thrifty, offering higher customer fulfillment.
However, if you need to drop off the car at a different location and have unlimited mileage, Thrifty will work better for you.
Thrifty Car Rental FAQs:
Does Thrifty Car Rental Have Unlimited Miles?
Unlimited mileage is standard across Thrifty rental cars.
However, in the rare cases where Thrifty offers mileage-limited rentals, the rental rate is usually cheaper, and the mileage typically caps at 150 miles per rental day.
Does Thrifty Car Rental Charge for Mileage?
An extra-mile charge applies for mileage-capped rental cars, but your Thrifty rental location will likely offer unlimited miles across all its vehicles.
Does Thrifty Car Rental Allow Pets?
Thrifty car rental allows pets in its vehicles.
But if you return the car in a dirty condition, soiled, or with animal hair, a cleaning charge ranging from $50 to $250 may apply, depending on the extent of cleaning.
Does Thrifty Car Rental Allow Towing?
Like most companies, Thrifty does not allow towing with its rental vehicles.
Does Thrifty Car Rental Allow Out-Of-State Travel?
Most Thrifty rental locations restrict traveling to the continental US and Canada, although a Canadian resident cannot drive a US rental vehicle into Canada.
Thrifty rentals originating in the US cannot cross the Mexican border without obtaining Mexico Insurance from the company.
It is best to check the Terms & Conditions for geographic limitations at the specific Thrifty rental locations.
Does Thrifty Charge for Additional Drivers (incl. Spouse)?
Unlike most major car rental companies in the United States, Thrifty does not allow spouses or domestic partners to drive for free.
Additional drivers need to pay an additional driver fee, except for:
- Thrifty Blue Chip members.
- Government renters on official orders.
- Corporate account customers.
- Companions of driving impaired renters.
Thrifty’s additional driver fee amount may vary by rental location, so you’ll need to check with the counter.
What Is Thrifty’s Cancellation Policy?
For Thrifty Car Rental prepaid reservations:
- Cancel within 24 hours of booking: refund full prepaid amount.
- Cancel more than 24 hours before pickup: refund prepaid amount, minus a $100 cancellation fee.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before pickup: refund prepaid amount, minus a $200 cancellation fee.
- No cancellation and no-show: full prepaid amount forfeited.
Pay Later bookings would incur no cancellation fee.
References:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/thrifty-car-rental.html