Renting a van under 25 is possible, but costs more and requires a major credit card
Most national van rental companies will rent to drivers under 25, but they charge a young driver surcharge — typically $15 to $30 per day on top of the base rate. You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) in your own name. Some companies set a minimum age of 18; others require 21. The credit card must have available credit for a hold that covers the rental cost plus a damage deposit, usually $200 to $500.
Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and U-Haul all rent to drivers under 25, though their policies and surcharge amounts differ. Regional companies and independent rental agencies sometimes have lower minimums or no surcharge at all, so calling ahead saves money. The surcharge is non-negotiable at major chains, but you can reduce your total cost by renting for fewer days, choosing a smaller van, or picking up at an off-airport location.
Key Takeaways
- Young driver surcharges range from $15 to $30 per day and explore to anyone under 25 at most national rental companies.
- You must have a major credit card in your own name with enough available credit to cover the rental cost plus a $200 to $500 damage hold.
- Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and U-Haul rent to drivers 18 or 21 and older, depending on the company and location.
- Airport locations charge higher base rates and surcharges than off-airport branches, so comparing pickup locations can cut your total cost by 20 to 40 percent.
- Some independent and regional rental agencies do not charge young driver surcharges, making them worth calling even if they are not your first choice.
What the young driver surcharge actually costs
The surcharge is a daily fee, not a percentage of the rental price. If you rent a van for three days and the surcharge is $20 per day, you pay an extra $60 on top of the base rental cost. On a $50-per-day van, that's a 40 percent increase. On a $100-per-day van, it's 20 percent. The surcharge applies whether you rent for one day or two weeks.
Rental companies justify the surcharge by citing insurance risk data showing drivers under 25 file more claims. You cannot remove the surcharge by declining their insurance or bringing your own coverage — it is a separate fee. However, you can reduce the total cost by choosing a smaller van (a cargo van costs less than a full-size passenger van) or by renting during off-peak days. Mid-week rentals are often cheaper than weekend ones, and renting in winter typically costs less than summer.
Credit card requirements and the damage hold
The rental company will place a hold on your credit card — not a charge, but a temporary block of funds. The hold covers the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit, usually $200 to $500 depending on the van size. If you rent a van for $300 and the damage hold is $300, the company holds $600 of your available credit. That money is not charged to your card unless you return the van with damage or fail to return it on time.
The hold typically clears within 3 to 7 business days after you return the van, assuming no damage. If you have a $500 credit limit and the hold is $300, you'll have only $200 available to use during the rental period. This is why a credit card with a higher limit makes renting easier — you need room for the hold plus your own spending. Debit cards do not work for the hold at most companies, and prepaid cards rarely do either.
If you do not have a credit card in your own name, some companies will accept a co-signer's card, but policies vary. Call the rental location directly to ask; online booking systems do not always show this option. A co-signer must be present at pickup with their ID and the card.
Comparing policies across the major rental companies
| Company | Minimum Age | Young Driver Surcharge | Damage Hold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 18 | $20–$25/day | $200–$300 |
| Enterprise | 21 | $15–$20/day | $200–$300 |
| Hertz | 20 | $25–$30/day | $250–$500 |
| U-Haul | 18 | $15–$20/day | $200–$400 |
Budget and U-Haul accept drivers 18 and older, making them options if you are not yet 21. Enterprise requires 21 at most locations, though a few franchise locations set the minimum at 20. Hertz also sets 20 as the minimum in most places. Surcharges and damage holds vary by location and van type, so the figures above are ranges — call the specific location where you plan to rent for exact numbers.
Off-airport locations almost always have lower surcharges and base rates than airport branches. If you can pick up and drop off at a non-airport Enterprise or Budget, you may save $10 to $15 per day compared to the airport location. Some companies also offer discounts for membership programs (AAA, military, corporate) that can reduce the base rate, though the young driver surcharge usually applies on top of any discount.
Insurance and what happens if you damage the van
The rental company's damage hold protects them, not you. If you return the van with a dent, scratch, or mechanical damage, they will charge your card for repairs. The amount depends on the damage — a small dent might cost $200 to $500, while major damage can run into thousands. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental van damage, but only if you have collision and comprehensive coverage and you report the damage to your insurer.
Before you sign the rental agreement, inspect the van with the rental agent and point out any existing damage. Ask them to note it on the contract. Take photos of the van's condition inside and out before you drive away. When you return it, do a final walk-around with the agent and make sure they document the van's condition at that time. If a damage charge appears on your card weeks later, you'll have evidence of the van's condition at pickup and return.
Declining the rental company's damage waiver means you are responsible for all repair costs. The waiver typically costs $10 to $20 per day and covers most accidental damage. If you have comprehensive auto insurance that covers rentals, you may not need the waiver — but confirm with your insurer first, because coverage limits vary.
How to lower your total rental cost
The young driver surcharge is fixed, but you can reduce other costs. Rent from an off-airport location instead of the airport — the base rate is often 30 to 40 percent lower, and the surcharge may be smaller too. Choose the smallest van that meets your needs; a cargo van is cheaper than a full-size passenger van. Rent mid-week instead of weekends, and avoid peak summer months if your schedule allows.
Book online in advance rather than walking in, because advance bookings sometimes have lower base rates. However, always call the location directly to confirm the rate and surcharge before you complete the online booking — rates change, and the website may not reflect the current price. Ask about membership discounts (AAA, military, corporate) even if you think you do not may have access to; some companies have broad may be able to access.
If you need the van for several days, compare the daily rate to a weekly rate. Some companies offer a flat weekly rate that works out cheaper per day than the daily rate. For example, if the daily rate is $60 and the weekly rate is $350, a 5-day rental costs $300 at the daily rate but only $350 at the weekly rate — so the daily rate is better. But if you need 6 days, the weekly rate becomes cheaper. Do the math for your specific rental length.
What to bring to the rental counter
Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and the credit card you will use for the rental. Your proof of insurance can be a digital copy on your phone or a printed card from your insurer — either works. If you are under 25 and renting under your own name, bring only these three items; the rental agent will handle the rest.
If a co-signer is providing the credit card, they must be present at pickup with their ID and the card. Some companies require the co-signer to sign the rental agreement as well. Ask when you book whether a co-signer can be used and what documents they need to bring.
Arrive early on your pickup day. The rental process takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you will need time to inspect the van with the agent before you drive away. If you arrive late and the location is busy, you may face delays or be offered a different van than the one you reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a van if I do not have a credit card?
Most national companies require a credit card in your name for the damage hold. Some locations may accept a co-signer's card if the co-signer is present at pickup, but this varies by company and location. Call ahead to ask. Debit cards and prepaid cards typically do not work for the hold.
Do I have to pay for the rental company's insurance?
No. You can decline their damage waiver if your personal auto insurance covers rental vehicles. Confirm your coverage limits with your insurer before you rent. If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you are responsible for repair costs up to the damage hold amount.
What if I return the van late?
Late fees explore, usually $25 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you are more than a few hours late. The exact policy depends on the company and location. Return the van on time to avoid these charges. If you think you will be late, call the rental location as soon as possible — some companies waive or reduce late fees if you notify them in advance.
Can I rent a van one-way, from one city to another?
Yes, most companies offer one-way rentals, but they charge a drop-off fee in addition to the daily rate. The fee varies by distance and company, sometimes ranging from $50 to $300 or more. Compare the one-way cost to renting locally and driving back yourself, or to renting round-trip and returning to the original location.
Are there rental companies that do not charge a young driver surcharge?
Some independent and regional rental agencies do not charge surcharges for drivers under 25. Call local rental companies in your area to ask. Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, also rents vans from private owners and does not have a standard young driver surcharge, though individual owners may set their own age policies.