Most major rental companies rent to drivers under 25, but they charge a daily surcharge and require a credit card

Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all rent to drivers as young as 18 or 21, depending on the company and location. The catch is not availability—it is cost. Renters under 25 pay an additional daily fee, usually between $15 and $30 per day, on top of the base rental rate. Some companies also require a higher security deposit or restrict you to certain vehicle types.

The surcharge exists because insurance data shows drivers under 25 file more claims. That risk gets passed to you as a renter. The exact fee varies by location, season, and which company you use, so calling ahead or checking the website for your specific rental dates gives you the real number before you commit.

You will also need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your own or the rental company's), and a credit card in your name. Some companies accept debit cards for renters under 25, but most do not—and if they do, the deposit hold can be substantial.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, and National rent to drivers under 25, but each has different minimum ages and fee structures.
  • Drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge of $15 to $30 or more, added to the base rental rate for every day of the rental.
  • A credit card in your own name is required by most companies; debit cards are rarely accepted for renters under 25.
  • Some companies restrict younger renters to economy or mid-size vehicles and may require a higher security deposit.
  • Calling the specific rental location or checking online before booking shows you the exact surcharge for your dates and vehicle choice.

Minimum age requirements by major company

Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 18 at most locations, with no surcharge for renters 18 to 20. Drivers 21 and older pay no age-related fee. This makes Enterprise often the cheapest option for renters in their late teens.

Budget rents to drivers 21 and up. Renters 21 to 24 pay a daily surcharge; renters 25 and older do not. The surcharge amount varies by location but typically runs $10 to $25 per day.

Avis rents to drivers 21 and up, with a daily surcharge for renters 21 to 24. Renters 25 and older are not charged an age fee. The surcharge is usually $15 to $30 per day depending on location and vehicle type.

Hertz rents to drivers 20 and up at most locations. Renters 20 to 24 pay a daily surcharge; renters 25 and older do not. Surcharge amounts vary but generally fall between $15 and $30 per day.

National rents to drivers 21 and up. Renters 21 to 24 pay a daily surcharge; renters 25 and older do not. The fee is typically $15 to $25 per day but can be higher in certain markets.

These policies can change and vary by location, so the rental counter or website for your specific city will have the current rules. Some airport locations have stricter policies than off-airport branches of the same company.

What the surcharge actually costs over a week-long rental

A $20 daily surcharge sounds small until you multiply it across a full rental period. Over a seven-day rental, a $20 daily fee adds $140 to your bill. Over two weeks, it becomes $280. That money stacks on top of the base rate, taxes, and any insurance you purchase.

If you are renting for a week or longer, the surcharge can rival or exceed the cost of the vehicle itself on a budget rental. A compact car might rent for $25 to $35 per day before tax; add a $20 age surcharge and you are paying nearly double. This is why comparing companies matters—Enterprise's lack of a surcharge for renters 18 to 20 can save you hundreds on a longer rental.

Some companies offer weekly or monthly rates that may have lower per-day costs, but the age surcharge usually still applies on top of that discounted rate. Always ask whether the quoted price includes or excludes the under-25 fee.

Vehicle restrictions for renters under 25

Many companies restrict younger renters to smaller, less expensive vehicles. You may not be able to rent an SUV, truck, or premium sedan even if you want to pay for it. Enterprise and Budget are generally more flexible; Hertz and Avis sometimes limit under-25 renters to economy or compact cars.

These restrictions exist for the same reason the surcharge does: risk management. Larger vehicles cost more to repair, and insurance data suggests younger drivers have higher accident rates. The policy is not universal—some locations enforce it strictly, others do not—so ask when you book or call the counter.

If you need a specific vehicle type, mention your age when you call to reserve. Some companies will note your request and may approve an exception, or they can tell you upfront that the vehicle is not available to you at that location.

Credit card and deposit requirements

You must have a credit card in your own name to rent from any major company. The card does not have to have a high limit, but it must be active and in your name—a parent's card or a debit card usually will not work, even if a parent is present.

The credit card serves two purposes: it is how you pay for the rental, and it is where the company places a security hold. That hold is not a charge—it is a temporary freeze on available funds to cover potential damage or fuel costs. For renters under 25, the hold is often higher than for older renters, sometimes $500 or more depending on the vehicle and company.

If you have a debit card but no credit card, Enterprise sometimes accepts debit cards for renters 21 and up, though the hold can be very large. Budget, Avis, Hertz, and National rarely accept debit cards for renters under 25. If you do not have a credit card, opening one before your rental is simpler than trying to negotiate around the policy at the counter.

Insurance and liability coverage for young renters

Rental companies offer collision damage waiver (CDW) and liability coverage, which you can purchase at the counter. Your own auto insurance may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before you rent. If your policy does cover rentals, you usually do not need to buy the rental company's coverage.

If you do not have your own insurance or your policy does not cover rentals, purchasing the rental company's coverage is important. The daily cost is typically $15 to $25, but it protects you from paying thousands if the car is damaged. For renters under 25, this is especially worth considering because you are already paying a surcharge and may face higher liability expectations.

Some credit cards include rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's terms before you rent. If your card covers rentals, you can decline the rental company's insurance and save that daily fee.

Booking strategies to lower your total cost

Compare the base rate plus surcharge across companies before you book. Enterprise's lack of a surcharge for renters 18 to 20 can make it significantly cheaper than competitors, even if the base rate is slightly higher. Use the company's website to enter your age and see the total cost including all fees.

Book directly through the company's website rather than a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia. Third-party sites sometimes do not display age surcharges clearly, and you may not see the real total until you reach the rental counter. Booking directly also makes it easier to call the location and ask about restrictions or exceptions before you commit.

Renting from an off-airport location is sometimes cheaper than an airport branch of the same company, and policies may differ. If you are flying in, ask whether picking up from a downtown or suburban location would save money or offer better terms.

If you are renting for a week or longer, ask about weekly or monthly rates. These discounted rates usually still include the age surcharge, but the per-day cost may be lower overall than the daily rate multiplied across all days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car at 18?

Yes, but only from Enterprise at most locations. Enterprise rents to drivers 18 and up with no surcharge for renters 18 to 20. Other major companies require you to be 20 or 21. Check the specific company's policy for your location, as some branches have different rules.

Do I have to pay the age surcharge if someone older rents the car?

No. If a driver 25 or older is the primary renter on the contract, the surcharge does not explore. However, you must be listed as an authorized driver if you will drive the car, and some companies charge an additional fee to add a driver under 25 to the contract.

What happens if I get in an accident and I'm under 25?

Your liability depends on whether you purchased the rental company's coverage and what your own insurance covers. If you have collision coverage through your policy or credit card, that typically applies to the rental. If you purchased the rental company's CDW, that covers damage to the car. Being under 25 does not change how claims are handled, but it is why having coverage is especially important.

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Most companies do not accept debit cards for renters under 25. Enterprise sometimes does for renters 21 and up, but the security hold can be very large. If you do not have a credit card, opening one before you rent is usually easier than trying to work around the policy at the counter.

Does the age surcharge explore to all vehicle types?

The surcharge applies to all rentals for drivers under 25, but some companies also restrict younger renters to smaller vehicles. You may not be able to rent an SUV or truck even if you are willing to pay more. Ask about vehicle availability for your age when you book.