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5.0

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: March 4th, 2022

Top Ranked Companies

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The Good

  • Available in All 50 States
  • Competitive Prices
  • Airport Locations
  • Online Check-In 

Available in All 50 States

Budget is easily available is all 50 states. This gives Budget an advantage over its competition, who typically have locations in 23 states or less. It also offers an advantage to the customer, who can find a Budget location much easier, especially when traveling.

Competitive Prices

Rental prices for both economy and luxury cars are low in the car rental industry. This makes it affordable for more customers when traveling or those who just need a car temporarily.

Airport Locations

The company has rental counters at most major airports throughout North America. Anywhere your plane lands, there is a Budget counter available. This is very convenient for travelers looking to rent a car right from the airport. They also have locations outside of the airports so locals can rent cars without having to go through the airport office.

Online Check-In

Budget does not offer online check-in, but they do offer something called FastBreak that makes checking in faster than standing in line. FastBreak does this by keeping your information-including your signature, digitized when you make your online reservation, making it easy for you to cut right through the counter line during the pickup process.

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The Bad

  • No Instant Return
  • Roadside Assistance
  • No On-Site Fuel Discount

No Instant Return

With Budget, all cars have to be returned in person. You cannot return the car without waiting in line and leaving the keys in the car. This is standard for car rental companies but with Budget's size and length of time in business, instant return is an option they could offer if they wanted to.

Roadside Assistance

Budget offers a roadside assistance service that covers the following:

  • Key Replacement
  • Lockout Service
  • Jump-Start
  • Flat Tire Assistance or Tire Replacement
  • Fuel Delivery

The problem is that there is no flat daily rate available for this service. Budget says the daily service charge is subject to change. Most rental car companies offer a flat additional price for this, such as $5 per day. With Budget, you won't know the price until the last minute which is unpredictable-and maybe unaffordable.

No On-Site Fuel Discount

Budget does not offer an on-site fuel discount, but their four easy fuel service options include options that minimize the amount you pay if they use the pump on-site. With Budget, you will never pay more than $13.99 for the fuel service charge if you return the car less than fuel if you select their EZ Fuel service. Budget is an environmentally conscious rental agency. About half of its fleet has a fuel efficiency rating of 28 miles per gallon or better on highway. This means that renters are not only doing a little good for the environment, but are also saving themselves a little cash in gas expenses.

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The Bottom Line

Budget is one of the most popular rental companies in the industry with locations in all 50 states and major airports. If convenience is a factor, this is a viable option for you, (if you're an AARP or Fastbreak rewards member, they offer many benefits and savings, too). As far as the cheapest option, Budget is lower priced than other car rental companies in the industry. Their additional features are also slightly higher than you might find with other rentals. If you do choose to rent with Budget, proceed with caution, you may find yourself paying for additional features, even if you didn't want them. Make sure to ask clear questions and state your preferences.
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Star Rating

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3.6

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181 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

35%

4 grade

30%

3 grade

13%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

18%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Nishita McLean, VA

I've rented a Budget car twice now, once in Orlando while driving to Miami and once to drive in and around Washington DC. I got very good prices both the time, the cars were clean, was in and out real quick. Was satisfied with the service and the pricing.

7 years ago

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Doyal Stewart Salt Lake City, UT

I've used budget a great deal and for long periods of time for work. I always received great customer service, got the car I wanted, and was in and out quickly. Returning the car was always a breeze as well. I would definitely recommend using Budget for car rentals.

9 years ago

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Irinna Danielson Riverton, UT

I first looked to Budget as the rental company for us after having a family friend who worked there while I was growing up. He always helped us when we needed to rent a 15 passenger van or a bigger truck to hauling things or to help take care of large parties traveling. The trust that developed as I watched my parents use Budget has stayed with me and when we need good service at a great value, I continue to turn to Budget. And, besides the vans and bigger vehicles, they also give good prices on regular sized vehicles. The brand is a good one and it's one my family has trusted for years.

6 years ago

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Robert Wilson Rockville, MD

I use budget when I travel in the US. They are almost always the cheapest rental car available. Their cars are a good variety of current cars. They get you in and out very quickly especially at Denver International Airport - their service is awesome. I would recommend using them in the US - I have not had the chance to use them internationally. Great value for the money.

6 years ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

I use Budget from time to time and thy always have a good rate, are easy to get in and out of and their cars are clean and in good repair and if they don't have the car you need, they will upgrade you.

8 years ago

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Jennifer Orlando, FL

Renting a vehicle is always expensive but Budget offers an AARP discount, which helps. It was still expensive but less than other companies I quoted. I would have given 5 stars if the car had been cleaned better when I picked it up. It was dusty inside and there was food on the floor.

4 years ago

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Vy Ha Birmingham, AL

My car was totaled just last week due to an accident. It was my first time having to rent a car and Budget made it very easy to compare rates between rental cars I was interested so I can adjust quicker instead of being given a random car. I like that functionality aspect to the use very much

4 years ago

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Saylor D Herriman, UT

We used Budget on our latest trip to Virginia and it was very reliable. They were a bit slow, but that was due to the shortage of cars at the time. They made it very simple to get a car and we will definitely work with them for our next trip.

4 years ago Edited January 13, 2022

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Maverick Denhalter Salt Lake City, UT

I didn’t like budget at first when compared to enterprise, but it is so much more affordable and I feel like I can trust them. And though I’ve had one iffy experience, I’ve never been tricked into or forced to pay their extra fees.

5 years ago

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Mickey Mangum Long Beach, MS

I have used Budget several times. I have found them to be just as good as all the other rental car carriers I have used. The vehicles are clean, modern and easy to pick up and drop off. I've never had a negative issue with them.

6 years ago

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Dallen Howes Provo, UT

I rented a car in San Francisco. Pickup and dropoff of the vehicle was much easier than I expected. The car was also very nice. As far as rental cars go, the price is pretty good; however, I would always prefer if it were lower!

6 years ago

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Nathan D. Warrendale, PA

When my car broke down and was in the shop I needed to find a cheap rental to get to and from work on a Sunday. None of the big rental names were open however I was able to get a small car from Budget at the airport and I thank them for that.

6 years ago

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Brian Cowley Riverton, UT

Rented a van recently out of Long Beach CA, and it was a good car. Was kind of dirty and had a lot of dents/scratches. But all in all, the van was good for all we needed. Would use them again if they are the best priced.

4 years ago

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Noureddine Lalami Brentwood, CA

Compared to other major car rental companies, budget is well-priced. However, sometimes selection is a bit scarce. Also, during certain period of the year, the lines may be a bit longer.

4 years ago

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Dayna Salt Lake City, UT

We have had several good experiences with Budget Car rental. Our car is always decent and clean but nothing extra special. It’s usually a pretty good deal for the cars we get.

6 years ago

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Rischelle Mikkelson American Fork, UT

I can always count on Budget to have the best value for car rental when I travel. I like that they are in many international locations as well. Makes it easy to rent with a company I trust.

7 years ago

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Amber C Frey San Diego, CA

I rented from these guys once and it was a pretty painless experience. The car was in great condition and it wasn't too expensive to rent it. I would likely use them again if I needed to rent a car.

7 years ago

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Sara Jane Crestwood, KY

The quality of the vehicles are good. I have rented many trucks from the, I appreciate their customer service. Everyone is very nice and do well to make sure you have what you need.

8 years ago

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Charlotte Ash Sandy, UT

They provide good cars and service. They have up grade our cars if they didn't have the car we have wanted. Their price have been good.

8 years ago

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WT

Prior to the pandemic, Budget has offered good weekend deals for reasonable prices. Rates after the pandemic hit have been ridiculously high - not Budget friendly at all.

4 years ago Edited January 5, 2022

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Rocio Diaz Tallahassee, FL

Budget has a lot of locations which makes it easy to access. Their pricing is competitive. However, I personally have had trouble with the customer service in the past.

4 years ago

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Dre35 West Valley City, UT

Exactly what the company is called. It's a great deal! And I feel like there's always a promo code that can get you an additional 10-20% off. Love it!

6 years ago

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Juan Beaver, PA

I like budget car rental. They normally have decent rental cars for cheaper than anyone else. I rented one at an airport before and it was a good price.

6 years ago

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LBurr96 West Jordan, UT

I have rented their cars in many cities and they have upgraded my car several times for free which I found to be very nice.

4 years ago Edited January 27, 2022

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Christopher Milke Olney, MD

Good website and pricing for rental cars. Very competitive from a rate perspective. Cars have sometimes been limited if you arrive late at a site.

5 years ago

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AF ,

We've had pretty good experiences with Budget. I like that you can usually find a promo or deal on their website when you're looking to book.

6 years ago

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Myken , UT

We used Budget Rental Car on a recent family vacation and the customer service was excellent, very helpful and the price was so affordable.

6 years ago

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take7 Sandy, UT

Check in and out sometimes is a hassle and they take a while but the price and size of the car couldn't be beat that time around and so it was fine.

6 years ago

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Darrin Henry Pleasant Grove, UT

I did not have the best experience with Budget in Raleigh NC. They did not have a shuttle for a long time and we waited almost 30 min.

7 years ago

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Keeli Hansen San Jose, CA

Budget has great size moving trucks. As an interior designer I use them a lot and it’s nice to have great customer service where ever I rent

7 years ago

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Nana Asiata Herriman, UT

Budget has great options and pricing is affordable. Customer service is awesome whenever we need help upgrading or finding what we need.

7 years ago

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Nicholas Genes Los Angeles, CA

I use budget when renting local moving trucks. They have good rates for day and weekend use.

6 years ago

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Larson Riverton, UT

A budget because they offer deals. The car seems to be in good condition and reliable.

6 years ago

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Chuck Stiggins Provo, UT

They have great customer service and have always been very helpful when I am looking to rent a car.

8 years ago

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Stevie American Fork, UT

Rented twice in a month in different states. Great prices. In and out fast. Close to airport.

8 years ago

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Van M. Orem, UT

I liked the price when I had to rent a car to go on a work trip. The car worked great and the people were nice.

5 years ago

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MiKE McWilliams Little Rock, AR

Have not found their rates to be competitive in recent y ears; however, found them dependable cars in years gone by.

6 years ago

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Audrey Mitchell Managua, MN

I used Budget that my insurance paid for while my actual car was getting fixed. The car ran great and was nice!

6 years ago

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Justin Riggs Salt Lake City, UT

Used many times for travel. Never had a bad experience. Priced well and good cars to choose from for any size needed.

6 years ago

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amy rex ,

Value is great, but I always have to wait in long lines. The small price for their preferred members is worth it.

6 years ago

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Reckholdt Draper, UT

We got a great deal on a rental car from budget. It was exactly what we had expected and it was clean and functional.

6 years ago

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Todd Homitz Evans City, PA

Went to Disney this year and Budget had the best price for what I was looking for. I would high recommend.

6 years ago

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Spencer Hodgson Salt Lake City, UT

I was impressed with the lady that took care of me when I returned my car. They have good customer service.

8 years ago

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Doug Foerch Vernon Hills, IL

Good product with a decent rate. You would be wise to look for discounts, which they often run.

4 years ago

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Lisa Schofield Salt Lake City, UT

Friendly helpful staff. A lot of cars to choose from. Clean cars on the inside and out.

5 years ago

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Carol Knight Salt Lake City, UT

Budget car rentals have consistently proven to be the best value when we are renting a car.

5 years ago

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Summer Veillon Baton Rouge, LA

We rented with Budget once out of town while traveling. Fast easy and polite customer service.

6 years ago

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Kayle Wilds Eagle Mountain, UT

Cheap prices and they have a military discount that we were able to use to make it cheaper.

6 years ago

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Matt Campbell Lynnwood, WA

Rented a fine Kia Soul in las Vegas, a good deal and good service too, would rent again.

6 years ago

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Teresa LeBaron Lake Villa, IL

Good car rental company with competitive rates. Clean cars and good customer service.

7 years ago