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.

thumb_down

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.

gavel

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.

Was this content helpful?

thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

border_color Write a Review

User Reviews

Star Rating

3.6

star star star star_half star_border

181 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

35%

4 grade

30%

3 grade

13%

2 grade

1 grade

18%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star_half star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_border

cancel

star star star star star

Joel Ward Modesto, CA

Angela at the Modesto, CA, Sears location for Budget has been providing consistent excellent service for me. I've rented many times from her and continue to do so. I'm picky about customer service and she knows how to provide that very professionally. She even provided me a cell number for off hour contact if needed, which I did once and it was a life saver for me. Thanks Budget and thanks Angela!

8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

star star star star star

Brittney Mac Gregor Louisville, KY

I have had a decent experience with Budget car rentals. I have used them a few times in the past for my travel needs. Although the prices have gone up considerable over the years, the same is true for other car rental businesses.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Anne Sainsbury Orem, UT

Rental cars are never my favorite thing when traveling as they often have a lot of hidden costs, but working with Budget was super easy and less expensive than I had thought. We only rented the car to travel from Moline Iowa to the Chicago airport, but the car we were given was in great condition and the customer service we received was excellent (even at 3 in the morning).

5 years ago

star star star star star

Jeremy Webb Dallas, TX

I have used Budget couple times with my business along with some other truck competitors and I really enjoyed my experience with Budget. The trucks I have received to rent were in great condition and had no issues. My only complaint is that we don’t have many locations around my location that offer the truck rentals which is what I mainly use. Employees are nice and helpful in finding whatever you need.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

We used Budget Car Rental when we traveled to Denver this past February. We had an excellent experience. The shuttle came to pick us up promptly and there was not much of a line when we got there. They did not have the exact car we were promised so they upgraded us for free. I will definitely use Budget again because of our positive experience.

7 years ago

star star star star star

Jodie Larson Pleasant Grove, UT

Budget is one of my go to car rental companies because their prices are competative and their locations are convenient. They last time I rented through them, they upgraded, me at no extra charge, to a large 4WD Jeep that looked really cool but it got terrible gas mileage so when I got to my destination, I found the nearest Budget location and switched it out for something more economical. I love that they were willing to do that for me!

8 years ago

star star star star star

Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

For economy and value, Budget is a very safe bet. Budget always has the best deals in my area. When needing to economize, Budget is a great option. Service, vehicle selection, contract options-all great with Budget.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Kristiane R Durfey Orem, UT

My husband and I have used Budget car rentals many times and have always been pleased with them. The cars were clean and well taken care of and the price to rent was reasonable and competitive. Car choices were good as well.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Michigander101 Macomb, MI

I’ve been a frequent flyer with Budget Rental for several years when flying around the United States and needing vehicle rentals. They are a busy company so I try to book in advance to get a better selection. Overall, I have always dealt with positive employees.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Lisa C Johnson Baltimore, MD

I rented a Budget car at the airport. Once I found their location, it was a fairly easy process. There were many cars to choose from and the person at the counter was knowledgeable. Nice office and clean. Well organized. Prices were reasonable at the time.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Landon Badoni Montgomery, TX

Overall Budget is a great option! There have been just a couple instances of less than desirable customer service, but the price point kinda balances out. Usually the adage "you get what you pay for" holds true... But in the case of Budget I usually get much more than I bargained for in a good way.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Steve Jones Riverton, UT

My experience with my local Budget was awesome. We used them while our car was in the shop. They were kind, courteous, and helpful - a great representation of the company's values. Will use them again the next time we're in need of a rental!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Nicole Jones Sandy, UT

Budget Rental in Las Vegas has the best service! I travel to Las Vegas quite often for work and find the location to be conveniently located, the staff helpful, and the process simple. Great level of service for a minimal price tag!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Kimi Bayles West Valley City, UT

I loved using Budget on my business trip. I got a great car without breaking the bank. There was an employee who walked me out to my car, showed me everything I needed to know and got me going. Thanks for the great service at a great price!

6 years ago

star star star star star

James Conder Eagle Mountain, UT

I have used Budget for rentals car a lot for my work travels. Always had a clean car, full tank of gas, and no damage waiting for me when I arrived. Customer service was always amazing when using Budget, no matter which city or state I was in.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Stephanie Love Herriman, UT

I have used budget several times and I haven’t had any complaints yet. The cars are always clean and I’ve got the car I requested or in some cases they have upgraded me to a nicer vehicle. The customer service has always been great and haven’t had any headaches or long lines to have to wait in. They were quick and professional.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Annie Robbins Pleasant Grove, UT

We recently rented from Budget on our vacation to Florida. There was not a mini van as we had requested when we got there late at night. The agent went out of their way to have another car cleaned quickly for us to have and helped make sure we stayed within our budget for the bigger car. Great service!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Ted Johnson Pleasant Grove, UT

When I rent a car I am always looking for the cheapest price that meets the rest of my criteria. Budget usually gives me the best price and they are quick and easy to get in and out of and the price they promised is the price the stand behind.

7 years ago

star star star star star

Reese Pleasant Grove, UT

I have used Budget rent a car many times and they are known for a good car at a good price and all of the other things I have come to take for granted, like easy pick up, clean and well maintained cars, and easy drop off at a convenient location.

7 years ago

star star star star star

Joanna Hester Gilbert, AZ

My husband asked me to rent a car for him for his last work trip. I chose Budget because they had the type of car he wanted at the best price. The staff at the rental agency made his experience pleasant and quick for both picking up his car and returning it.

8 years ago

star star star star star

Ginny Tremayne Logan, UT

When we travel and need a rental car, we try to reserve one with Budget. We were able to rent one that accommodated us, two grandchildren and their parents. All of us were very comfortable.

5 years ago

star star star star star

keiontai henry Tallahassee, FL

My father always uses budget when he needs a rental car to travel long distances such as picking me up from college. The prices are always affordable and the car is always spacious enough to fit my items from school.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Leeta Orem, UT

We were very pleased with our latest rental through Budget. Their service was quick and easy. The car was excellent. Over all we were very pleased with our experience and would use them again.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Brittany Wilkinson Herriman, UT

Recently we went on vacation and needed to rent a car. Budget car rental had a big enough car for our large family and it was a great price. We will always check with Budget for our rental car needs.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Kaitlyn Rios Ogden, UT

Budget has the best cars for cheap. They have convenient reservations and easy check out. The contracts are easy to read and I feel that we get great cars to drive. Overall, I value Budget over all others simply on price!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Tevita Salt Lake City, UT

I have used Budget a few times, and they are usually the ones who price out the best. Never had any problems with picking up or returning my car. Great customer service as well.

8 years ago

star star star star star

Carolynn West Jordan, UT

I usually check budget first now when looking for rental cars as they are usually cheaper then other companies. We have used them a few times and have had great experiences each time.

8 years ago

star star star star star

Erik Lewis

We use the one in midtown Atlanta because they always seem to have cars. The staff is fantastic. We have never had a problem with Budget on any of our long road trips.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Alyssa Hansel Tallahassee, FL

The budget is a super great and connivent service. I used this service when my car broke down, and they delivered the car to me and were super friendly!

5 years ago

star star star star star

Christyan Bennett New Orleans, LA

Budget Rental Cars and Trucks have made my move so much more simple. Their prices were amazing and their customer service was so awesome. I would recommend them to anyone!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Eric Smith Riverton, UT

Our last experience with Budget the lady helping us noticed I had all my kids with us and upgraded us to a minivan to give us even more room without any additional cost.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Luke Swierczynski Troy, MI

With the rental market in shambles right now they were able to get me the cheapest rental care possible.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Matt Hanzel Saratoga Springs, UT

Always the best value for the best price. Their customer service is good and I really enjoyed the Fastbreak service.

7 years ago

star star star star star

Karen Salt Lake City, UT

Budget is our go to for car rental. We love your easy to navigate booking site and have always had pleasant employees when picking up our cars.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Luke M Herriman, UT

Budget is a great place to find a rental car for your trip. We used them on our most recent trip and they made it easy to get a car.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Connor Smith Port Saint Lucie, FL

I have used Budget car rental many times for business. I pick up and drop off the vehicle at the airport very convenient.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Tami Thurgood Herriman, UT

I have found that Budget always has a great price on car rentals. That is what I love! They keep it affordable and nice car selection

4 years ago

star star star star star

KnarasN Draper, UT

We use the budget ten minutes from our house and have never been disappointed. Their customer service has always been great and friendly.

6 years ago

star star star star star

PessoaJ Herriman, UT

Rented through Budget on our last trip and it was great. Car was ready and staff quick and helpful. Would rent from them again.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Tiffany Tempe, AZ

I hate taking my car on road trips so i decided to rent a car. Best decision EVER cheap, reliable, and super easy to do.

7 years ago

star star star star star

Bella Houtz South Jordan, UT

Budget rental cars are very nice cars for an affordable price. I would definitely recommend getting one and not using and Uber.

8 years ago

star star star star star

Karen Nelson Alpine, UT

Budget seems to always live up to its name. They have good prices and seem to be efficient and friendly. I have had 100% satisfaction every time.

8 years ago

star star star star star

Becky Stiggins Provo, UT

Budget has always provided quality customer service and quality vehicles at a great price.

8 years ago

star star star star star

Jaren Barnes Herriman, UT

Our car got hit and we got a nice Dodge Charger from Budget as our rental. It was very well taken care of.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Glenn Dalton Salt Lake City, UT

Very knowledgeable, friendly staff. Easy reservation and pickup. Great newer cars, clean and well maintained.

4 years ago

star star star star star

Emily D Herriman, UT

Budget is our go to rental car place. They have the best prices and made renting a car easy and quick!

4 years ago

star star star star star

Amanda Fairbanks Payson, UT

Always clean quick and easy process to rent with Budget! Have used several times on vacation and always very happy

5 years ago

star star star star star

Joannetta Jarman Secaucus, NJ

We use budget a lot for storage and for truck rentals. They always have good deals and clean facilities.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Morgan whiting Salt Lake City, UT

We use budget all the time. We love to rent vehicles on vacay and they always have great prices and service.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Erin Glendening New Orleans, LA

The trucks Budget provides can hold a lot of objects and a good amount of weight. They have pretty fair prices.

6 years ago