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Is Sixt legit?

German brand with newer, often premium cars and strong Trustpilot scores; watch for post-return damage and fee disputes.

Highest-rated branch at HNL
Rental car companySince 1912Owned by Sixt SE (Germany)sixt.comChecked October 16, 2026 by Nurullah GökdoğanHow we check
1 · Is it a real company that delivers?
Yes, it’s legit

Sixt is a large, established international rental company and US customers rate it well on Trustpilot. Complaints that do occur centre on extra charges and damage claims after return.

2 · Will you pay what you were quoted?
Usually, with care

Most Trustpilot reviewers praise competitive pricing, but unexpected charges and fees are a recurring complaint theme among negative reviews.

How fair is Sixt?

Five checks, 1–5 each. 3 is average for rental cars.

Price honestyIs the final bill close to the quote?Most Trustpilot reviewers praise competitive pricing, but unexpected charges and fees are a recurring complaint theme among negative reviews.Sources:ca.trustpilot.combestcompany.com
3/5
Claims and refundsDo damage and cleaning bills arrive after return?Disputed damage claims and charges after return are the most repeated complaint on Trustpilot, BestCompany and Reddit; in one 2026 Reddit case (Germany) Sixt cancelled a windscreen-chip bill after a written objection.Sources:ca.trustpilot.combestcompany.comreddit.sentinel-team.org
2/5
Pick-up and deliveryHow quick is pick-up, and can you skip the counter?Trustpilot praise frequently mentions quick, easy pick-up and drop-off and clean, newer cars; J.D. Power 2025 places Sixt mid-table (711).Sources:ca.trustpilot.combusinesswire.com
3/5
Fine printDeposits, debit cards, age rules and fuel termsMinimum age 21 (18 in New York), under-25 fee, $200 minimum security hold (more for high-value cars and some non-airport locations), debit cards only at some stations and car categories.Sources:sixt.comsixt.ca
3/5
SupportHow do disputes end?Slow or unhelpful customer service when something goes wrong is a common Trustpilot complaint; a 2018 report described long call-centre waits and agents with little authority to resolve issues.Sources:ca.trustpilot.cometurbonews.com
2/5

Fees to expect

Security deposit holdReleased after return.Source:sixt.com
Minimum $200 on the payment method; higher for high-value vehicles and at some non-airport locations in TX, CO, LA, MN and IL
Toll programme (Toll Pass / Express Toll Unlimited)Optional extra.Source:sixt.com
Price not published on the pages checked; shown at booking
Driving outside authorised areaMexico not allowed; Canada restricted.Source:sixt.com
$0.50 per mile

Rules that cost renters money

Debit cards
Accepted at some stations and for some car categories; additional ID may be required
Drivers under 25
Minimum age 21 (18 in New York); underage fee applies under 25, amount shown at booking
Deposit hold
Minimum $200 hold, more for high-value cars and some non-airport locations
Cancellation
Sixt says bookings can be changed or cancelled at no extra cost at most locations; check your rate's terms

Common problems, and how to avoid them

1
Damage bills after returnCommonAvoid it: Film a full walk-around (including windscreen) at pick-up and drop-off, and ask for a return inspection receipt.Source:ca.trustpilot.com
2
Charges appearing after the rentalSometimesAvoid it: Check your final invoice against the quote and dispute in writing promptly.Source:bestcompany.com

What customers say

“This was my first time renting a car from SIXT car rental, and it was an easy, very smooth experience.”
Harold Echevarria · Trustpilot · 2026
“Each experience has been very positive and I appreciate that.”
Stephanie Turner · Trustpilot · 2026
“No person to check the car before and after returning the keys.”
Reddit user · Reddit r/germany · 2026
“I would STAY AWAY from Sixt. Plenty of other car rental companies around!”
Irene C · Reviews.io · 2024

Short excerpts from public reviews, chosen because they describe the patterns above. They are examples, not a sample.

Alternatives worth comparing

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Highest J.D. Power score of the big rental brands; fees are standard, but damage-claim disputes are the recurring complaint.

#4 of 13 · 55/100National Car Rental

Business-traveller favourite: Emerald Club members pick any car in the Emerald Aisle and skip the counter.

#1 of 13 · 63/100Best overallHertz

Big airport brand; Gold Plus Rewards lets you skip the line, but damage and add-on charges are the most common complaints.

#9 of 13 · 46/100

Questions people ask about Sixt

Is Sixt legit?

Yes. Sixt is a long-established German rental company with a large US network, a 4.4 Trustpilot score from over 14,000 US reviews and a mid-table J.D. Power score (711 in 2025).

How much is the Sixt deposit in the US?

Sixt says a minimum of $200 is held on your payment method; more for high-value cars and some non-airport locations.

Does Sixt accept debit cards?

Only at some stations and for some car categories, and extra ID may be required. A credit card is the safer choice.

How old do you have to be to rent from Sixt?

21 in most US states (18 in New York), with an underage fee under 25; some categories require 25+.

Sources

Last checked October 16, 2026. Fees and policies change, so confirm on sixt.com before you book. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it in the open. We are not affiliated with Sixt and earn nothing from it.