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Is Thrifty Car Rental legit?

Hertz's other budget brand. Policies mirror Dollar's, so watch the per-toll fees and the add-ons pitched at the counter.

Fewest damage disputes at OGG, JFKLowest-rated branch at HNL
Rental car companyOwned by Hertz Global Holdings (Hertz brand; sister brand to Dollar)thrifty.comChecked October 16, 2026 by Nurullah GökdoğanHow we check
1 · Is it a real company that delivers?
Yes, it’s legit

Thrifty is a real national brand owned by Hertz. Its US policies (tolls, debit cards, holds) match Dollar's. We could not confirm brand-level review scores.

2 · Will you pay what you were quoted?
Often not

If you don't opt into PlatePass, each toll adds $15 ($9.99 in Boston and Florida), up to $90 per rental. A Hawaii broker lists LDW at $34.99/day and a $29/day standard young-driver fee, which pushes the total well above the base rate.

How fair is Thrifty Car Rental?

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

Price honestyIs the final bill close to the quote?If you don't opt into PlatePass, each toll adds $15 ($9.99 in Boston and Florida), up to $90 per rental. A Hawaii broker lists LDW at $34.99/day and a $29/day standard young-driver fee, which pushes the total well above the base rate.Sources:upgradedpoints.comdiscounthawaiicarrental.com
2/5
Claims and refundsDo damage and cleaning bills arrive after return?We found no Thrifty-specific damage or refund complaint data. Scored as average; low confidence.Sources:elliott.org
3/5
Pick-up and deliveryHow quick is pick-up, and can you skip the counter?Blue Chip members store payment details on their profile. We found no reliable counter-speed data, so this is scored as average.Sources:yourmileagemayvary.com
3/5
Fine printDeposits, debit cards, age rules and fuel termsDebit cards are accepted at airports for Compact to Fullsize with a matching return ticket, two IDs and a credit check. A physical card is required. The debit hold is up to $500, versus $200 on credit.Sources:yourmileagemayvary.comblog.autoslash.com
3/5
SupportHow do disputes end?We found no brand-level review score or BBB data for Thrifty US. Scored as average; low confidence.Sources:elliott.org
3/5

Fees to expect

Toll programme (PlatePass)As reported in Oct 2024.Source:upgradedpoints.com
With the opt-in plan, a daily rate that varies by region and covers all tolls. Without it: the toll plus $15 per occurrence ($9.99 in Boston and Florida), up to $90 per rental
Deposit holdThe extra $500 debit hold is waived for established Blue Chip members with a Visa card on file.Source:yourmileagemayvary.com
$200 on a credit card; up to $500 on a debit card, plus the estimated rental charges
Loss damage waiver (LDW)Hawaii rate from a broker's Thrifty terms page (2025–2026); other locations may differ.Source:discounthawaiicarrental.com
$34.99 per day
Under-25 (young driver) feeAges 20–24. The broker's contract rate is $8/day.Source:discounthawaiicarrental.com
$29 per day (standard rate, Hawaii)
Additional driverFrom a broker page.Source:discounthawaiicarrental.com
$13.50 per day per driver (Hawaii)
Early / late returnHawaii, from a broker page.Source:discounthawaiicarrental.com
$25 one-time for returning 24+ hours early; $15.99/day for returning 24+ hours late (max $79.95)

Rules that cost renters money

Debit cards
Accepted at airports for Compact to Fullsize with a return travel ticket that matches the rental and two IDs; a credit check is usually run; a physical card is required (no digital wallets)
Drivers under 25
Minimum age 20; $29/day standard young-driver fee (Hawaii broker figure)
Deposit hold
$200 (credit) or up to $500 (debit) on top of the estimated rental; a Hawaii broker cites a $200–$500 security deposit
Skip the counter
Blue Chip (loyalty profile)

Common problems, and how to avoid them

1
Per-toll admin fees add upCommonAvoid it: Opt into the daily toll plan if you'll use many tolls, or bring your own transponder where allowed.Source:upgradedpoints.com
2
Debit card renters turned away without return-ticket proofSometimesAvoid it: Bring a printed return ticket and a second ID, or use a credit card.Source:yourmileagemayvary.com

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 overallAlamo Rent A Car

Enterprise group's leisure brand: usually cheaper, but reviewers report counter upsells and charges they say they declined.

#7 of 13 · 46/100

Questions people ask about Thrifty Car Rental

Is Thrifty legit?

Yes. Thrifty is a Hertz-owned national brand that operates at major US airports.

Who owns Thrifty?

Hertz, which also owns Dollar. The two brands share most policies.

Does Thrifty charge for tolls?

Yes. PlatePass either charges a daily all-tolls rate if you opt in, or the toll plus $15 per occurrence ($9.99 in Boston and Florida), up to $90 per rental (Oct 2024 reporting).

Can I rent from Thrifty with a debit card?

At airports, yes, for Compact to Fullsize cars. You need a matching return ticket and two IDs. Thrifty holds up to $500 on top of the rental cost.

Sources

Last checked October 16, 2026. Fees and policies change, so confirm on thrifty.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 Thrifty Car Rental and earn nothing from it.