We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Manage Cookies
Resources for Businesses My BBB
Share
Business Profile

Auto Rentals and Leasing

Budget Rent a Car

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Auto Rentals and Leasing.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Budget Rent a Car's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Find a Location

Budget Rent a Car has 532 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Please enter a valid location.

    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 3,117 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 1,182 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/29/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Rental# *********. Picked up the vehicle but didnt realize the tank wasnt full. It was closer to 7/8 full. I was 5miles away from the airport so I figured I could resolve when I returned. I called and spoke with two agents and a supervisor(*****) before I returned. She said she would make notations on the rental and I would have to call back after returning the vehicle. I filled up the tank before I returned because I had agreed to do so. I called and spoke to **** a supervisor employee #***** after I returned the car. He said he will not be able to compensate me for the 1/8 of a tank because he has no proof that the vehicle wasnt full. I have spent two full hours trying to resolve this. When a mistake is made there should be an easy path to a resolution. How would I know I needed to take a photo of the gas hand? Until I saw the rental agreement, I didnt know FULL was reflected. I have rented cars before that werent full and the rental agreement reflected the actual reading.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/02/2025

      BBB #: 23534254
      Case: 73759755

      Dear Mr./Ms. Thames Smith, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23534254, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that the vehicle was rented with 19.1 gallons but can hold 19.4 gallons so it was .3 gallons short of a full tank. Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we are happy to offer you a $10.00 off coupon for your next rental. To accept this coupon please reply with your Budget FastBreak number, if you do not have a FastBreak number we are happy to create one on your behalf. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

      Customer Answer

      Date: 07/03/2025

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]



      Better Business Bureau:



      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 23534254, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. My Wizard #W2K40R



      Regards,



      Dana Thames Smith

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/27/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On June 26, 2025, I attempted to book a rental car on Budgets website for pickup at ************************************* on June 27 at 7:30 AM, returning June 30 at 7:30 AM. The website kept asking me to re-enter my CVV code and location, saying something was wrong but never gave me a confirmation. I had no idea it was charging my credit card each time.Later, I found three pending charges totaling over $950 on my *********** card. When I called Budgets customer service, they claimed I had made and canceled three reservations which is not true. I only tried once and never received a confirmation.I explained that the holds used up all my funds, leaving me stranded overnight with no rental, no hotel, no transportation, and no access to money for food. I was in tears and told the agent everything, and he still said there was nothing more they could do. Then he hung up on me.This entire experience left me financially trapped and emotionally distressed. As a senior and loyal Budget customer, I deserve better. I still havent received a resolution and I am requesting immediate action.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/27/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 73733624

      Dear ******* ******, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.

      Reservation Number;
      Renter's Name;
      Rental Location;
      Exact Date/Year of Rental;

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/27/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I prepaid for the rental of an SUV for four days. One hour before my pick up, staff from the location called me to say that the class of vehicle I paid for was not available. Then they went on to say that the lower class vehicle that they were switching me to was more in price than the vehicle I prepaid for and that I would have to call and take it up with customer service for them to refund me the difference in price. The credit card I was using for the rental declined ( it had plenty money available on it). This card was to be used for the temporary hold of $250. Because it declined, the staff member told me to try using a debit card. I tried and it declined that as well. I left with no car rental and the money I prepaid tied up for 5-10 days.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/27/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 73735972

      Dear ******* *******, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this,  our records show that a full refund your prepayment has been requested and this refund will post back to the MasterCard ending in 3877 that was used to prepay. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/26/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I rented a car from Budget Rent a Car at *** from May 31 to June 7, 2025, using their Fast Track program. We received a vehicle covered in minor dents and scrapes and reeking of cigarette smoke. We assumed that was the "budget" in Budget Rental Cars, and they just rented dinged up, dirty cars to people. Because it was a Fast Track rental, there was no agent to deliver this vehicle to us or to take it from us when we returned it. It was embarrassing to drive all week because it was so dirty, but it was operational. We did absolutely no damage to this vehicle while it was in our custody. Budget has absolutely no proof that we damaged this vehicle.A few weeks later, we received a claim from ************** for Budget Rental, claiming we owe $920 to Budget for damage we did not do. It is clear to me now that Budget's Fast Track program is intended to stick people with damaged vehicles and then repeatedly charge customers for the same damage over and over again.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/27/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 73735436

      Dear ******* ******, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      We have contacted our Claims Manager to review the issues you raised.  When we have received a reply from their office, we will advise you accordingly.  We appreciate your patience during our investigation.

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/26/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Made a reservation for a truck. Went to get it and was told they havent had a truck in weeks and couldnt get one. They said the website still lets you make new reservations but they dont have any more

      Business Response

      Date: 06/27/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 73735421

      Dear ******* ****, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.

      Reservation Number;
      Renter's Name;
      Rental Location;
      Exact Date/Year of Rental;

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/25/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I was charged $520 for a rental. Along with $250 deposit I was one day late and the daily rate was ***** I cleaned car and filled it up I have pictures and no one can tell me why I was charged $1120.00 for one transaction another $290.41 and then$27.14.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/27/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 73727827

      Dear ******* ******, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.

      Reservation Number;
      Renter's Name;
      Rental Location;
      Exact Date/Year of Rental;

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/25/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I rented a vehicle with budget through the DoD Defense Travel System. Rental agreement *********. On the second day I started the vehicle, the windows were fogged over, and I started to defrost the windows. As I did so, the window cracked from top to bottom. I called their emergency line three times to report the crack and get a replacement vehicle out of safety concerns. When I spoke to the representative they said there would be no additional fee due to no negligence on my part and the age of the vehicle. When I got my bill they charge an additional $250 for damages. I called customer service and over the course of a 27 minute phone call they could not resolve the issue.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/27/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 73511270

      Dear ******* ******, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that you did not accept our Loss Damage Wavier (LDW) to cover against damages to the vehicle. As the windshield cracked while the vehicle was in your possession you as the renter is responsible for the damage charge. You may want to check with your personal insurance or credit card company to see if the charges would be covered with them. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/24/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      June 4th we rented from Budget, pick up was no issues. The next day we hit a pothole busted the tire, & no spare. In the mountains we had no cell service & only able to make emergency calls, the police sent a tow truck. The driver towed us back to a local tire shop, but they didn't stock our tire size. Around 10am, I called Budget 2 -3 times before reaching someone, tow truck scheduled (pick up between 1:59 - 2:29pm). 2:30pm I call the ************* say "Oh, Budget scheduled & then canceled. They didn't tell you?". I called Budget back, they scheduled another tow truck (pick up between 3:59 - 4:29pm). 4pm I called the 2nd tow truck, & he said "Oh, Budget scheduled & then canceled. They didn't tell you?". Call Budget back, again & they scheduled another tow truck (pick up between 4:32 - 5:02pm). Called the *********** said "Oh, Budget scheduled & then canceled. They didn't tell you?". I called Budget back again, this time they didn't give a time. Budget called at 8:02pm & said a driver is on the way. The tow truck didn't arrive until 9:32pm & we didn't back to our cabin until 2:34am! I sat behind a building from 10am -9:32pm, lost money for multiple reservations & no food. Budget's initial response was a dismissive "Sorry for the inconvenience," which grossly understates the disruption & distress caused. Upon my demand for a refund, Budget agreed to credit everything except the first day's rental. As of June 11th, the refund process remains deeply flawed & incomplete. While I received an initial refund of $171.63, a promised refund of $256.56 has still not arrived. Furthermore, Budget incorrectly charged me $84.57 instead of refunding it. Although the incorrect charge was eventually reversed, I am still owed the original $84.57 refund.I demand the immediate & full resolution of the outstanding $256.56 and $84.57 refunds. This experience was far beyond a simple inconvenience & reflects a severe failure in vehicle maintenance, roadside assistance, & customer service.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/27/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 73161564

      Dear ******* ****, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Based on the details provided and our internal review we have issued a refund of $84.57. Please allow up to 10 business days for this refund to post back to the card on file. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/24/2025

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      We received a rental car on 6/19/25 that had the check engine light on. We made it to ****, ** where the car would not go faster than ****************************************************************************** "limp mode" due to sensor faulty or transmission issues. Budget did nothing to compensate our issues, other than say we were given a $10 discount on the car when we picked it up because the check engine light was on. We then have to wait until 10:30pm until the budget rental store opened to be given a ****** Tacoma - which we did not rent and did not fit our luggage or people in and had to spend an extra night in a hotel that we were not planning for. I called Budget who offered zero apologies or upgrades or anything to help the problem. When I got home, I called customer service and since we were given a $10 discount at the beginning, the best they could offer was a $60 refund. $60 is not substantial when we were left on the side of the road due to an issue they knew about before renting the car to us. We had to go through three different rental cars for a 3 day trip and are being offered nothing. We had to beg for even an apology for the inconvenience. On top of all of this, I am now receiving a claim for damage to the first car we picked up. I noticed the damage on the car and took videos/ pictures with time stamp evidence, but every time I call Budget the only solution they can provide is to call for a refund after I am charged for the damages.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/26/2025

      BBB #: 23511152
      Case: 73587252

      Dear Mr./Ms. Wilson, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23511152, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that you have contacted our Customer Service Team and a supervisor has adjusted $94.14 back on the rental.  

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/20/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I rented and paid for ******* Elantra white online, it went through & when I went to pick up the car I was told I needed a credit card although the $200 plus had already been taken off, this is very unprofessional. Now Im out $200 dollars, no rental, just a possibility of a full refund in 7 business days?!? Why take the payment if it was not a credit card??

      Business Response

      Date: 06/26/2025

      BBB #: 23494488
      Case: 73708911

      Dear Mr./Ms. Kitt, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23494488, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that the prepayment was submitted for refund on June 19th, 2025. Please allow up to 15 business days for the refund to post back to the Visa card ending in 6262.

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    Budget Rent a Car is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

    To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.

    Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?

    BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

    BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

    When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

    BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

    As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.