Top 10 Best Car Rental Companies in the US: National Car Rental & More for 2026
We tested the biggest car rental brands across the US for pricing, vehicle quality, loyalty perks, and customer service. National Car Rental leads the pack for frequent travelers.
Finding the Best Car Rental in the US
Renting a car in the United States has never been more competitive. From airport counters to mobile-first booking apps, the major brands are battling for your business with loyalty perks, flexible cancellation, and increasingly diverse fleets. We evaluated 10 top providers across 25 US airports over 6 months.
Our Evaluation Criteria
- Pricing transparency: Final price vs. advertised rate (hidden fees matter)
- Vehicle condition: Fleet age, cleanliness, and maintenance
- Loyalty program value: How quickly you earn and redeem rewards
- Pickup speed: Time from arrival to driving away
- Customer service: Issue resolution and responsiveness
- Flexibility: Cancellation policy and one-way rental options
#1 National Car Rental — Best for Frequent Travelers
National Car Rental earns the top spot thanks to its Emerald Club program, which is widely regarded as the best loyalty experience in the car rental industry. Emerald Club Executive and Elite members can skip the counter entirely — walk straight to the Emerald Aisle and pick any available vehicle, including free upgrades to SUVs and premium cars.
Why it wins:
- Emerald Aisle lets you choose your own car on the spot
- Consistent fleet of late-model vehicles
- Broad US airport coverage (90+ locations)
- Reliable pricing with fewer surprise fees
- Corporate and leisure rates available
Best for: Business travelers, frequent renters, and anyone who values time savings at the counter.
Emerald Club tiers: Member → Executive → Executive Elite
Free day earned: Every 7 paid rental days
#2 Enterprise — Best for Occasional Renters
Enterprise's neighborhood locations (not just airports) give it unmatched convenience for local rentals. The "We'll Pick You Up" service and flexible one-way options make it excellent for everyday car replacement needs.
#3 Hertz — Best Premium Fleet
Hertz leads for premium and exotic vehicle availability. The Gold Plus Rewards program offers competitive benefits, and the Hertz Ultimate Choice program rivals National's Emerald Aisle concept.
Key Tips for Getting the Best Car Rental Deal
- Book early, cancel and rebook – Rates fluctuate; rebook if you find a better price (free cancellation is standard)
- Skip the counter insurance – Your credit card likely covers collision damage
- Join loyalty programs before you travel – Emerald Club and Gold Plus are free to join
- Use status match – Many brands match competitor loyalty status
- Inspect before you drive – Document any pre-existing damage on pickup
Understanding Car Rental Fees
The advertised rate rarely tells the full story. Common add-ons include:
- Airport concession fee: 10-12% on airport pickups — unavoidable
- State taxes: Vary from 5-20% depending on location
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): $15-35/day — check your credit card coverage first
- Young driver surcharge: Under 25 often incurs $25-35/day fee
- GPS/WiFi hotspot: $10-15/day — use your phone instead
National Car Rental vs. Enterprise (Same Parent Company)
National and Enterprise are owned by the same parent company (Enterprise Holdings), which means shared fleet and corporate infrastructure. The key difference:
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Our Verdict
For frequent business travelers, National Car Rental is the clear #1 choice. The Emerald Aisle experience alone is worth signing up for — skipping the counter at a busy airport saves 20-40 minutes per trip. For occasional or local rentals, Enterprise provides the best combination of convenience and value.
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