Thrifty Car Rental is a budget-focused brand owned by Hertz Corporation, operating at over 1,000 locations primarily at major airports in the US, Canada, and select international destinations. Founded in 1950 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Thrifty is positioned as the value alternative within the Hertz family, offering lower rates than the parent brand while sharing fleet management and operational infrastructure.
✓ Pros
- Lower rates than Hertz at same locations
- Backed by Hertz Corporation infrastructure
- Blue Chip Express skip-the-counter program
- Simple and straightforward booking process
✗ Cons
- Smaller location network than Hertz
Thrifty Car Rental Review
Thrifty exists to offer Hertz-quality infrastructure at a lower price point. It does not try to compete with Dollar on rates or with National on loyalty benefits. It occupies a middle ground: more reliable than independent operators, cheaper than the premium brands, and backed by the same Hertz Corporation fleet management that keeps the vehicles roadworthy and the operations consistent.
Value Proposition
At airports where Thrifty operates alongside Hertz, the rate difference on comparable vehicles typically runs between 15 and 25 percent in Thrifty's favor. For a traveler who does not have Hertz Gold status and is not chasing loyalty points, that gap represents straightforward savings with minimal trade-off in vehicle quality or reliability.
Thrifty's rates sit above Dollar on most comparisons, which reflects the difference in their positioning. Dollar is price-first; Thrifty aims for a slight step up in experience while remaining below the Hertz rate. Whether that positioning is accurate varies by location.
Blue Chip Express
Blue Chip Express is Thrifty's enrollment program for faster pickup. Registered members can skip the counter at participating locations. Enrollment is free and linked to your Thrifty account. The program is simpler than Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and does not offer a full loyalty points earning structure, but for travelers who simply want to avoid standing in line, it covers the essential need.
Who Thrifty Is Best For
- Price-conscious travelers who want a step above the absolute cheapest option without paying Hertz rates
- US domestic renters at major airports where Thrifty's coverage is most consistent
- Occasional renters who are not building loyalty status and want reliable service at a fair price
Where Thrifty Falls Short
Location coverage is significantly more limited than Hertz, and in international markets outside North America, Thrifty's presence is sparse. The loyalty program is basic compared to what Hertz Gold or National Emerald Club offer to frequent renters. For anyone who rents often enough to benefit from status, the minor price advantage over Hertz rarely justifies giving up Gold Plus Rewards benefits.