Both National Car Rental and Budget Rent a Car offer similar services with key differences in customer service consistency and loyalty program perks. National emphasizes vehicle cleanliness, while Budget focuses on competitive pricing. Consider your priorities and compare rates before booking.
| Attribute | National Car Rental | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car variety | Cars, trucks, and vans | — |
| Price | Varies, compare rates from different companies | — |
| Customer service | 844-393-9989 (US), 844-307-8015 (Canada). Some reviews suggest exceptional customer service. | — |
| Pick-up process | Emerald Club aims to make the rental experience faster and more convenient | — |
| Drop-off process | Drop & Go service where you can drop off the car and go, receiving an emailed receipt | — |
| Vehicle cleanliness | Complete Clean Pledge to thoroughly clean vehicles between rentals, paying attention to high-touch points | — |
| Vehicle condition | Performs a final quality check on every vehicle before each rental, including documenting the vehicle's condition | — |
| Extra fees | Daily additional driver fee (averages $12 a day, may be waived). Additional cleaning fees may apply for excessive dirt or smoking | — |
| Loyalty program benefits | Emerald Club: Bypassing the counter, choosing your own car, earning rewards towards free rental days, no second driver fees, free upgrades in Europe | — |
| Geographic availability | Worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Australia. 307 locations in the United States as of July 30, 2025 | — |
| Insurance options | Damage Waiver (DW), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) | — |
| Online booking experience | National Car Rental app allows you to manage rentals, locate facilities, and manage your Emerald Club profile | — |