Sixt vs Hertz: what US renters should know before booking

Sixt and Hertz both run their own fleets, which means the rules on their websites are the rules at the counter. For US rentals, those rules diverge in ways that can decide whether you can rent at all — especially if you are under 25, want to pay by debit card, or book a non-refundable rate.

At a glance

Four renters, two rulebooks

Rather than list rules in the abstract, it helps to test them against the people they affect most.

A 20-year-old student flying into Miami

Hertz's page says the minimum age at most US locations is 20, with an "Age Differential Charge" for younger renters.^[1] Sixt's minimum is 21 in every state except New York, where it is 18.^[2] In Florida, then, the student can rent from Hertz but not Sixt. Both companies restrict what under-25s can drive: Sixt limits them to economy through full-size sedans, compact through mid-size SUVs and minivans; Hertz excludes its Dream, Prestige and Adrenaline collections.^[2][1]

A 30-year-old with only a debit card

Both companies will consider a debit card, but the conditions differ. At Sixt airport locations, you need a return flight, train or bus ticket in your name that matches the rental's return date and was booked at least 24 hours before pick-up; sports, luxury and several premium categories are excluded.^[2] At Hertz, you must be 25 or over, reserve at least 24 hours ahead, show a return travel ticket at airport locations and two forms of ID, and in most cases pass a credit check.^[1] Hertz does not accept debit cards for prepaid Pay Now rates.^[1]

A couple sharing the driving

Hertz's page says a spouse or domestic partner is an authorised driver at no charge if the renter is a Hertz Gold+ loyalty member (any tier), and that a spouse is automatically authorised on rentals that start in California or Iowa.^[1] The Sixt US page we reviewed did not set out an equivalent spouse rule, so check additional-driver charges at booking.^[2]

A traveller booking a cheaper prepaid rate

Sixt spells out what a prepaid rate costs to cancel: $100 (excluding tax) if you cancel more than 24 hours before pick-up, $200 within 24 hours, and nothing back after the pick-up time or if you do not show up. Cancelling within 24 hours of booking is free if pick-up is more than 48 hours away. Prepaid bookings can be changed up to an hour before pick-up, but any price difference in your favour is not refunded.^[2]

On a short rental, a flat $100 fee can be most of what you paid. We could not find Hertz's US Pay Now cancellation fees on its qualifications page, so compare the terms each company shows you before paying.^[1]

Security holds: how much of your card is tied up

A hold is not a charge, but the money is unavailable while the car is out. Both companies hold the estimated rental cost plus an extra amount.

Sixt adds that refunds to the original payment method can take up to 15 business days if the payment method is changed during or at the end of a rental.^[2] For a fuller explanation of how holds and deposits work, see our guide to car rental deposits.

How they compare

Fuel and roadside help

Hertz lists three fuel choices for US rentals: prepay for a tank under its Fuel Purchase Option (with no refund for fuel you do not use), let Hertz refuel the car at a per-gallon rate plus service charge, or return it with the tank at the level you received it.^[1] Its US rates include basic Emergency Roadside Assistance for mechanical faults, with a paid premium tier covering lockouts, lost keys, flat batteries and running out of fuel up to stated limits.^[1]

The Sixt US page we reviewed concentrates on eligibility, payment and cancellations rather than fuel. Check the fuel policy on your booking confirmation.^[2]

Strengths and limitations

Which may suit you?

Frequently asked questions