Avis vs National: 2026 Head-to-Head Comparison
Avis and National both target the business traveler segment with premium fleets, faster pickup, and strong loyalty programs. The choice usually comes down to which loyalty program you already have status in, and which airport network better matches your travel pattern.
Quick verdict by category
| Category | Avis | National | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refuel charge | $9.50/gal | $10.50/gal | Avis |
| Base rate | 5-10% above market | competitive | tied |
| Loyalty | Avis Preferred | Emerald Club | Depends on tier |
| Fuel option | FSO + EZ-Fuel | FSO | Tied |
| Positioning | business premium | business airport | — |
| Parent | Avis Budget Group | Enterprise Holdings | — |
Avis
- Strong corporate program
- Skip-the-counter for Preferred
- EZ-Fuel option in select cities
- Older fleet on average
- Aggressive damage claim policies
- Mid-tier loyalty perks
National
- Executive Aisle (pick any car)
- Strong loyalty program for travelers
- Airport-focused (no off-airport hassle)
- Airport-only at most locations
- Higher refueling rate
- No leisure perks
Pick Avis if you...
- Value a strong corporate program
- Value skip-the-counter for preferred
- Value ez-fuel option in select cities
- Are flying into a major airport where Avis has high inventory
- Are a mid-to-high tier Avis Preferred member already
Pick National if you...
- Value executive aisle (pick any car)
- Value a strong loyalty program for travelers
- Value airport-focused (no off-airport hassle)
- Are renting a 3+ day trip where the base rate matters more than perks
- Are a Emerald Club member already
The fuel math: Avis vs National
Both brands use the same trick — return below full and pay $9.50 to $10.50 per gallon (about 3× retail). On a 15-gallon tank returned half-empty:
- Avis: 7.5 × $9.50 = $71.25 in refueling charges
- National: 7.5 × $10.50 = $78.75 in refueling charges
- Self-fill (either brand): 7.5 × $3.65 = $27.38 at the pump
Both brands' refueling fees can be avoided by returning the car at the right fuel level. FillItRight calculates the exact gallons to add for any brand and any vehicle.
For more detail on each brand's fuel options:
One-way rental fees: Avis vs National
Avis and National have different parent companies and different one-way fee strategies. Enterprise Holdings brands tend to have the most flexible one-way policies (especially for in-state returns), while Avis Budget Group and Hertz Corporation typically charge higher one-way fees.
For long one-way trips, the one-way fee can dwarf the base rental rate. See the full one-way rental fee guide for the latest rates by route.
Frequently asked questions
Is Avis or National cheaper for refueling?
Avis is cheaper by approximately $1.00 per gallon. Avis charges around $9.50 per gallon, National around $10.50.
Which has better loyalty rewards: Avis or National?
Both Avis Preferred and Emerald Club offer free days, upgrades, and faster pickup, but neither waives fuel charges. Top-tier Avis Preferred tends to offer guaranteed upgrades and free additional drivers more reliably than equivalent Emerald Club tiers.
Are Avis and National owned by the same company?
No. Avis is owned by Avis Budget Group, while National is owned by Enterprise Holdings. They compete directly in most US markets.
Which brand has newer cars?
National tends to have the newer fleet on average. Premium classes at both brands are typically newer; budget classes are where the age difference shows. Always photograph the odometer at pickup.
Does either Avis or National have a flat-fee fuel option?
Avis offers a flat-fee fuel option (FSO + EZ-Fuel) in some markets. Flat fees are only worth taking on very short rentals (under 50 miles total) where you will return the car nearly empty.
Can I dispute charges from either brand?
Yes — the dispute process is identical at both. Respond in writing within 30 days, include timestamped pickup photos as evidence, request the damage estimate. If unresolved, file a credit card chargeback within 60 days of the statement date.