Thrifty vs Dollar: 2026 Head-to-Head Comparison
Thrifty and Dollar are sister brands under the Hertz Corporation, both positioned as budget alternatives to Hertz itself. They share nearly identical pricing and policies, but small differences in loyalty programs and location coverage can swing your choice.
Quick verdict by category
| Category | Thrifty | Dollar | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refuel charge | $9.00/gal | $9.00/gal | Dollar |
| Base rate | below market | below market | tied |
| Loyalty | Thrifty Blue Chip | Dollar Express | Depends on tier |
| Fuel option | FPO + Flat fee | FPO + Flat fee | More options = more flexibility |
| Positioning | budget | budget | — |
| Parent | Hertz Corporation | Hertz Corporation | — |
Thrifty
- Cheapest Hertz Corp brand
- Flat fee fuel option in some markets
- Lower refueling rates than Hertz
- Older fleet
- Smaller location network
- Limited loyalty perks
Dollar
- Same low refueling as Thrifty
- Express loyalty with skip-counter
- Often cheaper than Budget on equivalent cars
- Older fleet
- Limited international presence
- Customer service reputation lower
Pick Thrifty if you...
- Value cheapest hertz corp brand
- Value flat fee fuel option in some markets
- Value lower refueling rates than hertz
- Are flying into a major airport where Thrifty has high inventory
- Are a mid-to-high tier Thrifty Blue Chip member already
Pick Dollar if you...
- Value a same low refueling as thrifty
- Value express loyalty with skip-counter
- Value a often cheaper than budget on equivalent cars
- Are renting a 3+ day trip where the base rate matters more than perks
- Are a Dollar Express member already
The fuel math: Thrifty vs Dollar
Both brands use the same trick — return below full and pay $9.00 to $9.00 per gallon (about 3× retail). On a 15-gallon tank returned half-empty:
- Thrifty: 7.5 × $9.00 = $67.50 in refueling charges
- Dollar: 7.5 × $9.00 = $67.50 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: Thrifty vs Dollar
Since both brands share the Hertz Corporation parent, they have similar one-way fee structures. Pricing differences are minimal at the same airport. 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 Thrifty or Dollar cheaper for refueling?
Dollar is cheaper by approximately $0.00 per gallon. Thrifty charges around $9.00 per gallon, Dollar around $9.00.
Which has better loyalty rewards: Thrifty or Dollar?
Both Thrifty Blue Chip and Dollar Express offer free days, upgrades, and faster pickup, but neither waives fuel charges. Top-tier Thrifty Blue Chip tends to offer guaranteed upgrades and free additional drivers more reliably than equivalent Dollar Express tiers.
Are Thrifty and Dollar owned by the same company?
Yes — both are owned by Hertz Corporation. They share fleets, loyalty data, and corporate operations.
Which brand has newer cars?
Dollar 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 Thrifty or Dollar have a flat-fee fuel option?
Thrifty offers a flat-fee fuel option (FPO + Flat fee) in some markets. Dollar offers a flat-fee fuel option (FPO + Flat fee) 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.