Reviews of Budget Car and Truck Rental (Rent Cars)

Caitlin Grinfield

We reserved a rental car 3 months ago for October 17, 2018, when my family decided to go on a beach trip together. We paid with our debit card online so we could get our employee discount offered through my place of employment. We thought everything was fine and we were good to go. We arrived to the airport at 7:00 pm (our reservation time) and were told that since we paid with a debit card on-line, they could not process our order at the airport and WE would have to call and have our reservation transferred to another location down the street. Now, keep in mind, we had our 15 month old with us, who was ready for bed and upset that we were not home. So my husband calls and has the reservation transferred and the gentleman on the phone told him that he could pick up his rental right away and that there would not be a waiting period. He also told my husband that because we had to transfer our reservation we would have to pay an additional 39 dollars because of the rate difference? So, because the airport location did not have the car we rented (that was reserved 3 months ago) WE were penalized and had to pay additional fees. The confirmation email we received stated that the pickup time was 7:30. My husband walks into the second rental office and is told that because he had to transfer the reservation the “system” was making them wait an HOUR for the reservation to be swapped from the previous location (seriously less than a mile away). My husband told me to go ahead and go home because again we had a fussy 15 month old. After the hour passed, the manager Jason tells him they can start processing our reservation. He at that time proceeded to tell my husband that since we paid with a debit card, they couldn’t process the rental at all. He also stated that we would have to pay a 150.00 cancellation fee AND make a new reservation with a credit card and come back the NEXT day because they didn’t have a car for us anymore. My husband then asked for an explanation and was told by Jason the "manager" in a very sarcastic and inappropriate manner, that Budget was not a “debit card friendly company” but since they canceled his reservation they actually found a car for us. So my husband sets up a new reservation and has to pay an additional 200 dollars for the new rate then he was told they could not process the employee discount in the store and that it could only be done ONLINE which is what we did in the FIRST PLACE. Jason was slamming papers around and throwing things and had a horrific attitude. I have never experienced such a disregard for customer satisfaction and a complete lack of respect for customers. I work in management for a company who puts customers first and will do anything to rectify the problem. What is your plan to amend this situation?

Kim Hawkins

Service was quick, no problems. Exactly what I expected.

Christian Patterson

Needed transportation for the week and used this rental agency. To be at the airport I assumed it would be a little irritating, but it was a easy transaction, fast service and low prices. The return was all the same experience!

Nancy Levy

DO NOT RENT HERE!! Took over 30 min to rent and I had a reservation. Only one person working and she was taking care of people without reservations. Then upon return I filled up the tank and the man that check me in said full and wrote down I traveled 175 Miles. 2 days later I get a sorry letter and an addl charge of $29.34 for 3.1 gallons of gas at $7.49 a gallon. They told me there is nothing they can do the car wasn’t full. I asked for corporate and they told me it’s a franchise. This place isn’t corporate owned so they are robbing the customers upon return.

Audra Taylor

My experience from the time I entered the downtown location with Angelia Coger and Ms. Donna until the time I returned with Jasmine. These employees are always friendly and nice when I pick up from this location. Upon returning my car on Monday, I was sitting in the lot, not paying attention to the time, Jasmine went out of her way to make sure that my return process was fast in order for me to get to work on time. I love the personalities of these 3 women.

Kimberly Wierenga

I picked up my car in Birmingham, Al. When I discussed the return process with the Budget employee, Paris I was told I had until 4:18 pm the next day to return my vehicle on Canal Street in New Orleans, LA. I clarified the time on three different occasions during our conversation and got it in writing on my receipt. When I arrived at the return location the next day at 3:45 pm, it was closed. I immediately called the pickup location and spoke to the manager, Jason. He told me that Paris was a new employee and was incorrect about the return time. My only option was to return the car to the airport, a 30 minute drive. I explained I had no means of returning to my hotel from the airport and had specifically chose the Canal Street location and paid extra because of its proximity to my hotel. He told me that I should have double checked the closing time of the return location and that the problem was mine. With much frustration I drove to the airport and returned my car. On my arrival I was charged an $89 hour late fee and an additional $24 insurance. When I explained why I was late the New Orleans Budget told me that I had to speak with the Birmingham Budget. When all was said and done I ended up spending an additional $175 in car rental return. Not to mention the majority of my first day of vacation was spent dealing with the rental car return. I will NEVER rent from Budget again.

Jeff Shores

BE VERY CAREFUL! I topped off the fuel tank at the gas station closest to the rental car return. The customer service rep confirmed the tank was full when I returned the car. Now 3 weeks later I get a letter telling me how sorry they are but they charged me $18.73 because they added 2.5 gallons of gas at a charge of $7.49 per gallon. I called the location manager and she told me there was nothing she could do...even with my receipt and her employee verifying the tank was full when returned. If not a scam, it is horrible customer service. Don't tell me it is full and ok and then after I'm long gone, decide to add 2.5 gallons at almost 3 times the normal cost of gas.

Eric Davis

Ok

Shelley Sumner

If you are more that 15 minutes late for your return they will charge you for another day. They also won’t let you take the car with you after you realize that they are charging you for another day without redoing the contract and taking another payment. I made them aware I was runningate and it was not mentioned that I would be charged for an additional day.

Michael Abbott

Awful

Connie Adamo

I reserved a car for my son and was told he would need $273 on his debit card to pay when he picked up the car, he had $300 in his acct and when then ran the charges the total was $331 so his card was denied. He transferred money to his acct and asked them to run again and he was told they could not run the card again for 24 hours. I have worked in banking for 30 years and work at the bank he has his acct, they could have ran his card again. VERY dissatisfied with this car rental, as I had to drive 4 hours to pick up my son! Will contact head office to file a complaint! I would mark no star but the system will not allow it.

Tonnie little

Rented a car on 8/9 - 8/13 traveled to a beech in FL, we went through a toll when we enter to area and when we left at the end of our vacation each cost was $3. on 10/13 I receive something from budget's third party billing that indicated we had two toll by plate fees for the same dates (which totaled less than $6) they charged me $40 to pay those tolls which I had know knowledge I ever had. I spoke with a Manager Chrissy at Airport location in B'ham and she stated she doesn't have the man power to call when the get citations on rental cars. I will NEVER use Budget another day in my life. That's just robbery!!!

Billy Mcmillan

I was trying to get a car to go from Alabama to Florida one way. After getting a major disappointment from Enterprise rent a car in Cullman it was refreshing to get fast and quality service. I has a great experience picking up the car in Birmingham and dropping it off in Tampa.

Michael Koratich

Returned car full and got notice of additional gas charge of over $30 for 2 gallons of gas. Car was filled less than a mile from Budget. Manager would not speak with me and corporate was no help. Filed a CC charge back.

Dimplez Clepper

I rented from budget all the time in the past, but this particular time was different! To verify your address you have to bring a bill, or bank statement. So, I did! I brung a bank statement. I get notice from the short rude guy saying they can't take my info! What?! So I called my bank and put it on speaker phone. The bank agent verified my address that he heard himself and then, I managed to pull my bank statements up from my phone, which he seen as well. It also verified my account and address, but still I get disrespected, wow!!! I do not recommend them to anyone!!!!!!!

Steven St. Louis

worst experience ever. be mindful of what they charge you. the office manager is also the most disrespectful person I've ever had to deal with. AVOID at all costs!!

Ashley Geneva

GO TO NATIONAL! First off this location return is down the street from the airport, so you have to get a Uber to go back to the airport for your flight. Second, they charge $250 for anything left in the car to include the smell of your body spray! The manager Tiffany was training an employee teaching her that insane mess, so know ALL the employees will be foolish as well! I’d rather walk than rent with budget again first and last time!

a dyle

My mother just got stranded and harassed (the employee following her out saying he will call all the car rental places and tell them not to rent to her! ). What the hell is wrong with this place? I'm taking this to corporate.

michael dick

Not good!

Erin Bangert

Rude employees and horrible customer service. Go anywhere else!

nene100184

I started my initial rental on 9/14/15 with a major credit card. My intention was to make my final payment with my debit card. I was only using the credit card for the insurance coverage it provides. While I was still in the rental, some of the charges were finalized on the credit card. So any other charges had to go on my debit card. I use GGoBank which is a regular checking account but everything is mobile because they don't have physical locations. After using this card THREE separate times at this location between 9/14/15 and 10/18/15, today I was told I can't use it because it shows up as a prepaid card. A simple phone call or internet search would confirm whether it's a debit or prepaid card. I was told that I could not rent today (after ending a contract to start a new one with this same card) and I could speak to someone in the "business department" on Monday to straighten the issue out. It's Sunday and I needed to rent to go to work. I will never use Budget again. The service isn't worth the hassle.

Bill Wakefield

Always very nice and helpful!

Jessica Nelson

NEVER, EVER will Free State Four Paws rent a cargo van from Budget Birmingham again. We were 1.5 hours late getting the van back so they charged us a late charge ($50+ understandable), But they also charged us for another FULL day of rent and then tacked on the insurance on top of that. Talk about taking advantage of someone...this company certainly took advantage of our rescue. NEVER means NEVER..giving a cent to this company again.

angelasharris2791 .

Warm welcome to Birmingham! Thanks guys!

Meredith Burgett

They were so helpful and the process was easy

Scott Slatten

Very rude. I think we will stick with Enterprise.

Daniel Campbell

Don't plan on having a family member help you with renting a car when you have to have one unless they are with you. They are completely unhelpful unless that person is with you and not 1000 miles away

Jeremiah Guillory

Went to rent a car today and the worst experince ever my advice dont rent here!!!!

Beth Lowe

I would give a zero if I could. The Customer Service at this location is the worse I have seen. Reserved a car through Expedia and then tried calling for 3 days to ask a question about the 'valid' drivers license and they NEVER answered. 3 days and at least 3 times each day. Unacceptable! Called the 800 number and they stated the temporary valid drivers license would be fine. It was legal. Get to the desk and my employee could NOT get the car. Rude to him, not helpful etc......Another customer was there at the same time and they were the same to her. Will NOT be using Budget for cars if at all possible.

Telisha Holland

I will never in my life rent here again!!! I had reserved my rental online but when I get there the total price has changed from $268 to $464. That was included my hundred dollars deposit that I was promised to get back in return once I bring back the vehicle like it was. Before leaving with a completely different vehicle that I’d requested for online; I’d asked the man about the address on the key chain is correct. He stated yes but when it was time to bring it back the address was at another Budget location in Birmingham. Good thing I’d left early in time before my flight left. When I get to the correct location I then tell the exact same idiot that he had given me the incorrect address. Of corse he’s in denial but then three weeks has passed and I’d yet seen my hundred dollar deposit. They kept transferring me to different customer services then one of them stated “Oh we’re private own!” Idgaf but what I do know is that I will continue my business with Enterprise!!!

Jürgen Lobert

Lousiest service ever. I should have read these reviews, they get consistently one star. They didn't have my reservation on file, even though I received a confirmation hours earlier from Expedia. The worst was that the person was unfriendly and refused to give me the car that he still had on premises. It was 11pm with no chance of other arrivals. I stayed away from Budget for 25 years, this made me decide to add another 25.

Staci Hamilton

The worst managment. The manager kicked a deaf girl out and threatened to put her on a do not rent list because she was loud!!!!!!!! She's deaf of course she was loud she was deaf!!!!!!

Carletta Davis

Even though I always make a reservation. They make never want to listen and I end up filling out a new rental and paying more than then reservation price and never getting the car I wanted. The last time I was there, I was told that I was placed on a do not rent list for letting an unauthorized driver return the car with damage. I was the one who returned the car and even showed them the return receipt showing that everything was fine. They said that there was nothing they could do and left it at that.

Aubrey Power

They rented me a car with bald tires, then, after having it towed back and discovering they were bald and had holes in them, asked me two additional times to drive it somewhere else. After much arguing about it and then telling me I would have to leave the car somewhere else and come back the next day, they gave me another car (no discounts or apologies) then tried to charge me for not filling up the tank on the first car that was unsafe to operate. I will never rent from this company again. I’m just thankful I didn’t get injured because of their lack of concern for the safety of their customers.

Redeana J. Russell

Was so greatful to these folks. I was in a bad position. And they really helped me out. And then robbed my bank account. And lost the car I returned. And they were threatening to have me arrested for a car that they've had all along

Amanda Shumate

Give me my money back! They charged me 304 for the rental on 3/18 and told it would be 24 hrs an I would get the 166 holding fee back in my account. Then they told me 3-5 days. Today is day 5 and still no money. WHERE IS MY MONEY?? I was charged 2 overdraft fees but thankfully my bank, Chase, is understanding and voided them as soon as I got my account back out of the negative. I've called several times but no one will talk to me. The ones who have answered have been rude and short with me. NEVER use this service.

Bryana Gregory

Great service!

Jeri Falejczyk

My experience With Budget was nothing but positive! After reading some reviews I was concerned that things may not go smoothly. Also, at my time of rental, other car rental companies at Birmingham Airport were experiencing double bookings and not having cars available when reserved. I was there for a UA college orientation and many other parents I had talked to had arrived to no car with other rental companies when they have a reservation. Not only was my car ready and waiting after my 4 hour delayed flight, the female employee assisting me at 10:00 at night had the best customer service. We were off with no problem and returning the car was even easier! I was barely pulled into my return spot when the car was already assessed and reviewed and my receipt was in hand. I had planned for the return to take some time and I was done within minutes. Will definitely rent from Budget again without hesitation.

Brittany Blunk

Awful service! I'd rate this place ZERO if I could!!!! We landed at 10am and had a scheduled pick up for 11. Well when we got there the lady told us we needed proof of returning flights. We showed her and showed her and she said it was NOT good enough. We needed to go to check in and have them print off the whole thing and then have them sign it. We finally got back around 12 because of the long line in check in. We got to the desk and she said I couldn't rent it because I had two different last names EVEN THOUGH it was clearly me. She was beyond rude and VERY VERY not understanding. So I said I'll change it to my husbands name. She then proceeded to give the car I had picked out to someone else. She then made me call the customer service line where I had to cancel my rental and then redo it. The guy said the first half of my refund would be put back in 24 hours and the next half would be 3-5 days. Needless to say it's been 4 days and NO money has been refunded. We went through and put the rental through my husbands name. We booked it through USAA where we would've had our younger age fee waviered (we are both 23). She stated that my usaa number wasn't good enough and that she NEEDED my card asap. I haven't received my usaa card yet in the mail so I only had my app. I said well he is active duty military and he can prove it. She RUDELY stated military or not it does not matter and they are nothing special to receive the discount. My husband was on emergency leave because of his brother passing away. She was BEYOND rude. Our bill went from $224 to almost $500!!!!! I WILL NEVER EVER EVER RECOMMEND BUDGET TO ANYONE!!! the Birmingham airport location is nothing but rude staff members!

Sherry Nicholl

They lied lied and switched contract I signed. I am a flight attendant with a very large airline. I Han rented hureds of autos. They switched my cotract. Forged a different one. Unbelievable! Ripoff!

Tiffany Chen

They don't even deserve one star! Because they are so RUDE!

ekilpatrick0618 .

If I could give no stars I would. Upon arriving at the messer airport location I was presented with a contract saying I would have to pay $255 instead of $180 because I had a debit card and not a credit card. So I asked the lady at the counter if it would be a pending charge which she confirmed it would only be a pending charge, not a processed charge.... Long story short it was posted to my account for the full $255 which overdrafted me. I call for an explanation and we unwilling to work with me. Obviously management is at fault for poor training of the sales reps, and poor business ethics. Oh we'll never going to use them again.... Also would advise others to do the same and avoid budget at messer airport in Birmingham. If only the corporate number could have given a little help. Smh

lenaye heaven

Mean horrible service, the workers have very bad service don't here your never rent a car here

Joylene Bill

Nice Cars

Gretchen Wilson

Booked the car online. The pick up and return process was seamless. Price was reasonable. Will definitely rent from them again.

Rusty Moss

Very poor service will never go back there. The black lady was very rude!

J C

Great experience with Budget. Nothing out of the ordinary. Alfonso, the service rep, was wonderful to work with. I will continue to use this Budget rental over the others.

Jerry Gledhill

Our flight was late getting in, but got there just a few minutes before closing. The SUV that I reserved wasn't there, and we had to settle for a Chrysler van. Which we had to go back and exchange the next morning.

Antionette Gibson

Horrible customer services when I made reservations I need to get to my mother in the hospital in a different county there response was there are no cars available but there are 5 cars sitting on the lot and wanted to get smart those cars are luxury you need a major credit card

Mira Polion

I have always rented cars from here. I went in today to pick up a car that I reserved and was told that I could not due to the card that I was using not having my name on it, even though I am on the account. This was an important trip for my daughter and her basketball team. I will NEVER do business with you all again.

Moe Moton

Budget has gotten awful. My husband and I rented a car from this location on 3/25/16 @ approximately 4:36 and returned it on 3/27/216 @ approximately 4:45. So on the day of 3/25/16 when we got in the car to leave, we noticed that it smelled like smoke so I told my husband to go tell the young lady that checked him in to come out to smell it so she did and she said that she would write it on the paper that it smelled like smoke but later on we found out she didn't. Okay so when we arrived to check back in the car, one of the representatives and my husband walked around the car to inspect it and they cleared us and we left. About an hour later, my husband phone rings and it's the representative that checked us in saying that the windshield had a little crack in it and he wanted us to come back in so remind you know we had been gone an hour, they cleared us saying we was free to go and we had done drove 45 minutes away back to our house. So then the manager gets on the phone Lori Outland at least that's what she said her name was but anyways she gets to telling my husband that he needed to come back down there right now with a very nasty attitude, not professional at all. My husband proceeded to explain to her about how we didn't see no crack and how the car wasn't properly checked out because the lady didn't noticed the car smelled like smoke because we had to tell her. She wouldn't let him talk so he was getting frustrated so I took the phone to try to diffuse the situation but she was very rude towards me too saying things like I don't want to talk to nobody but the renter but I was on the renter as a second driver so I felt like she could have talked to me and in a better tone and fashion but she refused to. She was telling my husband that he would have to pay for the windshield even though he paid extra for the partial damage waiver insurance that they offer so we drove on back down there and when we got there she wanted to act all nice because she didn't want the other customers to hear how rude she was being behind her desk behind closed doors. We told her that we didn't appreciate how rude she was and how sloppy her workers and their work was and she admitted that it was her worker fault and she apologized but we didn't accept it simply because it wasn't professional nor sincere, she only said that because we was face to face but we said we will go ahead and do it this time but we will "NEVER" rent from Budget again "EVER" simply because you let us leave and be gone a whole hour just to tell us we better come back to sign some papers because it was a crack in the windshield of the rental car that was checked in without sayin a crack was in the windshield. For all we know, they could've did it. I just feel that this was a very unprofessional move on Management part and if Budget don't remove this heartless unprofessional witch, they gone lose all their business because while we was down there, it was 6 other people saying the same thing about Mrs Rude & Unprofessional Outland. I will be calling corporate and the BBB about this situation and maybe, just maybe nobody will get treated like this. I hope this review helps someone

Chadman Ponter

The customer service is horrible and the manager would never answer the phone when asked to speak to him/her. They also gave me the run around on redeeming my hilton honor points with them, they ended up not honoring them at least I thought because no one would help me. I ended up canceling my reservation and going with Avis who helped me very quickly and honored my hilton points.

R Owens

Quick and easy. Used the app. Agents on site were very helpful and friendly. I would recommend using Budget.

Chris Hathaway

Hello - i was extremely disappointed in your treatment of customers on 12/4. I was on Delta flight 4994 from Detroit to Birmingham, AL. Due to snowy weather in Chicago our flight was delayed and our pilot was quite late. We didn't land in Birmingham until 2am. Imagine the frustration of being on a flight that was supposed to land at 9pm delayed all the way to 2am!!! Quite the ordeal. on top of that, imagine the anger you would experience at getting to the airport and finding out you have no rental car!! at 2am!!!!! Your franchise in Birmingham has NO plans for delayed flights. NOTHING! THEY DO NOTHING!!! Why do i give you my flight number if you can't leave the car for me if delayed? I was so so angry with your company. On top of that i called your "customer service" only for the representative to deflect the blame over and over. first, it was my fault for being delayed, then it was Delta Airlines fault, then his excuse was that you won't pay people if they stay past midnight!! so now it's my fault you treat your employees like crap? so here we are, a situation that is already frustrating is ramped up by this jerk you employ to answer the phone. can't you leave the keys and a list of cars for people that are delayed? there were at least 4 or 5 of us on that flight standing around with no way to get to where we are going. by the way, not like you folks care, but i took an Uber to my hotel. it was much easier than dealing with your nightmare of a company! also, your competitors did have staff on hand to help those of us on our flight lucky enough to have booked with a firm that cares about their customers. needless to say it's probably going to be a cold day in hell before i use budget again. get bent!

Jason Sparks

Going on my 4th week renting with budget rental just outside the Birmingham airport. I called a day before I had to have it back wondering why they didn't take my 4th pre-authorized payment and to also ask to renew a new week what would be the cheapest route. Online booking or in person. They tell me I didn't reserve a new week and when trying to contact me they couldn't. They had my number written down wrong. Tell me the car is reported stolen and I need to bring it back asap. I did. I brought it back as soon as I found out. Wanted to clear this mess up and figure out what went wrong. They treated me like garbage. Said I never called to renew and I was lieing. Charged me extra and on top said I had to fill out a damage report of the front bumper. Said a home repair kit was used. I never damaged anything. But again they said I was lieing. I stuck my face right at what they said I damaged and I still couldn't see it. I didn't know what I was looking at when they guy tried to show me. But somehow they knew what was there. When I did the walk around. There were dents, scratches and scuffs. There was food inside the vehicle and grease finger spots all over the AC and radio buttons. I really did care as long as the lady who I did the walk around knew it. Asked to make sure everything would be documented. When I get the copy at the end only thing on the paper said "stains on seats". The best part is the customer behind me ended up going the same thing with the damage report. You could see it in their faces they didn't do what they were being blamed for. They refused to fill out the damage report. I call the head number and was told there was nothing they could do because I wasn't in the system. It was a "privately own" they said. I'd "have to call that location" they said. So after all I've been through and seeing others go through some of the same things I went through, I can only come to one conclusion. They are scamming people out of money. I've never been treated like that ever from a company. I wonder how many people are getting scammed like me. They told me to my face I was "lieing" and "it's time for me to go". I am going to do all I can to make sure they do t get away with this. First I'm going on the website "ripoff damage report" and then I plan to contact a lawyer and I'm sure I need to call the police for a report. They are lieing and cheating their customers. Watch out for budget rental at Birmingham airport.