When planning a trip, finding the right rental car can be one of the trickiest parts of travel planning. Prices vary wildly, terms are often confusing, and choosing between global brands and local providers can feel overwhelming. That’s why many travelers turn to car rental comparison platforms. And among the biggest names in the industry is Rentalcars.com.
If you’ve ever used Booking.com to book a hotel, you’ve probably already seen Rentalcars.com integrated into the system. Owned by the same parent company (Booking Holdings), Rentalcars.com promises huge inventory, competitive prices, and easy booking across 60,000+ locations worldwide.
But is it really as convenient and reliable as it looks? Or does the platform come with hidden pitfalls you need to watch out for?
In this brutally honest Rentalcars.com review, I’ll walk you through how it works, the pros and cons, my personal experiences, comparisons with rivals like EconomyBookings and DiscoverCars, and whether you should use it for your next trip.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Rentalcars.com?
Rentalcars.com is one of the world’s largest online car rental brokers. It works as an aggregator, pulling prices and availability from hundreds of rental suppliers — both global giants like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt, as well as smaller local companies.
Unlike booking directly with Hertz or Avis, Rentalcars.com allows you to compare multiple suppliers in one place, ensuring you don’t miss out on cheaper deals.
The platform is part of Booking Holdings, which also owns Booking.com, Agoda, and Priceline. That gives it a strong foundation, global reach, and a reputation for trustworthiness in the travel industry.
👉 In short: Rentalcars.com is the Booking.com of car rentals — a one-stop-shop for finding cars worldwide.
How Does Rentalcars.com Work?
The process is simple:
- Search: Enter your pickup and drop-off location, dates, and driver’s age.
- Browse: The platform displays available offers from different suppliers.
- Filter & Compare: Use filters for car size, transmission, fuel policy, mileage limits, deposit size, and supplier rating.
- Book: Confirm the booking and pay (either in full or partially, depending on the offer).
- Pick Up: Present your voucher, driver’s license, passport, and credit card at the supplier’s counter.
💡 Pro tip: Rentalcars.com lets you sort by supplier rating, which is super helpful to avoid unreliable local companies.
Pros of Rentalcars.com
Here’s what stands out when using Rentalcars.com:
- ✅ Massive global coverage – cars available in over 60,000 locations worldwide.
- ✅ Backed by a trusted brand – part of Booking Holdings, giving it credibility.
- ✅ User-friendly interface – clear filters and easy-to-understand options.
- ✅ Integration with Booking.com – if you’re already booking hotels, this makes trip planning seamless.
- ✅ Supplier ratings & reviews – helps identify reliable companies.
- ✅ Price Match Guarantee – if you find the same car cheaper elsewhere, they’ll match it.
- ✅ Free cancellation (on most bookings) – flexibility if your plans change.
Cons of Rentalcars.com
Like all brokers, Rentalcars.com isn’t perfect. Here are the main downsides:
- ❌ Not the rental company itself – you’re booking through a middleman.
- ❌ Insurance confusion – their insurance add-ons may not be directly recognized by suppliers.
- ❌ Deposits required – most suppliers will still place a hold on your credit card.
- ❌ Customer service gaps – in disputes, you may get bounced between Rentalcars.com and the supplier.
- ❌ Not always the cheapest – sometimes EconomyBookings lists lower prices.
My Experience with Rentalcars.com
I’ve booked with Rentalcars.com multiple times, and overall the experience has been positive — but with some caveats.
- In Italy: I booked a Hertz rental for a Tuscany road trip. Everything went smoothly, the car was in great shape, and pickup was fast. What I liked most was being able to filter for “Full-to-Full fuel policy” and high-rated suppliers.
- In Thailand: I used Rentalcars.com to book with a local supplier. While the booking was smooth, the car wasn’t in the best condition, and the deposit requirement caught me off guard.
👉 Lesson learned: Rentalcars.com is only as good as the supplier you choose. If you pick a reputable global brand, you’ll likely have a smooth experience. If you go with a cheap local company, results may vary.
Rentalcars.com vs Other Platforms
To give you a clearer picture, here’s how Rentalcars.com compares to competitors:
| Platform | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rentalcars.com | Travelers using Booking.com | Huge selection, supplier reviews, trusted brand | Not always cheapest, middleman issues |
| EconomyBookings | Budget-conscious travelers | Very cheap deals, wide supplier base | High deposits, mixed support |
| DiscoverCars | First-time renters | Clear policies, simple insurance, user-friendly | Slightly smaller inventory |
| Direct booking (Avis, Hertz, Sixt) | Travelers wanting premium service | Loyalty points, direct support | Usually higher cost |
💡 My take: Rentalcars.com wins for convenience and supplier reviews, EconomyBookings for lowest prices, and DiscoverCars for transparency.
Tips for Booking with Rentalcars.com
If you decide to use Rentalcars.com, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
- Always check supplier reviews. Don’t just book the cheapest deal.
- Understand insurance coverage. Their insurance is often third-party. Check if your credit card already covers rentals.
- Bring a credit card in the driver’s name. Debit cards are rarely accepted.
- Take photos of the car. Document any existing damage before leaving the lot.
- Book early. Prices rise as your pickup date approaches, especially in popular destinations.
- Use free cancellation. Plans change — don’t hesitate to cancel and rebook if prices drop.
Is Rentalcars.com Safe and Legit?
Yes, Rentalcars.com is 100% legit. It’s one of the biggest players in the market, trusted by millions of travelers worldwide, and backed by a multi-billion-dollar travel company.
That said, remember: they’re a broker, not the rental company. The actual rental experience depends on the supplier you choose.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Rentalcars.com in 2025?
So, is Rentalcars.com worth it?
✅ Yes, if you want:
- A wide selection of cars worldwide.
- Supplier ratings to guide your choice.
- Seamless integration with Booking.com.
- Flexibility with free cancellation.
❌ Maybe not, if you:
- Want the absolute cheapest deal (check EconomyBookings).
- Prefer direct customer service with the rental company.
- Hate dealing with deposits or third-party insurance.
👉 My personal recommendation: Use Rentalcars.com for convenience, wide coverage, and supplier reviews. But before booking, quickly compare with EconomyBookings and DiscoverCars to make sure you’re getting the best value.
✅ Summary: Rentalcars.com is a reliable, easy-to-use platform that shines when you value convenience, global reach, and supplier transparency. It may not always be the cheapest option, but it’s one of the most trusted and widely used platforms in 2025.
=> Suggested post: Unbiased EconomyBookings Review 2025: Amazing Deals or Risky Choice?