BR
Budget Rent A Car
Claimed Business
Transportation & Logistics|1.6|20 Reviews (last 12 months)|This business does not respond to reviews
BR
Budget Rent A Car
Claimed Business
20 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Budget Rent A Car faces severe criticism around deposit refund delays, with numerous customers reporting waiting weeks or months without resolution. Unauthorized charges, incorrect invoicing, and lack of VAT compliance are recurring frustrations. Customers consistently describe an unresponsive call centre and unanswered emails, leaving disputes unresolved. Roadside assistance and claims handling have also drawn complaints for poor coordination and unfair billing practices. While a small number of reviewers praised friendly staff and a simple rental process, the overwhelming sentiment reflects deep dissatisfaction with post-rental service and financial accountability.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#23
in Transportation & Logistics
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.6|20 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(5.9%)
4(5.9%)
3(0%)
2(5.9%)
1(82.4%)
5(5.9%)
4(5.9%)
3(0%)
2(5.9%)
1(82.4%)
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Rent A Car
Based on recent customer reviews, Budget Rent A Car faces severe criticism around deposit refund delays, with numerous customers reporting waiting weeks or months without resolution. Unauthorized charges, incorrect invoicing, and lack of VAT compliance are recurring frustrations. Customers consistently describe an unresponsive call centre and unanswered emails, leaving disputes unresolved. Roadside assistance and claims handling have also drawn complaints for poor coordination and unfair billing practices. While a small number of reviewers praised friendly staff and a simple rental process, the overwhelming sentiment reflects deep dissatisfaction with post-rental service and financial accountability.
Budget Rent A Car has a TrustIndex of 0 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 20 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Budget Rent A Car across 366 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (20)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceRV
Ruan V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 01:12
Nightmare on wheels!
Title: Still waiting for my deposit refund – Budget Cape Town Airport I rented a vehicle through Budget Car Hire at Cape Town International Airport from 2 January 2026 to 7 January 2026. Booking reference: ZA876128210 Voucher number: ZA888241690 Confirmation number: 36196240ZA3 The experience was extremely disappointing. On 2 January I waited roughly 2–3 hours in the queue before being assisted. The staff member who helped me explained that they were short on vehicles and that customers were being given alternative cars because they did not have enough stock. The car I eventually received was in poor condition. I accepted it only because I had already waited for hours and had no alternative. When I returned the vehicle on 7 January 2026 at Cape Town International Airport, the car was returned in the same condition as it was given to me. Due to the long queue at the desk, the staff member simply told me to proceed without any proper inspection. Despite this, I have still not received my deposit refund. I have tried calling and emailing multiple times but have received no resolution. This is unacceptable. Deposits should be released within a reasonable timeframe once the vehicle is returned without damage. I request that Budget Car Hire urgently process my deposit refund and confirm when the funds will reflect in my account.
Helpful (0)
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Ruan V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 01:12
Nightmare on wheels!
Title: Still waiting for my deposit refund – Budget Cape Town Airport I rented a vehicle through Budget Car Hire at Cape Town International Airport from 2 January 2026 to 7 January 2026. Booking reference: ZA876128210 Voucher number: ZA888241690 Confirmation number: 36196240ZA3 The experience was extremely disappointing. On 2 January I waited roughly 2–3 hours in the queue before being assisted. The staff member who helped me explained that they were short on vehicles and that customers were being given alternative cars because they did not have enough stock. The car I eventually received was in poor condition. I accepted it only because I had already waited for hours and had no alternative. When I returned the vehicle on 7 January 2026 at Cape Town International Airport, the car was returned in the same condition as it was given to me. Due to the long queue at the desk, the staff member simply told me to proceed without any proper inspection. Despite this, I have still not received my deposit refund. I have tried calling and emailing multiple times but have received no resolution. This is unacceptable. Deposits should be released within a reasonable timeframe once the vehicle is returned without damage. I request that Budget Car Hire urgently process my deposit refund and confirm when the funds will reflect in my account.
0
Replies (0)DJ
David J
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
2 Feb 2026, 15:13
Unsatisfactory service from Budget Rent a Car South Africa.
Most unsatisfactory service from Budget Rent a Car South Africa. It has been over a month, and I still have not received a correct VAT invoice. The VAT invoice initially issued is not acceptable for submission to SARS, as it does not include the company name, address, or VAT number — despite all this information being correctly supp**** via Budget’s online documentation process. In addition: My deposit was not refunded in full An optional Theft Loss Waiver (4-day) was deducted without my consent or signature A contract fee was deducted, even though this was meant to be included in the online rental agreement The unauthorised deductions total R349.99, which must be refunded. Extremely disappointing experience and poor attention to basic compliance and customer service. I am still awaiting resolution.
Helpful (0)
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David J
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
2 Feb 2026, 15:13
Unsatisfactory service from Budget Rent a Car South Africa.
Most unsatisfactory service from Budget Rent a Car South Africa. It has been over a month, and I still have not received a correct VAT invoice. The VAT invoice initially issued is not acceptable for submission to SARS, as it does not include the company name, address, or VAT number — despite all this information being correctly supp**** via Budget’s online documentation process. In addition: My deposit was not refunded in full An optional Theft Loss Waiver (4-day) was deducted without my consent or signature A contract fee was deducted, even though this was meant to be included in the online rental agreement The unauthorised deductions total R349.99, which must be refunded. Extremely disappointing experience and poor attention to basic compliance and customer service. I am still awaiting resolution.
0
Replies (0)VD
Vladimir D
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
17 Jan 2026, 18:03
**** ALERT: Deposit Theft, Ghosting & Bad Faith (OR Tambo)
Rental Agreement: 254792834 I am filing a public complaint against Budget/Avis for *******ly withholding my deposit and ignoring all communication. The Timeline of ********* Behavior: Dec 01 - Dec 16: Rental period. Paid in full. Returned the car on time. Final Invoice clearly stated "Amount Due: 0.00". Jan 02: Instead of releasing my security deposit of R3,146.17, the amount was fully deducted from my account. Jan 07 - 08: I sent 6 emails to every department (Refunds, Customer Care, Reservations). ZERO replies. Total silence. Jan 09 (Physical Visit): I drove to the OR Tambo office personally. I spoke to Supervisor Maureen Mdletshe. She admitted the refund was overdue and promised to resolve it via email. Jan 14: Maureen failed to deliver. I emailed her and called the number on the contract – she ignored my calls and emails. Jan 17 (The Proof of Bad Faith): Today, tired of being ignored, I filed a Chargeback with my bank. Suspiciously, just 2 hours later, I received an SMS from Avis about a traffic fine. The Reality: You ignored me for over 30 days. You only "found" a fine when you realized I involved the bank. Furthermore, the fine is only R125. You are holding my entire R3,146 deposit to cover a R125 fine? This is unjustified enrichment and theft. I have screenshots of the ignored emails, the SMS timing, and the supervisor’s empty promises. Refund my card immediately.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)VD
Vladimir D
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
17 Jan 2026, 18:03
**** ALERT: Deposit Theft, Ghosting & Bad Faith (OR Tambo)
Rental Agreement: 254792834 I am filing a public complaint against Budget/Avis for *******ly withholding my deposit and ignoring all communication. The Timeline of ********* Behavior: Dec 01 - Dec 16: Rental period. Paid in full. Returned the car on time. Final Invoice clearly stated "Amount Due: 0.00". Jan 02: Instead of releasing my security deposit of R3,146.17, the amount was fully deducted from my account. Jan 07 - 08: I sent 6 emails to every department (Refunds, Customer Care, Reservations). ZERO replies. Total silence. Jan 09 (Physical Visit): I drove to the OR Tambo office personally. I spoke to Supervisor Maureen Mdletshe. She admitted the refund was overdue and promised to resolve it via email. Jan 14: Maureen failed to deliver. I emailed her and called the number on the contract – she ignored my calls and emails. Jan 17 (The Proof of Bad Faith): Today, tired of being ignored, I filed a Chargeback with my bank. Suspiciously, just 2 hours later, I received an SMS from Avis about a traffic fine. The Reality: You ignored me for over 30 days. You only "found" a fine when you realized I involved the bank. Furthermore, the fine is only R125. You are holding my entire R3,146 deposit to cover a R125 fine? This is unjustified enrichment and theft. I have screenshots of the ignored emails, the SMS timing, and the supervisor’s empty promises. Refund my card immediately.
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Replies (0)SN
Sibusiso N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Jan 2026, 13:14
happy overall.
Rental process was simple and staff were friendly. Car wasn’t brand new but did the job. Happy overall.
Helpful (0)
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Sibusiso N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Jan 2026, 13:14
happy overall.
Rental process was simple and staff were friendly. Car wasn’t brand new but did the job. Happy overall.
0
Replies (0)LS
Leon S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
23 Dec 2025, 08:32
Never use Budget Rent-a- Car. Especially the branch in Strand street.Shocking service.
On the 12th December we booked a car with Budget for the dates 15th December till the 25th December. We paid an amount of R3,675.00 for the reservation. I collected the car on the 15th December from the Branch in Strand Street. I was asked to pay another R3800.00 as a deposit. We feel that we should be refunded for the days they we returned the car which is an amount of R1,842.00 I was then told to go to the car and video and check that everything was in order. I was not shown where the window buttons were to open the window. I was not shown how to open the petrol flap. I was not told that the engine shuts off automatically if the car is stationary. The car was given to me with the side mirror facing inwards and as I could not open the windows I could not adjust the mirror. I brought the car back to Budget on the 19th December and was told by somebody at the firm when I phoned that I would get a refund. After speaking to the manager I have now been told that they do not refund if the car is brought back earlier according to their terms and conditions. The manger said that it is out of his hands and he cannot do anything about it. I sat on the phone for over a 1/2 an hour trying to get hold of somebody at the Strand Street office, but nobody answers. Their voice message tries to advertise their services says that People come before cars. However, the services leave much to be desired!
Helpful (0)
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Leon S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
23 Dec 2025, 08:32
Never use Budget Rent-a- Car. Especially the branch in Strand street.Shocking service.
On the 12th December we booked a car with Budget for the dates 15th December till the 25th December. We paid an amount of R3,675.00 for the reservation. I collected the car on the 15th December from the Branch in Strand Street. I was asked to pay another R3800.00 as a deposit. We feel that we should be refunded for the days they we returned the car which is an amount of R1,842.00 I was then told to go to the car and video and check that everything was in order. I was not shown where the window buttons were to open the window. I was not shown how to open the petrol flap. I was not told that the engine shuts off automatically if the car is stationary. The car was given to me with the side mirror facing inwards and as I could not open the windows I could not adjust the mirror. I brought the car back to Budget on the 19th December and was told by somebody at the firm when I phoned that I would get a refund. After speaking to the manager I have now been told that they do not refund if the car is brought back earlier according to their terms and conditions. The manger said that it is out of his hands and he cannot do anything about it. I sat on the phone for over a 1/2 an hour trying to get hold of somebody at the Strand Street office, but nobody answers. Their voice message tries to advertise their services says that People come before cars. However, the services leave much to be desired!
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Replies (0)BM
Blessings M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Dec 2025, 10:31
Avis/budget car rental has terrible service,
I booked a car online with budget /Avis for 4to 13 December,the day I'm supposed to collect the car they tell me that there's a R14000 deposit,mind u it's written nowhere this on their website or my rental agreement.nevertheless I eventually went to the montana branch and changed the whole booking.Now they're refusing to refund my deposit on time and they keep making silly excuses.At the same time they advertise book 4 days but pay 3 yet they refused to get give it to me.Avis/budget car rental you don't deserve even 1star,
Helpful (0)
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Blessings M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Dec 2025, 10:31
Avis/budget car rental has terrible service,
I booked a car online with budget /Avis for 4to 13 December,the day I'm supposed to collect the car they tell me that there's a R14000 deposit,mind u it's written nowhere this on their website or my rental agreement.nevertheless I eventually went to the montana branch and changed the whole booking.Now they're refusing to refund my deposit on time and they keep making silly excuses.At the same time they advertise book 4 days but pay 3 yet they refused to get give it to me.Avis/budget car rental you don't deserve even 1star,
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