National Car Rental

Reviews

• LM

  Leonardo Matsumoto

  4 days ago
  1.0
  I have been a loyal National Car Rental customer and an Emerald Club member for quite some time, with dozens of rentals over the years, many of them at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Until now, I had always had very positive experiences with National, which is precisely why my most recent experience was so disappointing. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, while deciding which vehicle to select from the Emerald Club/Executive area at MCO, a National employee called out from a distance and asked if I needed assistance. I politely declined and explained that I was simply trying to decide which vehicle I preferred. Despite my response, the employee approached me and asked to see my reservation in the National app. I explained again that I did not need assistance and that I was very familiar with the process, having rented from National dozens of times, most frequently at that same location. Nevertheless, he continued to insist on seeing my reservation. At that point, I opened the app and showed it to him. After reviewing it, he simply told me, “You can choose any car from these two rows.” I replied, “Yes, I know. I have rented here dozens of times.” He then walked away without acknowledging that his insistence had been unnecessary or offering any apology for the inconvenience. What bothered me most was not being approached or offered assistance (I would normally appreciate an employee being proactive, mainly considering I’m part of the Emerald Club). It was the fact that, after I clearly and politely declined assistance and explained that I was an experienced National customer, he continued to insist on verifying my reservation. The interaction left me with the uncomfortable impression that my word or my eligibility to select a vehicle from those rows was somehow being questioned. Unfortunately, the experience became even more frustrating when I exited the facility with the vehicle. Before leaving, I specifically asked the attendant whether she needed my flight reservation information for August 21, which is the date I am scheduled to return the vehicle. She told me that it was not necessary. To my surprise, shortly afterward I received a notification from my credit card showing that National had placed a $400 hold on my card. This was done without any explanation or prior notice at the exit, despite the fact that I had proactively offered to provide my return-flight information. Based on my previous rental experiences and my understanding that providing proof of return travel can eliminate the need for this deposit/hold, I was particularly frustrated that my flight information was declined and the $400 hold was nevertheless placed on my card. Had the attendant simply requested or accepted my flight reservation information when I explicitly offered it, this situation could potentially have been avoided. At the very least, I should have been informed that a $400 hold would be placed on my credit card before it was processed. As an Emerald Club member and a frequent National customer, I found the overall experience extremely disappointing and inconsistent with the level of service I have come to expect from National. One of the main reasons I have remained loyal to National is the convenience, efficiency, and trust associated with the Emerald Club experience. Unfortunately, during this rental, I felt neither trusted nor properly informed. After dozens of rentals with National (many of them at MCO), I sincerely hope this was an isolated experience. I also hope National reviews both the way Emerald Club customers are approached in the vehicle selection area and how deposits/credit card holds are communicated and handled at the exit.
• DB

  D Boisvenue

  5 days ago
  5.0
  First time renting from National. I will NOT rent from another vendor. At MCO lines galore for all the budget rental places. Not National. I signed up for emerald club and was disappointed with first rental asking me to go to counter but only one in front of me. While waiting within three minutes a staff member walks up and asks if im Emerald member. I say yes but first time asked me to go to counter. He says, "Not at Orlando airport." "Go straight to garage National station" Walked right out and within three minutes of talking to garage employee I was on the road enjoying vacation. Did some travel and setup for drop off at JAX airport. Same treatment. Quick go over for damage then on my way within minutes. Last couple companies I rented from I waited and waited. Then went to garage and waited and waited. Up to an hour even bitching at one. Never again with any other company in the states.
• TB

  Teri Brady

  Aug 12, 2026
  5.0
  When I arrived to pick up my car, there were quite a few choices. But in my history of renting from National, I have purchased three Nissan vehicles! There was not a Nissan Rogue in the aisle so I simply asked if Rogues were available. She left me for a while. So I opened doors to look at the other cars available, and a car drove up to take the empty space where I was standing It was the National woman WITH a Nissan Rogue for me! I was very happy to get a car I was very familiar with and appreciated that she took the extra step to bring me this car.
• AM

  Andy Montcrieff

  Aug 10, 2026
  5.0
  National was one of two beacons of light in what can only be said was the worst travel experience I've had in my many years of travel. One of the best experiences with a car rental in ages. I arrived at MCO after 18 hours of flight delays, airports, and mayhem. What was supposed to be a short 5 hour trip turned into the longest marathon on Day 1 of my business trip to Florida. After arriving at the final airport, hours late and just short of midnight, being able to just get my bag and head to the car was a refreshing break from being stopped and delayed from making progress in my trip. I had an expectation of a small compact car, but was delighted to see a Jeep Compass AWD waiting just for me! It held my luggage with ease, was equipped with the navigation and entertainment options that made my experience incredible, and had a smooth ride and great gas mileage to round it out. Drop-off was just as smooth, and had me well on my way back home after a week. Too bad I couldn't extend that awesome experience to the rest of the trip as they had me stuck in Charlotte after countless delays and cancellations. I actually had to sleep in the airport (or what could not really count as sleep that is) before making it home a day late and exhausted. Thank you National for being that shining light in a trip that could only be described as a complete airline disappointment.
• WS

  Warren S

  Aug 9, 2026
  5.0
  Really easy to find. As an Emerald member I went right to the cars and an attendant said "Pick any car in these rows". Grabbed a small SUV. Checkout as you leave the area is simple and quick (as long as you have reservations). Return was really easy. Pulled into the line, we grabbed our luggage as another attendant asked how everything went and said they can email the receipt. It really doesn't get easier than this.

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