What charges apply if you return low on fuel?

If you return a rental car below full, you'll be charged a refueling service fee. Neither Avis nor Budget publishes the exact per-gallon rate, but travelers report approximately $9 to $9.50 per gallon at Budget and $9 to $10 per gallon at Avis—roughly 2.5 to 2.7 times the current pump price. On a 15-gallon tank returned half-empty, this adds up to $68 to $75 in charges.

The refueling fee is set by the rental company and appears on your rental agreement. It typically applies when you choose the "return full" option—the default choice at pickup—but fail to return the car with a full tank.

Why is the refueling charge so high?

The refueling service charge covers more than just the cost of fuel. It includes the rental company's cost to fuel the vehicle after you return it, plus labour, overhead, and the markup that makes the service available at the counter rather than requiring you to find a gas station yourself.

The charge is not a negotiable penalty; it's a preset service fee listed in the rental agreement. The rate varies by location and rental company, which is why two people returning cars in different cities may see different charges for the same fuel level.

What if you chose a prepaid fuel option?

If you selected the Fuel Service Option (FSO) at pickup, you prepaid for one full tank at rates the rental company describes as comparable to local pump prices. In this case, you can return the car at any fuel level—empty or nearly full—with no additional refueling charge.

However, FSO only saves money if you return the car nearly empty. If you return it half-full or more, you've paid for fuel you didn't use and receive no credit or refund for the unused portion.

Budget and Avis both offer FSO. Neither brand credits unused fuel, so the strategy only works if your driving pattern and return time align with running the tank down.

What about EZFuel?

EZFuel is a flat fee option—$17.99 ($18.99 in California)—available at most Budget and Avis locations for trips under 75 miles. If you choose EZFuel and return the car at any fuel level, you pay the flat fee instead of a per-gallon refueling charge, provided you don't show a fuel receipt. If you drive 75 miles or more, EZFuel doesn't apply and per-gallon charges apply instead.

For most rentals over 75 miles, EZFuel is not an option and you must either return the car full or pay per-gallon refueling charges.

How to avoid the refueling fee

Start with proof of fuel level. Photograph the fuel gauge at pickup before leaving the lot. This is critical if a dispute arises later about how full the car was when you took possession.

Decline optional fuel plans unless they fit your situation. For a return-full rental, skip FSO and EZFuel. Self-fill is cheapest in the vast majority of cases.

Refuel near the return location. Find a gas station 3–5 miles from where you'll return the car. Stations near airports or rental counters often charge 20–50¢ more per gallon than those further out.

Keep your receipt. The gas station receipt is proof of when and where you filled up, and it's required evidence if you need to dispute a charge later.

Photograph the gauge again. After filling up, photograph the fuel gauge with a timestamp. This proves the tank was full at the moment of return.

Get a return receipt. Wait for the return paperwork that shows the fuel level recorded by the rental company. Only leave the lot once you have this receipt in hand.

If a refueling charge appears on your bill despite following these steps, document everything and dispute the charge in writing within 30 days. If the rental company doesn't resolve it, you can file a credit card chargeback within 60 days.

Special rules for electric vehicles

If you're renting an electric vehicle, the rules differ. Both Avis and Budget require EVs to be returned with at least 70% battery charge. If you return below 70% but above 10%, you'll pay a $35 charging fee. Below 10%, an additional $35 low-charge fee applies, for a total of $70.

Photograph the battery percentage at pickup and again at return to protect yourself against disputed charges.

International rentals

Outside the US, rental companies charge per liter rather than per gallon. In the UK, refueling service charges are typically £2.30–£3.50 per liter, equivalent to $11–$17 per gallon—higher than US rates. Check your rental agreement for the per-liter rate specific to your location.