College students have the option to buy or rent textbooks. However, renting is a great way to save money on your college expenses.

Before you decide to rent college textbooks, there are a few things you should know so you can take advantage of the cheapest textbook rentals.

Which companies rent textbooks?

There are many companies that offer textbook rental services.

Here are the most popular and trusted textbook rental sites today:

Does Amazon rent textbooks?

No, Amazon decided that it will no longer offer textbook rentals. So, unfortunately, Amazon textbook rentals is no longer an option.

You can still purchase new and used textbooks through Amazon, though. And it is always a good choice to check the prices for new and used books through Amazon before renting, so that you can determine if renting makes sense to you.

How much do textbook rentals cost?

The cost of textbook rentals varies depending on the book, the rental company, and the rental duration. Most companies charge a flat fee per semester, which is almost always cheaper than when you buy the book outright.

Some of the textbook rental companies promise savings of up to 90%, but for full semester rentals, you are looking at savings in the range of 50-70%.

How long can I rent a textbook?

Most rental companies offer several rental terms, including semester-long, 90-day, 60-day, and even monthly rentals. You can choose the term that works best for you and your budget. If you’re in search of the cheapest textbook rentals, then a great strategy is to rent textbooks only for as long as necessary and not more than that.

Can I extend my rental period?

Yes! Most textbook rental companies allow you to extend your rental period as long as you need. The cost of the extension will depend on the company, so be sure to check their policies before you commit.

Is it easy to return rentals?

Yes! Most rental companies make returning textbooks easy and hassle-free. You can typically print out a prepaid shipping label directly from the website and drop off your rentals at any participating UPS, USPS, or other location.

Can you highlight rented textbooks?

Yes, you can highlight rented textbooks. Most rental companies allow students to make notes in the books or highlight the text, but there are certain limitations. Depending on the rental company, when you return the book, it must be returned in a condition that is consistent with typical use by students. If you write too much or highlight too much of the book, you may be charged a fee.

So be sure to check the rental company’s policies before highlighting too much text in your textbooks.

Do I need a credit card for textbook rentals?

Most textbook rental companies require a valid credit card or debit card when making a rental purchase. You may also be asked to provide other forms of payment, such as a PayPal account or checking account information.

What if I made a mistake or there are problems with the condition of the book?

If you make a mistake while ordering your textbook rental or if there are problems with the condition of the book when it arrives, most companies have customer service representatives that can help you. You may be able to get a refund, exchange the book for another copy, or even extend your rental period free of charge.

Each of the companies we recommend has guaranteed return policies between 21 and 30 days. Barnes and Noble, for example, allows you to return books if you drop the class during the add/drop time period.

Why textbook rentals are a great option for students

Textbook rentals offer students a convenient and cost-effective way to access the classroom content they need. When you rent books, you can save up to 90% off the retail price, making it an affordable option for those looking to reduce their educational expenses.

Simply put, renting textbooks is a great way to get cheap textbooks.

Renting a cheap textbook could be a good choice for non-core classes that you are required to take but have little interest in. This way, you don’t have to pay full price for a book that you won’t use in the future.

How to find the best deals on textbook rentals

You will always get the best price on rentals if you follow these steps:

Step 1 — Check how much a new or used version of the book cost online at Amazon and Textbooks.com.

Step 2 — If you can’t find the book at a price that meets your budget, then determine how long you will need the book.

Step 3 — Then check the textbook rental sites above to see which ones have the book at the lowest price. Don’t forget to consider shipping charges when doing a price comparison and deciding where to rent cheap textbooks.

With some savvy searching and quick price comparison, it’s easier than ever to find great deals when renting textbooks — and keep those educational expenses down!

How to care for your textbooks while you have them

Caring for your textbooks while you have them is an important part of the textbook rental process.

Make sure to check that the pages are intact and not torn when you first receive the book. Throughout your rental period, work to keep them in good condition by keeping them away from liquids and food and wrapping any loose pages with a paper towel before closing the book each time. Ensure that all bindings are fully intact when returning them at the end of your rental period, as textbooks that have been damaged or written in are not eligible for return or refund.

Taking care of your textbooks means you can get the maximum benefit from renting them!

Are used textbooks a cheaper option?

When it comes to textbooks, renting is usually the cheapest option compared to buying new books.

However, if you know you’ll need the book for multiple semesters or will use it as a reference after the class is over, then buying a used textbook may be the more cost-effective option. Other than Amazon, a good place to find used textbooks is Textbooks.com.

Also, if you buy new and used textbooks, you will have the ability to sell them when you no longer need them, either on campus or any of the textbook rental companies. Textbooks.com is also a great place to sell your textbooks.

If you decide to sell your books back, you will typically get the most for it just before the start of a new semester. Textbook prices fluctuate throughout the year so if you can wait until the start of the new semester, you will get the most money for your used book.

Conclusion

In conclusion, textbook rentals is a great alternative for students to budget their money and gain access to the resources they need. If you take advantage of the cheapest textbook rentals, follow good care instructions, and use the best study practices while reading, you’ll get the most out of your experience with textbook rentals.

Although it may seem intimidating to start a new school semester with textbooks that you don’t own, renting textbooks can offer significant financial help over purchasing them outright. In the end, using a rental book could save you quite a bit of money in the long run.