Where and How to Get Rental Car Discounts

Renting a car doesn't have to drain your wallet. With some insider knowledge and smart strategies, you can find great deals and enjoy substantial savings. There are many ways to cut costs, from leveraging membership programs and credit card perks to using alternative rental services like AutoSlash and Turo.

Using discount codes, flexible booking options and airline partnerships can help you secure the best deals while steering clear of common rental fees. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first big trip, these insights will help you confidently navigate renting a car and keep more money in your pocket.

Membership programs often come with a variety of perks, like discounts on travel and dining and exclusive access to events and services. When it comes to car rentals, programs like AAA and USAA can offer significant savings and added benefits, enhancing your overall travel experience.

AAA membership extends beyond emergency roadside assistance. It also comes with a range of discounts, including on car rentals. For as low as $59 per year, members can save with partnered rental car companies through discounted rates, waived fees for young drivers and perks such as free additional drivers, child safety seats and more.

How to Use AAA for Rental Discounts: Enter your AAA discount code during the online booking process. When you arrive at the rental counter, present your AAA membership card to confirm your eligibility and secure your savings.

AARP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people aged 50 and older. With membership starting at $16 per year and lower rates for multi-year plans, AARP offers a variety of benefits. Among these are savings on car rentals, including reduced rates, free upgrades, waived additional driver fees and credits for future rentals.

How to Use AARP for Rental Discounts: Join AARP and access the discount codes provided on the website. Apply these codes during the booking process to receive your savings and enjoy the additional perks.

Costco members can take advantage of exclusive car rental discounts through the Costco Travel program. These discounts are available at Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise. Regular membership costs $60 per year plus tax, while Executive Membership is priced at $120 per year plus tax. Executive Membership includes a 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases, including rental cars. Other benefits include:

• Waived Fees: Free additional driver for rentals with Avis and Budget in the U.S. and with Alamo and Enterprise in the U.S., France, Germany, Ireland, Spain and the U.K.
• Flexible Booking: Members can reserve online and pay at the counter, with the flexibility to cancel without fees unless booked as a prepay rate reservation.
• Exclusive Savings: Members-only rates offer significant savings on rentals, with further discounts on services like GPS rentals.

How to Use Costco for Rental Discounts: Visit the Costco Travel website and select your preferred rental company and car. Apply your membership details to access exclusive rates, reserve your vehicle and prepay or pay at the counter.

USAA is a financial services organization dedicated to serving military members and their families. Membership is free but restricted to active, retired and honorably discharged U.S. military personnel and their eligible family members. Through partnerships with Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz, USAA offers exclusive car rental benefits:

• Up to 35% Off Rentals: Discounts are available with Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz.
• Waived Fees: Fee waivers for young drivers (under 25) and additional drivers.
• Additional Savings: Extra discounts for prepaying rentals.

How to Use USAA for Rental Discounts: Verify your military membership and use the USAA portal to book your rental. Alternatively, enter the provided discount codes during booking to ensure you receive the applicable discounts and benefits.

Maximizing car rental savings and benefits is easy with the right credit cards. Some offer primary rental car insurance, elite rental company status and extra travel rewards. Knowing the advantages of each card can help you get the most value out of your car rental experience.

With the Capital One Venture X card, you get primary rental car insurance when booking, covering damages and theft. The card also grants automatic Hertz President’s Circle status, which offers guaranteed vehicle availability, free upgrades and expedited service.

Booking rental cars through Capital One Travel earns you 10 miles per dollar spent, which you can redeem for future travel expenses, including car rentals. Additionally, this card provides access to exclusive discounts, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers looking to save on car rentals and enjoy enhanced benefits.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred cards provide primary rental car insurance, covering theft and collision damage when you use them for bookings. This benefit spares you the hassle and cost of using your personal insurance. These cards also offer discount codes for various rental companies, and booking through the Chase Travel℠ portal earns extra points, redeemable for future travel expenses like car rentals.

Although both cards offer exceptional car rental benefits, it helps to know the differences between the Sapphire Reserve and Preferred. The Sapphire Reserve has perks like a lounge Priority Pass and an annual travel credit, while the Sapphire Preferred — with its lower annual fee — remains a top contender for the best rewards credit card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card both offer secondary rental car insurance, with the option to purchase primary coverage — ideal if your primary insurance policy has limitations on rental car coverage.

To maximize these benefits, enroll in the rental car programs through Amex Travel. This ensures you receive perks like complimentary upgrades and expedited service while earning additional points on your reservations. If you’re deciding between these two cards, understanding the differences between the American Express® Gold Card versus The Platinum Card® from American Express can guide you to the best choice for your travel needs.

Innovative car rental services like peer-to-peer platforms and car-sharing apps provide the flexibility and personalized experience that traditional car rental companies might not offer. These options often include competitive pricing, unique vehicle selections and the convenience of mobile apps for easy access.

AutoSlash is a free tool for finding the best car rental deals. It compares prices across multiple rental companies and applies available coupons and discount codes to maximize your savings. AutoSlash also tracks your reservation and alerts you if a lower price becomes available, helping you save even more.

Zipcar offers a convenient membership-based car-sharing service, ideal for short-term needs in urban areas. Members can rent cars by the hour or day, with gas, insurance and 180 miles per day included in the rental price. The service is accessible via a mobile app, which makes it easy to find and reserve a car nearby.

Turo provides a unique peer-to-peer car rental experience that lets you rent vehicles directly from local owners. This platform typically offers a wider variety of cars and lower prices than traditional rental companies. Turo also provides insurance options to protect both renters and car owners for a secure transaction.

Getaround is an app-based car-sharing service that allows you to rent cars by the hour or day from local owners. Insurance is included in the rental cost, and the app makes it easy to find, unlock and rent a car nearby. This service is particularly handy in cities where car ownership can be challenging due to parking and maintenance costs.

To maximize savings on your rental, use strategies like discount codes, flexible booking options and airline partnerships. When done right, these can significantly reduce costs, provide additional perks and enhance your overall rental experience.

Sidestepping common fees that can add up quickly can help keep car rental costs low. Being aware of refueling charges, toll transponder fees and under-25 fees can help ensure your rental stays within budget.