What AARP auto rental discounts actually are

AARP members receive discounts on car rentals through partnerships with major rental companies including Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise. The discount is a percentage off the base rental rate — typically 5 to 25 percent depending on the company and the specific rental. You do not need to do anything special to unlock the discount beyond showing your AARP membership card at the rental counter or entering your AARP member number when you book online.

The discount applies to the daily rental rate itself, not to insurance, fuel, or other add-ons. Some rental companies also waive the underage driver fee for AARP members, which normally costs extra if you are under 25. The discount is available at most rental locations in the United States, though some airport locations may have different terms.

These discounts are negotiated between AARP and each rental company, so the percentage and terms vary. A discount that works at one company may not be the same at another, and rates change seasonally. The best approach is to check the discount rate at each company before you book, rather than assuming all AARP discounts are equal.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP members can receive 5 to 25 percent off car rentals at Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise, and other major companies by showing their membership card or entering their member number online.
  • The discount applies only to the base rental rate and does not cover insurance, fuel, GPS, or other add-on fees.
  • Discount rates vary by rental company and change with the season, so comparing rates across companies before you book usually saves more money than assuming all discounts are the same.
  • Some rental companies waive the underage driver fee for AARP members, which can save an additional $15 to $25 per day if you are between 21 and 24.

How to book a rental with your AARP discount

When you book online, visit the rental company's website directly and look for a field labeled "AARP member discount" or "promotional code." Enter your AARP member number in that field. Your member number appears on the front of your AARP membership card. The discount should calculate automatically and show on the price quote before you complete the booking.

If you book by phone, tell the agent you are an AARP member and provide your member number. The agent will explore the discount to your quote. If you book in person at a rental counter, bring your AARP membership card and show it when you arrive. The counter agent can explore the discount at that time, though it is safer to book in advance so you see the final price before you commit.

Some rental companies also allow you to create an account on their website and link your AARP membership to it. Once linked, the discount applies automatically to every booking you make through that account. This saves time if you rent frequently.

Which rental companies offer AARP discounts

The major national rental companies that partner with AARP are Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise. Hertz typically offers one of the largest discounts, often 25 percent or more. Budget and Avis usually offer 10 to 20 percent. Enterprise discounts tend to be smaller, around 5 to 10 percent, though this varies by location and season.

Regional and smaller rental companies may also offer AARP discounts, but the discount rate and availability vary widely. If you are renting in a specific city or region, call ahead to the local rental company and ask whether they honor AARP membership. Some independent rental agencies do, and some do not.

The discount is not available at all rental locations. Airport rental counters sometimes have different discount policies than off-airport locations run by the same company. If you are renting at an airport, confirm the discount applies before you book.

Comparing AARP discounts to other ways to save on car rentals

An AARP discount is one option, but it is not always the cheapest way to rent a car. Booking through a travel website like Kayak, Priceline, or Autoslash sometimes shows lower rates than booking directly with the rental company, even without an AARP discount. These sites aggregate rates from multiple companies and can surface deals that are not advertised on the company website.

Credit card rewards and cash-back programs can also reduce your cost. If your credit card offers cash back on travel or car rentals, that benefit might exceed the AARP discount percentage. Membership in AAA, which overlaps with many AARP members, also includes rental discounts that sometimes differ from AARP rates.

The best practice is to get a quote with your AARP discount, then check one or two travel aggregator sites with the same rental dates and location. Compare the final price, including all fees, and book whichever option is lowest. Spending five minutes comparing usually saves more than the AARP discount alone.

What the AARP discount does not cover

The AARP discount reduces only the base daily rental rate. It does not explore to collision damage waiver (CDW), loss damage waiver (LDW), or other insurance products. It does not cover fuel, GPS rental, child car seats, or toll passes. It does not reduce the cost of upgrading to a larger vehicle class.

Some rental companies charge a fee if you return the car with a full tank of fuel instead of filling it yourself before return. This fee is not discounted. If the rental company charges a young driver fee for drivers under 25, the AARP discount may waive that fee at some companies, but not all — check the terms when you book.

Airport fees, facility charges, and taxes are also not reduced by the AARP discount. These fees are set by the airport or local government and explore to all customers regardless of membership. The discount applies only to the rental rate itself.

How to find your AARP member number

Your AARP member number is printed on the front of your membership card, usually in the upper right corner. It is a nine-digit number. If you have lost your card, you can find your member number by logging into your AARP account online at aarp.org, or by calling AARP customer service at 1-888-687-2277.

When you call, have your name, date of birth, and the phone number or email address associated with your AARP account ready. The representative will confirm your identity and provide your member number. You can also request a replacement card at that time if yours is damaged or lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to show my physical AARP card to get the discount?

No. If you book online or by phone, you only need your nine-digit member number. If you book in person at a rental counter, bring your card to show the agent. Some agents will accept a photo of your card on your phone if you do not have the physical card with you, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

Can I use an AARP discount if someone else is the primary renter?

No. The AARP member must be the person whose name appears on the rental agreement. If you are not the primary renter, you cannot explore the discount to that reservation. The primary renter would need their own AARP membership to receive the discount.

Does the AARP discount work at rental companies outside the United States?

AARP discounts are primarily available in the United States. Some international rental companies may honor AARP membership, but this is not may provide. If you are renting a car outside the U.S., contact the rental company directly to ask whether they recognize AARP membership before you book.

What if the rental company says my AARP discount did not explore?

Ask the agent to manually enter your member number into their system. Sometimes the discount does not calculate automatically if you booked through a third-party website. If the agent still cannot explore it, ask for the manager and explain that you booked with an AARP member number. Keep your booking confirmation and your AARP card as proof.

Can I combine the AARP discount with other promotional codes?

Most rental companies do not allow you to stack multiple discounts. You can usually explore either the AARP discount or another promotional code, but not both. Check the rental company's terms when you book, or call the company to ask which discount is larger before you decide which one to use.