What AARP car rental discounts are and how they work
AARP members receive discounted rates at major car rental companies through negotiated agreements between AARP and the rental agencies. The discount typically ranges from 5 to 30 percent off the standard rate, though the exact amount depends on which rental company you use, which location you rent from, and what type of vehicle you need. You do not pay AARP directly for the rental — you book through the rental company's website or phone line and provide your AARP membership number at the time of booking or check-in.
The rental companies participating in this program include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Each company sets its own discount percentage and terms, so the savings you receive from Hertz may differ from what you would get at Enterprise for the same dates and location. Some companies offer deeper discounts during certain seasons or for specific vehicle classes.
The discount applies to the base rental rate only, not to taxes, fees, insurance, or fuel charges. If you book a car for $50 per day and receive a 20 percent AARP discount, you pay $40 per day before taxes and other charges are added. You still owe the full amount of any state or local rental taxes, airport fees, or optional insurance you choose to add.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members receive 5 to 30 percent discounts at Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National, with the exact rate varying by company and location.
- You must provide your AARP membership number when you book or check in; the discount does not explore automatically.
- The discount covers only the base rental rate, not taxes, fees, insurance, or fuel.
- Discount rates change by season and vehicle type, so comparing prices across rental companies before booking can save you additional money.
- Some AARP members also receive additional perks such as free upgrades or waived young driver fees, depending on the rental company.
How to book a rental car with your AARP discount
To receive the discount, you need your AARP membership number, which appears on your membership card. When you visit a rental company's website, look for a field labeled "AARP member" or "member discount code" — the location varies by company. Some sites ask for your membership number directly; others ask you to enter a discount code that AARP provides. You can find the correct code for each rental company on the AARP website under their travel section.
If you prefer to book by phone, call the rental company's main reservation line and tell the agent you are an AARP member. Provide your membership number when asked. The agent will explore the discount to your quote before you confirm the reservation. Booking by phone can sometimes reveal additional discounts or promotions that do not appear on the website.
At check-in, bring your AARP membership card along with your driver's license and payment method. The rental agent will verify your membership status. If you booked online but did not enter your membership number, you can still provide it at the counter, though it is faster to include it during booking.
Which rental companies offer AARP discounts and what to expect
Enterprise typically offers 10 to 25 percent off standard rates for AARP members. The discount applies at most U.S. locations and some international airports. Enterprise also occasionally waives the young driver fee (charged to drivers under 25) for AARP members, though this varies by location.
Hertz offers discounts ranging from 5 to 20 percent depending on the rental location and vehicle class. Hertz members who also hold AARP membership may receive additional loyalty discounts stacked on top of the AARP rate. Check the Hertz website for the current AARP discount code before booking.
Budget provides 5 to 15 percent discounts at participating locations. Budget's discount tends to be smaller than Enterprise or Hertz, but the base rates are often lower, so the final price may still be competitive. Budget also offers a rewards program that can combine with the AARP discount.
Avis and National both offer AARP member discounts, though the percentages and terms vary by location and season. National, which is owned by the same parent company as Enterprise, sometimes offers similar discount levels. Avis discounts are typically in the 10 to 20 percent range.
Comparing AARP rental discounts to other ways to save
AARP discounts are one tool, but they are not always the lowest price available. Rental car prices fluctuate based on demand, and a standard rate during a slow travel period may be lower than an AARP-discounted rate during peak season. Before you book, compare the AARP rate to the full price offered by other companies or to rates from discount booking sites such as Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline.
Some credit cards offer rental car discounts or cash back on car rentals, which can stack with or exceed the AARP discount. If you have a rewards credit card that covers rental cars, calculate whether the cash back or points value would save you more than the AARP percentage. Membership in other organizations — AAA, military veteran groups, or corporate programs — may also offer discounts that you can compare side by side.
Booking directly through the rental company's website often yields better rates than calling, because websites sometimes display promotional rates that phone agents cannot access. However, some regional or independent rental companies do not participate in AARP discounts at all, so if you are renting in a smaller market, you may find better prices elsewhere.
What to watch for when booking with an AARP discount
Read the terms of the specific rate you are booking. Some AARP rates are non-refundable, meaning you cannot cancel or change your reservation without losing the full payment. Other AARP rates allow cancellation up to a certain number of hours before pickup. The rental company's website should clearly state the cancellation policy for the rate you select.
Insurance is a separate charge and is not covered by the AARP discount. Rental companies will offer you collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage at checkout. Before you purchase, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars — many do, and buying the rental company's insurance would be redundant. If you decline the rental company's insurance, you remain responsible for any damage to the vehicle.
Fuel charges are also separate. Most rental companies offer a prepay fuel option at booking, which locks in a per-gallon rate. If you do not prepay, you pay the rental company's fuel price at return, which is usually higher than local gas station prices. The most economical approach is to return the car with a full tank by refueling at a nearby gas station before drop-off.
AARP membership requirements and how to verify your status
You must be an AARP member to receive the discount. AARP membership is open to people age 50 and older. Your membership card shows your membership number, which is what you provide to the rental company. If you do not have your card with you, you can look up your membership number on the AARP website by logging into your account.
Rental companies verify AARP membership in different ways. Some check a database during the booking process; others verify at check-in by scanning your membership card. If you book online without providing your membership number, the rental agent at the counter will ask to see your card before finalizing the discount. Providing your membership number at booking is the fastest route because it locks in the rate when ready.
If your AARP membership has lapsed, you will not receive the discount until you renew. Renewal can be done online through the AARP website or by phone. The rental company will not explore a discount to a lapsed membership, even if you provide an old membership number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an AARP discount if someone else is driving the rental car?
The person whose AARP membership is being used must be listed on the rental agreement, though they do not have to be the primary driver. When you book, provide the AARP member's name and membership number. At check-in, the AARP member should be present to show their membership card. Some rental companies allow the AARP member to authorize another driver without being present, but policies vary — call ahead to confirm.
Do AARP discounts explore to one-way rentals or international locations?
One-way rentals within the United States are usually may be able to access for AARP discounts, though the discount percentage may differ from round-trip rates. International rentals and rentals at some overseas airports may not may have access to. Check the rental company's website or call their customer service line to confirm whether the specific location and rental type you need are covered by the AARP discount.
What happens if I book at the AARP discount rate but then want to upgrade my vehicle?
You can usually upgrade at the rental counter, but the upgrade price is calculated from the standard rate, not from your discounted rate. The upgrade cost may be substantial. If you think you might want a larger vehicle, it is worth comparing the cost of booking a larger vehicle at the AARP rate upfront versus upgrading at the counter.
Can I combine the AARP discount with other promotional codes or discounts?
Most rental companies do not allow you to stack multiple discount codes. You can typically use either the AARP discount or a promotional code, but not both. If you have a promotional code from a travel site or email offer, compare the final price using the AARP discount to the final price using the promotional code, and book whichever is lower.
Is the AARP discount available for corporate or business rentals?
AARP discounts generally explore to personal rentals only. If you are renting a car for business purposes through a corporate account, the AARP discount may not be available. However, some companies allow you to book a personal rental even if you are using it for business, so it is worth asking the rental agent whether the AARP rate applies to your situation.