Avis offers a senior discount program for drivers 50 and older

Avis calls their senior program the Avis Preferred Plus membership, and it gives you a discount on base rental rates when you book through their website or call their reservations line. The discount amount varies depending on your location, the car class you rent, and the time of year — there is no single percentage that applies everywhere. You do not need to be a member of any other organization to join; Avis runs this program directly.

The membership itself is free to join. You provide your birth date during registration, and Avis verifies you are 50 or older. Once you are enrolled, you use your membership number when you make a reservation, and the discount applies automatically to the base rate. The discount does not cover taxes, fees, or optional add-ons like insurance or GPS.

Avis also partners with AARP, so if you are an AARP member, you may see a separate AARP discount code that you can use instead. Some locations and rental periods offer better rates through one program than the other, so it is worth checking both if you belong to AARP.

Key Takeaways

  • Avis Preferred Plus membership is free and open to drivers 50 and older, with no other membership required.
  • The discount applies to the base rental rate only and varies by location, car type, and season.
  • You must provide your membership number at the time of booking to receive the discount.
  • AARP members should compare the Avis Preferred Plus rate against the AARP discount code, as rates differ by location and date.
  • The discount does not cover taxes, facility fees, insurance, or equipment rentals.

How to join Avis Preferred Plus

Go to the Avis website (avis.com) and look for the membership or loyalty program section. You will find a link to enroll in Avis Preferred Plus. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, email address, and driver's license number. Avis will verify your age and send you a confirmation email with your membership number.

You can also join by phone. Call Avis reservations at 1-800-331-1212 and tell the agent you want to enroll in Avis Preferred Plus. They will ask for the same information and issue your membership number on the spot. There is no cost to join, and membership does not expire.

Once you are enrolled, keep your membership number handy. You will enter it every time you make a reservation online, or give it to the agent when you call to book. If you lose your number, you can look it up on the Avis website using your email address and date of birth.

How the discount works when you book

When you search for a car rental on avis.com, you will see a field that asks for a membership number or discount code. Enter your Avis Preferred Plus number there. The system will show you the discounted rate for that specific car, location, and date range. The discount applies only to the base rental rate — the daily or weekly charge for the car itself.

Taxes and facility fees are added on top of the base rate and are not discounted. If you add a rental car insurance option, GPS, or other equipment, those charges are also separate. The discount percentage or dollar amount you see depends on demand at that location and time. A rental that costs $40 per day in the off-season might show a different discount than the same car in peak travel season.

If you book over the phone, give your membership number to the agent before they quote you a price. That way the discount is built into the quote from the start. If you forget to mention it, you can usually call back and have the agent add it to your existing reservation, though it is easier to include it at booking.

Comparing Avis Preferred Plus to other senior discounts

Most major car rental companies offer a senior discount program. Enterprise has the Enterprise Plus program for drivers 50 and older. Hertz offers the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program with a senior rate option. Budget and National also have senior programs. None of these require membership in AARP or any other organization.

The discount amounts and terms differ between companies. One company might offer a flat percentage off the base rate, while another offers a lower daily rate for certain car classes. The best way to compare is to search the same rental (same location, dates, and car type) on each company's website and see which one shows the lowest total price after tax and fees.

If you rent cars regularly, you might benefit from joining more than one program. There is no cost to join any of them, and you can use whichever one offers the best rate for each individual rental. Some people keep membership numbers for three or four companies and check them all before booking.

What to bring when you pick up your rental car

Bring your driver's license, a valid credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own auto insurance card or a rental car insurance policy). You do not need to bring anything that proves your age or your Avis membership — the agent will see your membership number in their system when they pull up your reservation.

If you booked online, the agent will confirm your membership number matches the reservation. If you booked by phone, make sure the agent wrote down your membership number correctly. If there is a discrepancy, tell the agent before you sign the rental agreement, and they can correct it.

Some locations may ask for an additional form of ID or proof of address, depending on their local policy. This is separate from the membership discount and is not related to your age.

Common questions about the discount

The discount is available at most Avis locations in the United States and Canada, but not all. Some airport locations or franchises may have different policies. When you search for a rental on avis.com, the system will show you whether the discount is available for that specific location and date. If you do not see a discounted rate, call Avis reservations to ask whether the location offers the program.

You can use the discount for one-way rentals, weekly rentals, and monthly rentals. The discount applies the same way regardless of rental length. Some locations may have minimum rental periods or other restrictions, so check the terms when you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 or older to join Avis Preferred Plus?

Yes, you must be at least 50 years old. Avis will ask for your date of birth during enrollment and verify your age before issuing your membership number. If you are under 50, you are not able to join this program.

Can I use the Avis Preferred Plus discount and an AARP discount code at the same time?

No, you can use only one discount per reservation. If you are an AARP member, compare the rate you get with your Avis Preferred Plus number against the rate you get with the AARP code, then use whichever one is lower. Avis will not stack the discounts.

What if the discount does not show up when I enter my membership number?

The discount may not be available for that specific location, date, or car class. Try searching a different date or car type to see if the discount appears. If it does not, call Avis reservations at 1-800-331-1212 and ask whether the discount is available for your rental. The agent can sometimes explore a discount that does not show online.

Does the senior discount cover insurance and GPS?

No, the discount applies only to the base rental rate. Insurance, GPS, toll passes, and other add-ons are charged separately and are not discounted. You can choose whether to add these options when you book or at pickup.

Can I use my Avis Preferred Plus membership at rental locations outside the United States?

Avis Preferred Plus is valid at Avis locations in the United States and Canada. If you rent from Avis in other countries, ask the local agent whether they honor the membership or offer a senior discount. Policies vary by region.