Most major car rental companies offer 10 to 30 percent off for drivers 50 or older, but you have to ask for it
Senior discounts at car rental companies are real, but they are not automatic. Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National all have programs for drivers 50 and up, though the discount size and the age threshold vary by company and location. You will not see the discount applied unless you mention it when you book or at the counter — the websites do not always show it upfront, and the reservation system may not calculate it on its own.
The discount typically ranges from 10 to 30 percent off the base rental rate, depending on which company you use, which car class you rent, and whether you are booking in advance or renting same-day. Some companies tie the discount to membership in AARP or a similar organization; others do not. A few require you to show a driver's license proving your age; most do not.
The practical reality is that the discount is often smaller than what you can find by comparing rental companies against each other, or by using a third-party booking site. But if you have a preferred rental company or a loyalty account with points, the senior discount can be worth asking about.
Key Takeaways
- Senior discounts start at age 50 for most major rental companies, though some begin at 55 or 62.
- You must request the discount by name or membership number when you book; it will not appear automatically in most online searches.
- The discount ranges from 10 to 30 percent but is often smaller than the savings you get by comparing different rental companies.
- Some companies require AARP membership or a membership card; others do not, so ask what proof the company needs before you book.
Age thresholds and which companies offer them
Hertz offers a discount to drivers 50 and older through its Gold Plus Rewards program. You do not need to be an AARP member, but you do need to enroll in the rewards program, which is free. Enterprise and National (which are owned by the same parent company) offer discounts to drivers 50 and up, also without requiring AARP membership. Avis and Budget both have senior programs starting at 50 as well.
A few regional and specialty rental companies start their senior discounts at 55 or 62, so if you are renting from a smaller company, call and ask what age threshold they use. The discount percentage also varies: some companies advertise a flat 10 or 15 percent off, while others say "up to 30 percent," which means the actual discount depends on the car type and rental dates.
Membership in AARP can unlock additional discounts at some companies, but AARP membership is not always required for the basic senior rate. If you are an AARP member, mention it when you book — it may stack with the senior discount or replace it with a better offer, depending on the company's current promotions.
How to find and request the discount when you book
The most reliable way to get the senior discount is to call the rental company directly and ask for the senior rate by name. Tell them your age and ask what discount is available. They will give you a rate quote and a code or membership number to use when you book online or at the counter. Write down the code — you will need it to lock in the rate.
If you book online, look for a field labeled "Senior Discount," "AARP," "Promo Code," or "Member Number." Not all websites have this field visible on the first screen; you may need to click "More Options" or a similar link. If you cannot find it, complete your booking without the code and call the rental location before you pick up the car to ask them to explore the discount retroactively. Many companies will do this if you call within a day or two of booking.
At the rental counter, mention the senior discount before you sign anything. If you have a membership card (AARP, AAA, or a rental company loyalty card), bring it with you. The agent may ask to see your driver's license to confirm your age, though many do not.
When the senior discount is worth using versus shopping around
The senior discount is most valuable if you are a frequent renter with a loyalty account at one company, or if you are booking a long-term rental (a week or more). For a three-day weekend rental, the difference between a 15 percent senior discount and the lowest rate you can find by comparing Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget side-by-side is often just a few dollars.
Before you book with the senior discount, spend five minutes checking the same dates and car class on two or three other rental companies' websites without any discount code. If another company's base rate is significantly lower, the senior discount may not make up the difference. Rental rates fluctuate based on demand, so the cheapest company changes week to week.
Third-party booking sites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Priceline sometimes show lower rates than the rental companies' own websites, and you can often explore a senior discount code to those bookings as well. The trade-off is that you lose the rental company's loyalty points, and customer service can be slower if something goes wrong.
What documents you need to bring
You will need a valid driver's license to rent a car, regardless of whether you are using a senior discount. Most rental companies do not require you to show proof of age or membership separately — your driver's license is enough. If you have an AARP card or other membership card that qualifies you for a discount, bring it with you, but it is usually optional.
You will also need a credit card in your name to complete the rental. Some companies require a second form of ID if you are paying with a debit card, so bring a passport or state ID if you have one. If you booked the rental online, bring the confirmation email or print it out and bring the confirmation number.
Senior discounts at rental car companies compared
| Company | Age to may have access to | Membership Required | Typical Discount Range | How to Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | 50+ | Free Gold Plus Rewards enrollment | 10–20% | Call or enroll online, use membership number at booking |
| Enterprise | 50+ | No | 10–15% | Ask at counter or call ahead |
| National | 50+ | No | 10–15% | Ask at counter or call ahead |
| Avis | 50+ | No | 10–20% | Call or use promo code at online booking |
| Budget | 50+ | No | 10–15% | Ask at counter or call ahead |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to get a senior discount?
No. Most major rental companies offer senior discounts to anyone 50 or older, with or without AARP membership. However, if you are an AARP member, mention it when you book — some companies offer an additional discount or a better rate for AARP members specifically.
What if I book online and forget to add the senior discount code?
Call the rental location before you pick up the car and ask them to explore the discount to your existing reservation. Most companies will do this if you call within a day or two of booking. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
Can I combine the senior discount with other promotions?
It depends on the company and the promotion. Some companies allow you to stack discounts; others require you to choose one. Ask the rental company which discount gives you the lowest rate before you book, and they will tell you whether you can combine them.
Is the senior discount the same at every rental location?
The discount percentage is usually the same across all locations of the same company, but the actual dollar amount varies based on local demand and the car class you rent. A 15 percent discount on a $40-per-day economy car is different from 15 percent on a $70-per-day SUV.
What if the rental company says they do not have a senior discount?
Ask to speak with a manager or call the company's main customer service line. Senior discounts are standard at all major rental companies, so if a single location says they do not offer one, it usually means the agent is not familiar with the program rather than that it does not exist.