Learn About AARP Car Rental Discounts

Understanding AARP Car Rental Discounts and How They Work

AARP, formally known as the American Association of Retired Persons, negotiates discount agreements with major car rental companies to provide reduced rates for its members. These discounts represent partnerships between AARP and rental agencies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. When you mention your AARP membership during a car rental reservation or at the rental counter, the agent applies a discount code to reduce your rental cost.

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The way these discounts function is relatively straightforward. AARP maintains relationships with rental companies that have agreed to offer reduced daily rates to AARP members. Rather than being automatically applied, you must inform the rental company of your membership status. This can happen when you book online by entering an AARP discount code, when you call a rental company's reservation line and mention your membership, or when you present your AARP membership card at the rental counter. The discount typically reduces the base rental rate, though it may not apply to additional fees like fuel charges, insurance, or taxes.

Current AARP membership is a standard requirement for accessing these discounts. AARP membership begins at age 50 and costs approximately $16 annually for a standard membership. Membership provides access to various discounts across multiple industries, with car rentals being just one category. The organization reports that members can save between 10% and 30% on car rentals depending on the rental company and time of booking.

Different rental companies structure their AARP discounts in varying ways. Some companies offer a flat percentage discount on all rental categories, while others provide special rates only on specific vehicle types or rental periods. Enterprise, for example, often features prominent AARP discounts on their website and mobile app. Budget and Avis frequently offer AARP-specific promotions that change seasonally.

Practical Takeaway: Before booking a car rental, confirm your current AARP membership status and gather your membership number. This number is essential for obtaining discounts, whether you reserve online, by phone, or in person.

Which Car Rental Companies Offer AARP Discounts

AARP has established discount partnerships with most major car rental agencies operating in the United States. The primary companies offering AARP member discounts include Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo. These companies collectively operate thousands of rental locations across the country, making AARP discounts widely accessible for most travel needs. Each company maintains its own discount structure and promotional offerings, which means the actual savings available may differ between agencies.

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Enterprise Holdings, which owns Enterprise, National, and Alamo brands, has made AARP partnerships a central part of its marketing strategy. Enterprise frequently advertises its AARP discounts through direct mail to AARP members and on its website. National Car Rental, positioned as Enterprise's premium brand, offers similar discounts, often with additional perks for frequent renters. Alamo, the budget-friendly option within the Enterprise family, provides competitive AARP rates, particularly useful for price-conscious travelers.

Hertz and Avis also maintain active AARP discount programs. Hertz offers AARP discounts that can be combined with other promotions in some cases, potentially leading to greater overall savings. Avis provides AARP rates through its reservation system and frequently features special promotions for AARP members during peak travel seasons. Budget rounds out the major providers with consistent AARP offerings across its locations.

Beyond these major national companies, some regional and specialty rental agencies also participate in AARP discount programs. Priceline, which facilitates car rental bookings across multiple agencies, sometimes includes AARP discount options when you search for rentals. Costco Travel, available to Costco members, partners with car rental companies and occasionally features AARP-friendly rates, though these are negotiated separately from AARP's direct partnerships.

The extent and specifics of discounts can vary by location. Airport rental locations sometimes offer different rates than off-airport facilities. Certain regions or states may have higher or lower discounts depending on local competition and demand. It's worth checking multiple companies even if you have a preferred provider, as the best deal may vary based on your specific rental dates and location.

Practical Takeaway: Contact several major rental companies directly or visit their websites to compare AARP discount rates for your specific travel dates and location. The savings difference between companies can sometimes exceed the cost of an AARP membership for a single rental.

How to Find and Apply AARP Rental Discount Codes

AARP provides multiple channels for members to locate car rental discount codes. The primary source is AARP's official website, which features a dedicated section for member discounts. This section allows you to search by category (such as car rentals) and displays current offers from partner companies. The website typically lists discount codes, special promotions, and links directly to participating rental companies' booking pages with the AARP discount pre-configured.

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When visiting a rental company's website, look for an area labeled "Member Discounts," "Promo Codes," or "Special Rates." Most major rental companies have a specific field during the booking process where you enter an AARP discount code, typically a combination of letters and numbers like "AARP" or company-specific codes such as "AAA0001." Your AARP membership number (a nine-digit identifier) may also be requested during booking. Having this information readily available streamlines the reservation process.

AARP also distributes discount information through its monthly magazine, email communications to members, and periodic mailing campaigns. If you receive direct mail from car rental companies offering AARP discounts, these typically include specific promotional codes valid for limited periods. These mailed offers sometimes feature additional benefits beyond standard member discounts, such as free upgrade offers or reduced daily rates.

When booking by phone, simply inform the reservation agent that you're an AARP member and provide your membership number. The agent can apply the discount manually without requiring a code, though having a current promotional code may result in better rates. Speaking with a human agent also allows you to ask about any current special promotions that may not be advertised online.

At the rental counter, present your AARP membership card along with your driver's license. If you booked online without a discount code, you may still receive the discount if the agent applies your AARP membership status at check-in. However, confirming the discount before completing payment ensures you receive the reduced rate rather than discovering it absent from your final bill.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your AARP membership number and visit both AARP.com and the specific rental company's website before booking. Compare the codes available on both sites to identify which offers the best rate for your travel dates.

Comparing AARP Car Rental Discounts With Other Discount Options

AARP discounts represent one of several options available for reducing car rental costs. Other membership organizations, credit card programs, and loyalty plans also provide rental discounts that may compete with or complement AARP offers. Understanding how these options compare helps you select the combination that delivers the greatest savings for your situation.

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AAA membership offers car rental discounts similar to AARP's, though AAA targets members of all ages rather than those 50 and older. AAA discounts typically range from 10% to 25% depending on the rental company and membership level. If you hold both AARP and AAA memberships, you cannot stack the discounts—rental companies apply only one discount per reservation. However, comparing the two organizations' current offers for your specific rental dates allows you to use whichever provides greater savings.

Credit card companies frequently offer rental car discounts as a cardholder benefit. Premium travel credit cards from companies like Chase, American Express, and Capital One sometimes provide 10% to 20% discounts on car rentals or waived fees for specific rental agencies. These discounts may be stackable with AARP discounts, depending on the rental company's policies. For example, you might secure an AARP discount on the base rate and then use a credit card benefit to waive the insurance fee or upgrade charge.

Rental company loyalty programs provide cumulative benefits based on rental frequency. National's Emerald Club, Enterprise Plus, and Hertz Gold Elite offer benefits like shorter check-in times and loyalty-based upgrades. Members of these programs sometimes receive member rates that rival or exceed AARP discounts. If you rent cars frequently, a loyalty program might provide better long-term value than rel