Blog >> 10 Tips To Save On A Rental Car
By Kevin Zanes / May 20, 2025
Traveling opens the door to new experiences, but one expense can take the shine off your adventure: the rental car.
Many travelers feel sticker shock when they reach the rental counter. Daily rates, extra fees, insurance add-ons, and taxes can all add up quickly.
The good news is that there are many practical ways to save on a rental car without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
This guide was created to help you take control of your rental car costs. Whether you are planning a weekend road trip, a family vacation, or a business journey, you will discover strategies that work.
From using corporate codes and membership discounts to taking advantage of credit card benefits and exploring newer rental alternatives, you will learn how to stretch every dollar.
The world of rental car pricing can be confusing, but it does not have to be. We have gathered the best tips and tools to make sure you never overpay again.
By the end of this guide, you will feel confident and prepared to save on a rental car no matter where your travels take you.
Let’s get started on the road to savings.
Maximize Memberships, Discounts, and Codes
One of the easiest ways to save on a rental car is by unlocking the discounts you may already qualify for. Many travelers do not realize they can cut costs simply by using benefits tied to their job, school, or memberships.
These deals can add up to major savings, especially when combined with other smart booking strategies.
Unlock Savings With A Corporate, University, Or Alumni Code
Using a corporate code from your job or university is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save on a rental car.
Many large companies, colleges, and alumni associations partner with rental car companies like Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and National to offer special rates. These codes can give you discounts on the daily rate, include free extra drivers, or waive fees for drivers under 25.
To find these codes, check the travel site of your company or school or student benefits page.
Some organizations even offer separate codes for personal use, so be sure to clarify whether your discount applies only to business travel. Taking just a few minutes to check for these discounts before booking could result in noticeable savings.
Note: It is important to use only codes you are eligible for. Rental companies may request proof of employment or alumni status, and using an unauthorized code could lead to cancellation or penalties.
Get Rental Car Benefits With A AAA Membership
Most people know AAA for its reliable roadside assistance, but the membership also unlocks valuable travel discounts. One of the top benefits is the ability to save on a rental car.
AAA members can save up to 20 percent on Hertz rentals by using a dedicated discount code.
The benefits go beyond just a lower price.
AAA members booking through Hertz also receive extra perks, including waived fees for drivers under 25, discounts on prepaid fuel, a free additional driver, and even a complimentary car seat or booster seat for a child.
These savings can quickly cover the annual AAA membership fee, which varies by location.
Booking with AAA is easy.
Once you join, visit the dedicated Hertz AAA website to book your car. All applicable discounts will appear automatically at checkout.
If you rent cars often, the AAA discount is an excellent tool to consistently save on a rental car.
Unlock Extra Discounts Through USAA
For military families and veterans, USAA membership offers some of the most generous rental car discounts available.
USAA members can access deals with Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Discounts can be as high as 35 percent off the standard rate.
In addition to the price reduction, USAA members often enjoy added benefits such as waived fees for additional drivers and drivers under 25. USAA bookings also allow you to earn points with the loyalty program of the rental car company.
Membership in USAA is open to current and former military personnel, their spouses, and children. If you qualify, USAA should be one of your first stops when planning a car rental.
It sets a strong baseline for savings before you compare offers from credit cards or travel portals. Starting with USAA can be one of the most straightforward ways to save on a rental car while enjoying added peace of mind.
Leverage Credit Cards And Airline Partnerships
Credit cards and airline travel portals offer powerful tools to help you save on a rental car.
By choosing the right card or booking platform, you can unlock discounts, enjoy elite perks, receive valuable protections, and even earn points or miles toward your next adventure.
Many travelers overlook these opportunities, but they can add up to significant savings.
Use Travel Credit Cards To Unlock Discounts And Elite Status
Many premium travel credit cards provide built-in rental car benefits. These perks often include discounts, priority service, free upgrades, and even status in rental car loyalty programs.
Three cards stand out in this area:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers cardholders access to discounts at Avis and National when using the Visa Infinite discount code and paying with the card.
You can also save on rentals through Audi on Demand simply by setting your Chase Sapphire Reserve as the default payment method.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wide range of rental car benefits with Hertz, National, and Avis (enrollment required).
With Hertz, members enjoy complimentary Five Star elite status, which provides priority counter service, upgrades when available, up to 15 percent off standard rates, and waived fees for an additional driver who is a spouse or civil partner.
For Avis renters, benefits include priority service, rental discounts, and a free two-day weekend rental coupon after completing two qualifying rentals.
At National, you can receive Executive status with benefits such as choosing your own car from the Executive Selection area, earning a complimentary rental day after six qualifying rentals, and receiving free upgrades.
United Club℠ Card
The United Club℠ Card offers Avis President’s Club status, the highest tier in the Avis loyalty program.
This includes guaranteed vehicle availability with 24-hour notice, complimentary two-car-class upgrades, and expedited service with a dedicated customer support line.
Even if you do not have one of these cards, it is a good idea to check if your credit card offers rental car benefits. Many programs allow you to save on a rental car by applying a discount code or booking through a dedicated portal.
Save Money With Credit Card Rental Car Damage Waivers
Damage waivers protect you from high out-of-pocket costs if your rental car is damaged or stolen.
Rental companies typically charge between $10 and $20 per day for this coverage. However, some credit cards offer a primary collision damage waiver at no extra cost when you use the card to pay for the rental.
Two of the best options for this coverage are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Both offer primary coverage for most standard rental vehicles, which means you do not need to file a claim with your personal auto insurance. This saves you from having to pay deductibles or risking an increase to your insurance rates.
Just remember, coverage usually applies to rentals of 31 consecutive days or less and does not include exotic or antique cars.
Other cards which offer primary car rental insurance on most rentals include:
Using a card with primary rental car insurance is one of the smartest ways to save on a rental car and avoid unnecessary fees.
Booking Through Airline Travel Portals
Many airlines partner with rental car companies to offer discounts and extra rewards. Booking through these portals can help you save on a rental car while earning points or miles.
For example, United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn up to 1,250 miles per qualifying rental and enjoy discounts of up to 35 percent at Avis and Budget when booking through the United car rental portal.
American Airlines also offers its AAdvantage Cars platform, which provides up to 35 percent off base rates plus AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points.
Elite airline members often receive complimentary car rental status.
American, Delta, and United offer status matches with major rental companies for their top flyers. This can mean guaranteed free upgrades, bonus points, and access to better vehicles.
Keep in mind that if you choose to earn airline miles instead of rental car points, you might miss out on rental company loyalty rewards. Consider which currency provides the best value for your travel plans before booking.
Explore Alternative Rental Options And Deal Finders
Looking beyond traditional rental car companies can be a smart way to save on a rental car.
Whether you compare rates at different locations, explore car-sharing platforms, or use powerful deal-finding tools, there are many ways to cut costs and unlock added flexibility.
Compare Prices At Alternate Rental Locations
Rental companies often have multiple branches in large cities.
For example, Hertz has over a dozen locations in New York City, and Enterprise has more than 15 locations in the Denver area. Pricing can vary greatly between these locations, so it pays to compare rates at both airport and in-town branches.
Renting away from the airport can help you avoid steep airport fees and taxes. In some cases, you can rent a car in town and return it at the airport without extra fees, though this varies by company and location.
However, you must weigh the potential drawbacks. In-town branches may have smaller fleets, which means fewer choices and possibly limited upgrade options.
If you pick up in the city and return at the airport, be aware that some companies charge one-way fees that can significantly increase the cost. Always check both rates and fees carefully to make sure you are truly going to save on a rental car by choosing an off-airport location.
Rent A Car Through Lyft
Many travelers do not know that Lyft also offers rental cars.
Available in select markets, Lyft Rentals allows you to book a vehicle directly through the app. Most rentals are fulfilled by partners such as Flexdrive or Hertz, and prices are often comparable to what you would pay by renting directly.
One added bonus is that Lyft Rentals typically provides a $10 Lyft credit when you return the car, which you can use to pay for a ride home or back to the airport.
Lyft Rentals offer flexible insurance options and no mileage limits, making it a convenient choice for those who want a straightforward way to save on a rental car without visiting a traditional rental counter.
Experience Unique Vehicles With Turo
Turo operates as a peer-to-peer car-sharing service that lets you rent vehicles directly from local car owners.
Available in most major U.S. cities, Turo often offers highly competitive rates compared to standard rental car companies. It is especially appealing if you want a specialty vehicle like an electric car, a sports car, or a luxury SUV that rental companies may not offer.
Some Turo hosts even offer convenient pickup and drop-off services at airport lots. This makes the process just as easy as renting from a traditional company but often at a lower price.
As always, compare Turo pricing against traditional rentals for your travel dates to find the best value. Using Turo can be an excellent way to save on a rental car and enjoy a one-of-a-kind driving experience.
Find The Best Price With AutoSlash
AutoSlash is a free website designed to take the stress out of finding rental car deals.
Once you enter your rental details and any memberships like AAA or AARP, AutoSlash searches rates from multiple companies and applies every possible coupon code and membership discount.
What makes AutoSlash stand out is its ability to track your reservation after booking. If the price drops, you will be notified so you can cancel your original booking and rebook at the lower rate, often with no penalties.
While AutoSlash cannot search corporate or university codes, it remains one of the most reliable tools for everyday travelers looking to save on a rental car. Using AutoSlash can result in surprising savings with minimal effort.
How To Avoid Common Rental Car Fees
Rental car rates often look affordable at first glance – but extra fees can quickly add up.
Many of these charges are avoidable if you know what to look for.
Here are some of the most common fees travelers face and how to steer clear of them to save on a rental car.
- Skip The Insurance If You Are Already Covered. Many credit cards include rental car insurance if you pay with the card, and your personal auto policy may also extend coverage. Buying insurance from the rental company can cost up to $20 per day, so check your benefits before you book.
- Say No To Prepaid Fuel. Rental companies often charge inflated rates for prepaid gas. Instead, fill up the tank yourself before returning the car. Keep the receipt and top off the tank near the return location to avoid any fuel refill fees.
- Avoid Airport Pickup To Dodge Concession Fees. Renting at the airport is convenient but usually comes with hefty taxes and concession fees. If possible, rent from a nearby off-site location to reduce the total cost of your rental.
- Watch Out For Young Driver Fees. Drivers under 25 often face daily surcharges. However, memberships like AAA and USAA can waive these fees. Some credit card-linked rental programs also offer age-related fee waivers.
- Do Not Pay Extra For An Additional Driver. Most rental companies charge a daily fee for an extra driver. However, spouses or domestic partners often qualify as free additional drivers, especially when booking through programs like AAA, USAA, or The Platinum Card® from American Express.
- Return The Car On Time. Even a short delay can trigger late return fees. Check the return time on your rental agreement and plan accordingly. Returning the car too early can also lead to a higher daily rate, so aim to return it as scheduled.
- Decline The Toll Transponder Add-On. Rental car toll programs may charge you a flat daily fee just for having the transponder in the vehicle – even if you only use one toll road. Instead, pay tolls manually or bring your own transponder when allowed.
TPA Pro Tip: Before driving off the lot, take a short video of the entire car – outside and inside. Make sure to capture the mileage, fuel level, and any visible damage. This quick step can protect you if there is a disagreement about scratches, dents, or fuel charges when you return the car. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent unfair fees and keep your trip stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car should enhance your travel – not complicate it. Yet many travelers end up spending more than they need to due to hidden fees, missed discounts, or last-minute bookings.
The good news is that with the right strategies, you can take control of the rental process and significantly save on a rental car.
From tapping into member-only discounts and using powerful credit card perks to booking through airline portals or exploring newer services like Turo and Lyft Rentals, there are more ways than ever to lower your costs without lowering your standards.
Simple steps – like comparing prices at different locations, skipping unnecessary add-ons, or using a tool like AutoSlash – can add up to big savings.
Avoiding common fees is just as important as finding a low rate. Being informed about insurance coverage, fuel policies, and extra charges for drivers can protect your budget and help you avoid frustrating surprises at the counter.
With a little planning and the right resources, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without breaking your budget.
These tips are here to make sure your next rental experience is smooth, affordable, and exactly what you need it to be.
