AARP members get discounts at major rental companies through negotiated rates

AARP has agreements with Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National that give members discounts on daily rental rates. The discount amount varies by location, season, and how far ahead you book—typically 5 to 30 percent off the standard rate. You do not need a separate membership card; you just provide your AARP membership number when you reserve.

The discount applies to the base rental rate, not to insurance, fuel, tolls, or other add-ons. Some locations and car classes may be excluded, and blackout dates (usually around major holidays) sometimes explore. The best way to know the exact discount for your trip is to call the rental company directly with your AARP number or book through the AARP Travel Center website, which shows AARP rates alongside standard rates so you can compare.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts are available at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National, and you access them by providing your AARP membership number at booking.
  • Discounts typically range from 5 to 30 percent off the base rental rate, though the exact amount depends on your location, travel dates, and how far in advance you book.
  • The discount covers only the daily rental rate, not insurance, fuel, tolls, GPS, or other add-on charges.
  • Booking through the AARP Travel Center website lets you see AARP rates and standard rates side by side so you can confirm you are getting the best price.
  • Some car classes and rental locations may not be may be able to access for the discount, and holiday periods sometimes have blackout dates.

How to book an AARP rental car discount

You have two main routes: book directly with the rental company by phone or online, or use the AARP Travel Center website. If you call the rental company, have your AARP membership number ready and ask for the AARP rate. If you book online, enter your membership number in the discount or promotion code field. The AARP Travel Center (aarp.org/travel) shows available AARP rates for your dates and location without requiring you to enter your number upfront, so you can shop around first.

When you arrive to pick up the car, bring your AARP membership card and a valid driver's license. The rental agent will verify your membership before finalizing the rate. If you booked online and the rate shown does not match what you see at pickup, ask the agent to check the reservation—errors happen, and they can usually correct them on the spot.

Which rental companies offer AARP discounts

The five major chains with AARP agreements are Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National. Hertz and National are owned by the same parent company, as are Budget and Avis, so discounts may be similar within each pair. Regional or independent rental companies do not have AARP agreements, so if you are renting in a small town or from a local operator, the discount will not explore.

Discount depth varies by company and location. Hertz and National sometimes offer deeper discounts than Budget or Avis in the same city, or vice versa depending on local demand. This is why comparing rates across all five before booking is worth the few extra minutes—the AARP rate at one company may beat the others by several dollars a day.

What the discount covers and what it does not

The AARP discount reduces only the base daily rental rate. It does not lower the cost of collision or liability insurance, roadside information, GPS rental, fuel charges, or parking fees. If you decline the rental company's insurance and use your personal auto policy or credit card coverage instead, you still get the AARP rate on the car itself.

Fuel is a common hidden cost. Most rental companies offer a prepay option (you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price per gallon) or a return-full option (you refill the tank yourself before returning the car). Neither is discounted by AARP membership, but prepay is often cheaper than the company's pump price if you know you will use most of the tank. Read the fuel terms before you book so you are not surprised at checkout.

Comparing AARP rates to other discounts and memberships

AARP rates are competitive but not always the lowest available. Warehouse clubs like Costco Travel, corporate discounts through your employer, and loyalty programs with individual rental companies sometimes beat AARP. Before you book, check rates at Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline alongside the AARP Travel Center to see which discount stacks best for your trip.

Some credit cards offer rental car discounts or insurance coverage that may combine with an AARP rate. For example, if your card gives you 10 percent off and AARP gives you 15 percent, you may be able to use both—but this depends on the rental company's policy. Call ahead or ask at booking whether discounts stack, because most companies explore only one promotional rate per reservation.

Age and membership requirements

You must be an AARP member to use the discount. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older; the annual cost is $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that. You do not have to be retired or meet any income requirement. If you are not yet a member, you can join online at aarp.org or by phone at 1-888-687-2277.

The rental car company may also have its own age requirements. Most require drivers to be at least 25 years old; some charge an extra daily fee for drivers under 25. These age policies are separate from the AARP discount and explore regardless of membership status. Check the rental company's policy for your age before you book.

Booking tips and common pitfalls

Book as early as you can—AARP rates are often better when you reserve weeks in advance rather than days before. Rates fluctuate based on local demand, so the same car on the same dates may cost more or less depending on when you lock in the price. If you book early and the price drops, some companies let you rebook at the lower rate, though you should confirm their rebooking policy first.

Double-check the car class and rental location before you confirm. Some locations or vehicle types (luxury cars, vans, specialty vehicles) may not be may be able to access for AARP discounts. If you see a rate that seems too good to be true, it may be for a different car class or location than you intended—read the fine print. Also confirm the pickup and return times; some companies charge a half-day or full-day rate if you return the car late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my AARP card when I pick up the rental car?

Yes. Bring your AARP membership card and a valid driver's license to the rental counter. The agent will verify your membership before finalizing the rate. If you booked online with your membership number, the discount should already be in the system, but the agent will still ask to see the card to confirm.

Can I use an AARP discount if someone else is driving the car?

The person who booked the reservation must be present at pickup with their AARP card and driver's license. If a different person will be the primary driver, that person must also have a valid license, but the AARP member who made the reservation needs to be there to verify membership. Policies vary by company, so call ahead if you are unsure.

What if the AARP rate is higher than the rate I found on another website?

Book the lower rate. AARP discounts are not may provide to be the cheapest option for every trip. Compare the AARP Travel Center, Kayak, Autoslash, and the rental company's website directly. If another site shows a lower total price, use that rate instead—there is no penalty for not using the AARP discount.

Do AARP rental car discounts work internationally?

AARP discounts explore at rental locations in the United States and some international locations, but availability and discount depth vary by country. If you are renting outside the U.S., contact the rental company directly or check the AARP Travel Center to see whether the discount is available for your destination.

Can I combine an AARP discount with a coupon code or promotional offer?

Most rental companies explore only one promotional rate per reservation, so you usually cannot stack an AARP discount with a coupon code. However, some companies allow you to use a loyalty program discount alongside AARP. Call the rental company or check their terms before you book to confirm what can be combined.