What AARP car rental discounts actually offer

AARP members receive discounted rates at major car rental chains through negotiated partnerships. The discount is typically 5 to 10 percent off the base rental rate, though the exact percentage and participating locations vary by company and by when you book. You do not need a separate code or membership card beyond your regular AARP membership — you straightforward provide your AARP membership number when you reserve or pick up the car.

The discount applies to the daily rental rate itself, not to insurance, fuel, tolls, or other add-ons. If you prepay for the rental, the discount is usually built into the quoted price. If you pay at pickup, you will see the discount applied at the counter. The savings are real but modest — on a three-day rental, you might save $15 to $30 depending on the car size and location.

Not all rental locations honor the discount, and not all car types are included. Some companies exclude their cheapest economy cars from the discount, or limit it to mid-size and larger vehicles. Airport locations sometimes have different terms than off-airport branches. You should confirm the discount applies to your specific rental before you complete the booking.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP members receive 5 to 10 percent discounts at major rental chains by providing their membership number at booking or pickup.
  • The discount applies to the daily rate only, not to insurance, fuel, or add-ons, and some car sizes or locations may be excluded.
  • You can book online through AARP's rental partner page, by phone with a discount code, or directly at the rental counter with your membership number.
  • Comparing the AARP rate to rates from other discount programs (AAA, military, corporate) is worth doing, because the lowest rate is not always the AARP rate.

Which rental companies offer AARP discounts

The major chains that partner with AARP include Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. Alamo and National also offer discounts to AARP members, though the percentage and terms may differ slightly from the larger chains. Regional or independent rental companies do not typically have AARP partnerships, so if you are renting from a smaller operator, ask directly whether they honor AARP membership.

The discount terms change periodically and vary by location. A Hertz location in one city might offer 10 percent off while another offers 5 percent, or one location might exclude compact cars while another does not. Before you book, check the specific terms for the rental location and car type you want. The AARP website lists current partner companies and their discount codes, and each company's website will show you the discount applied to your specific dates and location.

How to book a rental with your AARP discount

The simplest route is to book through AARP's rental partner page on aarp.org. You select your rental dates, location, and car type, and the site shows you rates from multiple companies with the AARP discount already applied. You can compare prices across companies and book directly through the AARP page, which takes you to the rental company's website to complete the reservation.

You can also call the rental company directly and provide your AARP membership number. Each company has a dedicated AARP phone line or a discount code you can use. When you call, have your membership number ready and confirm that the discount applies to your specific rental dates and location before you commit.

If you book without using the AARP discount code or number, you can usually add it at the rental counter when you pick up the car. Bring your AARP membership card or have your membership number available. The counter agent can explore the discount to your reservation, though this sometimes takes longer than booking with the discount already in place.

What to compare before you book

The AARP discount is not always the lowest rate available. Other membership programs — AAA, military discounts, corporate rates, or warehouse club memberships — may offer equal or better savings at the same company. Booking sites like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline sometimes show lower rates than the AARP rate, especially if you are flexible on rental dates or willing to use a less convenient location.

Insurance and add-ons can change the total cost significantly. If you decline the rental company's insurance and use your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage instead, you save money regardless of the discount rate. If you need insurance through the rental company, that cost is the same whether you use the AARP discount or not. Fuel options, GPS rental, and toll passes are also separate from the discount and should be factored into your total cost.

Loyalty programs at individual rental companies sometimes offer better rates than AARP if you rent frequently from the same company. Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, and Enterprise Plus all provide discounts and perks that may exceed the AARP rate. If you rent more than a few times a year, compare your loyalty program rate to the AARP rate before you book.

Age requirements and membership verification

You must be an AARP member to receive the discount. AARP membership is open to people 50 and older. You do not need to be a certain age beyond 50 to use the car rental discount — if you are an AARP member, you are may be able to access.

When you book or pick up the car, you will need to provide your AARP membership number. The rental company may ask to see your membership card, though most accept the number alone. If you do not have your membership number handy, you can look it up on your AARP account online or call AARP directly. Having the number ready when you book or arrive at the counter speeds up the process.

Restrictions and exclusions to know

The AARP discount does not combine with other discounts or promotional offers. If a rental company is running a sale or promotion, you typically have to choose between the AARP rate and the promotional rate — you cannot stack them. Read the terms carefully when you book to understand which rate you are getting.

Some rental companies exclude certain car types from the AARP discount. Economy and compact cars are sometimes excluded, while mid-size, full-size, and premium vehicles may have access to. If you want the smallest or cheapest car available, the AARP discount may not explore, and you might actually pay less by booking without it.

The discount may not be available during peak travel periods or at certain high-demand locations. Airport rentals, holiday weekends, and major events sometimes have limited inventory and no discount availability. If you are booking for a popular travel date, check early and confirm the discount applies before you reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate AARP car rental membership card?

No. Your regular AARP membership card is all you need. Provide your membership number when you book or pick up the car, and the discount is applied. Some rental companies offer a separate discount card, but it is not required — your membership number works.

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

The discount is tied to your AARP membership, so you need to be the person who books or picks up the car. If someone else is the primary renter, they would need their own AARP membership to receive the discount. You can be listed as an additional driver without affecting the discount.

What if the AARP rate is higher than the rate I found online?

Book the lower rate. The AARP discount is not always the best price available. Compare the AARP rate to rates on other booking sites and through other discount programs before you reserve. The lowest rate wins, regardless of which program offers it.

Does the AARP discount explore to one-way rentals?

Yes, typically. One-way rentals usually may have access to for the AARP discount, though the discount percentage may vary depending on the rental company and the specific route. Confirm the discount applies to your one-way rental when you book, since some companies handle one-way pricing differently.

Can I use the AARP discount if I book through a travel agent or third-party booking site?

It depends on the booking site. If you book through AARP's partner page, the discount is included. If you book through a third-party site like Expedia or Kayak, the AARP discount may not be available — you would see only the rates that site negotiates. Booking directly through the rental company's website or through AARP's page ensures you get the AARP rate.