National Car Rental offers a senior discount through its program for drivers 50 and older

National Car Rental's senior discount program, called the 50+ Club, reduces your daily rental rate if you are at least 50 years old. The discount is not automatic — you must enroll in the program and provide your membership number when you book. The discount amount varies by location, car type, and how far in advance you book, so there is no single percentage you can count on.

You can enroll in the 50+ Club for free through National's website or by phone. Once you have your membership number, you use it every time you rent to receive the discounted rate. The program also gives you access to other perks like free upgrades (when available) and priority service at the rental counter.

Key Takeaways

  • The 50+ Club is National's senior discount program for drivers 50 and older, and membership is free.
  • You must enroll before you book a rental to receive the discount — it does not happen automatically at checkout.
  • The discount amount changes based on location, vehicle type, and how far ahead you reserve, so compare prices with and without the membership number.
  • You can enroll online at nationalcar.com or by calling 1-844-382-6875 and providing your name, date of birth, and email address.

How to enroll in the 50+ Club

Start by visiting nationalcar.com/50plus or call National's reservations line at 1-844-382-6875 and ask to join the 50+ Club. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. National will send you a membership number by email, usually within a few minutes if you enroll online.

Keep your membership number in a safe place — you will enter it when you book online, or give it to the agent when you call to make a reservation. The number stays active as long as you want it, so you do not need to renew it each year. If you lose the number, you can retrieve it by logging into your National account or calling the reservations line again.

What the discount covers and what it does not

The 50+ Club discount applies to the base rental rate for the car itself. It does not cover taxes, airport fees, fuel charges, insurance, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats. Those costs are separate and will appear on your final bill.

The discount is most noticeable on longer rentals — a week-long rental will show a bigger savings than a one-day rental. On short rentals, the discount may be small enough that you barely notice it. National sometimes runs separate promotions (like weekend specials or loyalty bonuses) that may save you more than the 50+ Club rate, so it is worth checking both the senior rate and any current promotions before you book.

How to book with your senior discount

If you book online at nationalcar.com, enter your membership number in the "Discount Code" or "Member Number" field before you search for rates. The system will show you the discounted price for each car type and date range. If you book by phone, tell the agent you are a 50+ Club member and provide your membership number at the start of the call.

Always check the price with your membership number and without it to see the actual savings. Sometimes a separate promotion or a different car class will save you more money than the senior discount. National's website shows you the final price before you confirm, so you can compare options side by side.

Other benefits included with 50+ Club membership

Beyond the discounted daily rate, the 50+ Club includes a few extras. You may receive complimentary car upgrades when they are available — this depends on what cars are in stock when you arrive, so it is not may provide. You also get priority service at the rental counter, which can mean a shorter wait if the location is busy.

Members sometimes receive special offers by email, like discounts on future rentals or bonus points if you are part of National's loyalty program. These offers vary and are not part of every membership, but they are worth checking your email for after you enroll.

Comparing National's senior discount to other rental companies

Most major car rental companies offer some form of senior discount. Hertz has a Senior Discount program for drivers 50 and older, Avis offers discounts through its Preferred Plus membership, and Budget has a senior rate as well. The discount amounts and terms differ between companies, and the best deal depends on which rental location you are using and how far ahead you book.

If you rent cars regularly, it may be worth enrolling in the senior programs at two or three companies so you can compare rates before each trip. A few dollars difference per day adds up quickly on a week-long rental. Check the base rate at each company using your membership number, then add in taxes and fees to see the true total cost.

What to do if you have trouble using your membership number

If you book online and the system does not recognize your membership number, double-check that you entered it correctly — membership numbers are case-sensitive. If it still does not work, call National's reservations line at 1-844-382-6875 and ask them to verify your account. They can also book the rental for you over the phone and explore the discount manually.

If you arrive at the rental counter and the agent does not explore your discount, ask them to look up your membership number in their system. Bring a photo ID and be ready to provide your date of birth. If there is a problem, ask to speak with a manager — most locations can correct the rate before you drive off the lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member of National's loyalty program to get the 50+ Club discount?

No. The 50+ Club is separate from National's loyalty program. You can enroll in the senior discount program without joining the loyalty program, though joining both may give you additional savings or perks.

Can someone else use my 50+ Club membership number to rent a car?

No. The membership is tied to your date of birth and identity. The person renting the car must be the member, and they must show a photo ID that matches the name on the membership. National checks this at the rental counter.

Does the 50+ Club discount work at all National locations?

The discount is available at most National locations in the United States and at many international locations. Some airport locations or franchise locations may have different terms. When you book, the website will show you the discounted rate for your specific location, so you will know before you confirm.

What if I turn 50 after I book my rental — can I still use the discount?

You must be 50 years old at the time you pick up the rental car. If your birthday is the day after your rental, you cannot use the 50+ Club discount for that trip. You can enroll in the program after your birthday and use it for future rentals.

Is there a membership fee for the 50+ Club?

No. Enrollment in the 50+ Club is free. There are no annual fees, renewal fees, or hidden charges. You pay only for the rental itself, and the discount is applied to the base rate.