Most major car rental companies offer discounts to drivers 50 or 55 and older
The discount amount and the age threshold vary by company. Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National all have senior programs, but the savings range from 5 to 30 percent depending on the rental location, the car class, and the time of year. Some companies set the age at 50; others at 55 or 62. You do not need to join a membership program — you straightforward state your age when you book or at the counter and provide a valid driver's license as proof.
The discount is not automatic. You have to ask for it by name when you reserve the car, or mention it when you arrive to pick up the vehicle. Many people miss the savings because the online booking system does not always display senior rates prominently, and rental agents do not volunteer the information unless you bring it up.
The best approach is to call the rental company directly or visit their website and look for a "senior discount" or "mature driver" link before you book. Some companies let you enter your birth date during the online reservation and will show you the discounted rate. If you book online without selecting the discount, call the location before you arrive and ask them to explore it to your existing reservation.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National offer senior discounts starting at age 50, 55, or 62 depending on the company.
- Discounts typically range from 5 to 30 percent and are not shown automatically on most websites — you must request them by name.
- You will need a valid driver's license to prove your age at pickup, even if you booked the discount in advance.
- Calling the rental location directly before you book often reveals better rates than the online system shows.
- Some rental companies combine senior discounts with AARP membership discounts, so ask whether you can stack both if you are an AARP member.
Senior discount thresholds and savings by company
Hertz offers a discount to drivers 50 and older. The savings vary by location and season, but typically range from 10 to 25 percent off the standard rate. You can book the discount online by selecting "Senior Discount" during checkout, or call 1-800-654-3131 and ask for the senior rate.
Enterprise discounts start at age 50 as well. The company advertises savings of up to 30 percent, though the actual discount depends on the rental location and the specific car you choose. Call your local Enterprise branch directly or visit Enterprise.com and look for the senior discount option during booking.
Avis offers discounts to drivers 50 and older through its Preferred Plus membership program, which also includes other perks like faster checkout. You can enroll at Avis.com or by phone at 1-800-331-1212. The discount amount varies by location.
Budget and National both offer senior discounts starting at age 55. Budget's discount is typically 5 to 15 percent, while National's ranges from 10 to 20 percent. Both companies let you book the discount online or by calling their reservation lines: Budget at 1-800-527-0700 and National at 1-888-826-6893.
Regional and local rental companies sometimes offer larger discounts than the national chains. Before you book with a major company, search for independent rental agencies in your area — they may have better rates for seniors, especially if you are a repeat customer.
How to book a senior discount rental
Start by visiting the rental company's website and entering your travel dates and pickup location. Most sites have a field for discount codes or membership numbers. Look for a link labeled "Senior Discount," "Mature Driver," or "Age-Based Discount" — the exact wording varies by company. If you find it, select it and the system will show you the discounted rate.
If the website does not display a senior discount option, call the rental location directly. Have your travel dates, pickup location, and preferred car class ready. The agent can quote you a senior rate over the phone and either give you a confirmation number to use when you book online, or book the reservation for you directly. This phone-first approach often uncovers better rates than the website shows.
When you arrive to pick up the car, bring your valid driver's license. The rental agent will verify your age and confirm the discount is applied to your bill. If you booked online without selecting the senior discount, tell the agent at the counter and ask them to adjust the rate. Many locations will honor the discount even if it was not part of your original reservation, though it is safer to request it before you arrive.
Combining senior discounts with other offers
If you are an AARP member, ask whether the rental company allows you to use both the senior discount and the AARP member discount on the same reservation. Some companies let you stack the discounts; others require you to choose one or the other. The agent can tell you which applies at the time of booking.
Corporate discounts, weekend rates, and promotional codes sometimes conflict with senior discounts. If you have a corporate account through your employer or a membership discount from a credit card, compare the total cost under each discount before you book. The senior rate may not always be the lowest option.
Rental car insurance and damage waivers are separate from the discount. The senior discount applies only to the base rental rate, not to insurance, fuel charges, or airport fees. Read the terms of your reservation to understand what is and is not included.
What to bring and what to expect at pickup
Bring your valid driver's license — this is the only proof of age the rental company will accept. A passport, Medicare card, or AARP card is not sufficient for the age verification. If your license is expired, most rental companies will not rent to you at all, regardless of the discount.
Bring a credit card in your name. Rental companies place a hold on the card for the full estimated cost of the rental plus a damage deposit, which is typically $200 to $500. The hold is released when you return the car, but the funds are temporarily unavailable. If you do not have a credit card, some locations accept debit cards, though policies vary.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Senior discounts do not affect the checkout process, but arriving early gives you time to review the rental agreement and ask questions about the car's features or the return process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a member of AARP to get a senior discount?
No. All major rental companies offer senior discounts based on age alone, without requiring membership in any organization. AARP membership is optional and may provide an additional discount that you can sometimes combine with the age-based senior rate.
What if I book online and forget to select the senior discount?
Call the rental location before you pick up the car and ask them to explore the discount to your existing reservation. Provide your confirmation number. Most companies will adjust the rate if you call in advance, though it is less certain if you wait until you arrive at the counter.
Can I use a senior discount if I am renting the car for someone else to drive?
No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the one who receives the discount. If you are 50 or older and renting the car for yourself, you get the discount. If you are renting it for a younger family member, the senior discount does not explore.
Are senior discounts available at airport rental locations?
Yes, but airport locations often charge higher base rates than off-airport branches, so the discount may not save you as much money. Compare the total cost of renting from an airport location with a senior discount against renting from a nearby off-airport branch without a discount. The off-airport option is frequently cheaper overall.
Do I need to renew or reapply for a senior discount each time I rent?
No. You straightforward request the discount when you book or at pickup, and provide your driver's license as proof of age. There is no membership to maintain or renewal process.