How AAA Members Get Discounts on Car Rentals

AAA membership can lower your car rental rate at most major chains

If you hold an AAA membership, you can use your membership number to receive discounted rates at rental companies including Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. The discount amount varies by location, rental date, and which AAA membership tier you hold — it is not a fixed percentage across all bookings. You will need to enter your AAA membership number when you reserve online or mention it when you call or visit a rental counter.

The discount applies to the base rental rate, not to add-ons like insurance, fuel options, or tolls. Some rental locations offer better discounts than others, and rates change based on demand. Booking directly through AAA's travel portal sometimes shows different pricing than booking through the rental company's website, so checking both can help you find the better rate for your specific dates and location.

Key Takeaways

AAA members enter their membership number at booking or at the rental counter to receive a discounted rate on most major rental chains.
The discount amount is not fixed and depends on your membership level, the rental location, and the dates you are renting.
Booking through AAA's travel website and the rental company's website may show different prices for the same dates, so compare both.
The discount covers the base rental rate only and does not reduce the cost of insurance, fuel packages, or other add-ons.

Which rental companies honor AAA discounts

The major chains that participate in AAA discounts are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Smaller or regional rental companies may also offer AAA discounts, but participation is not universal. Before you book, check the rental company's website to confirm they accept AAA membership numbers, or call their reservations line to ask.

Some rental companies have different discount levels depending on which AAA membership tier you hold — for example, AAA Plus or AAA Premier members may see a larger discount than basic AAA members. Your membership card or online AAA account will show your membership level. If you are unsure, contact AAA directly or check your membership details before booking.

How to book a rental with your AAA discount

The most straightforward way to book is to visit the rental company's website and enter your AAA membership number in the discount or promotion code field during checkout. The system will explore the discount to your rate if one is available for your dates and location. You can also call the rental company's reservations line and provide your membership number verbally.

Alternatively, you can book through AAA's travel portal, which is accessible through your AAA account online or by calling AAA's travel service. The AAA portal sometimes bundles the rental with other travel services or shows exclusive rates. After you complete your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details and the discounted rate. Bring your AAA membership card to the rental counter on the day you pick up the vehicle.

What the discount covers and what it does not

The AAA discount reduces the daily rental rate for the vehicle itself. It does not reduce the cost of optional add-ons such as collision damage waiver insurance, loss damage waiver, additional driver fees, fuel pre-purchase options, GPS rental, or child seat rental. Taxes and airport fees are also not discounted.

If you decline the rental company's insurance and use your own auto insurance or credit card coverage instead, you will still receive the AAA rate discount on the base rental. However, the savings on the rental rate alone may be modest — often 10 to 20 percent, though this varies. Always review your final quote before confirming to see the exact amount you are saving.

Comparing AAA rates to other discounts and booking methods

AAA discounts are one option, but they are not always the lowest available rate. Rental companies frequently offer promotional rates, weekend specials, or loyalty program discounts that may beat the AAA rate for your specific dates. Before you book with your AAA number, check what the rental company is offering without any discount code, and compare that to rates you find on travel booking sites like Kayak, Costco Travel, or Autoslash.

Some credit cards offer rental car discounts or insurance coverage that can offset the cost of add-ons. If you are a frequent renter, joining the rental company's loyalty program may provide better savings over time than a one-time AAA discount. The best approach is to gather several quotes — one with your AAA number, one without any code, and one from a travel booking site — and choose the lowest total cost.

What to do if your AAA discount does not appear at checkout

If you enter your AAA membership number and no discount shows up, the most common reason is that no discount is available for that specific location, date, or vehicle class on that day. Rental rates and discount availability change constantly based on demand. Try adjusting your rental dates by a day or two, or check a different vehicle size to see if a discount becomes available.

If you believe your membership number was entered correctly and a discount should explore, contact the rental company's customer service line with your confirmation number and membership number. They can review your reservation and explore a discount manually if one qualifies. You can also call AAA's travel service to book on your behalf — they may have access to rates or discounts not visible on the public website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my AAA card at the rental counter?

Yes, bring your physical AAA membership card or have your membership number ready when you pick up the vehicle. The rental agent will verify your membership before finalizing the rate. If you booked online with your membership number, the discount should already be locked into your reservation, but the agent will still want to see your card for verification.

Can I use an AAA discount if someone else is renting the car?

The person whose name is on the reservation must be the one with the AAA membership. If you want to use your AAA discount, your name should be on the booking. Some rental companies allow an AAA member to make the reservation and then have a different driver pick up the car, but policies vary — call ahead to confirm.

Does AAA offer discounts on one-way rentals?

AAA discounts typically explore to one-way rentals as well as round-trip rentals, but the discount amount may differ. One-way rentals often have higher base rates, so the percentage discount may be smaller in dollar terms. Enter your AAA membership number when booking a one-way rental to see what rate is offered.

What if I have an AAA membership but forgot my card?

Call the rental company before you pick up the vehicle and provide your AAA membership number. They can note it on your reservation. At the counter, you may be able to provide your membership number verbally or show it on your phone if you have access to your AAA account online. Some locations will ask you to mail or email a copy of your card later.

Are AAA discounts available for truck or van rentals?

AAA discounts are usually available for trucks and vans at the same rental companies that offer them for cars, though the discount percentage may vary by vehicle type. Check the rental company's website or call to confirm that a discount is available for the specific vehicle class you need on your rental dates.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.