AAA Hertz Discount Code: How the Member Benefit Works and What to Expect
If you're a AAA member planning to rent a car through Hertz, you've probably seen references to a discount code or member rate. Here's how the program actually works, what the discount typically looks like, and the variables that determine what you'll actually pay.
What Is the AAA Hertz Discount Code?
AAA (the American Automobile Association) has a longstanding partnership with Hertz that gives AAA members access to discounted rental rates. The discount is accessed through a CDP (Customer Discount Program) code — a unique numeric identifier that Hertz uses to apply your member pricing when you book.
Your AAA CDP code for Hertz is tied to your membership and is typically available through:
- The AAA website or mobile app (under member discounts or travel benefits)
- Your local AAA branch
- The Hertz booking page when you select "AAA member" as your discount type
You enter this code at the time of booking — not at the counter — so it's important to apply it before you complete your reservation.
What the Discount Usually Covers
The AAA Hertz discount generally includes a percentage off the base rental rate, typically in the range of 10–20%, though the exact figure varies by location, car class, availability, and time of year. In some cases, the benefit also includes:
- A one-car-class upgrade (subject to availability)
- No additional driver fee for a AAA member's spouse or domestic partner (terms vary)
- Waived young renter surcharges in some circumstances
These perks are not guaranteed on every rental and depend on the specific rate code, the Hertz location, and current promotions.
How to Use Your AAA Code When Booking Hertz 🚗
- Go to Hertz.com or the Hertz booking section through AAA's travel portal
- Enter your pickup location, dates, and car class
- In the discount/promo code field, select "CDP" and enter your AAA member CDP number
- Compare the AAA rate against any other available rates or promo codes before confirming
One important note: AAA rates don't always beat publicly available promotional rates. It's worth checking Hertz's standard rates alongside your member rate. In some cases, a general promotional code, a credit card discount, or a prepaid rate may come out lower. The AAA benefit is most reliable as a consistent baseline — not necessarily the deepest possible discount on any given day.
Variables That Affect What You Actually Pay
| Factor | How It Affects Your Rate |
|---|---|
| Rental location | Airport locations often carry higher base rates and fees than off-airport |
| Car class | Discounts apply to base rates; economy and compact classes vary more than luxury |
| Rental duration | Weekly rates interact differently with percentage discounts than daily rates |
| Season and demand | High-demand periods compress available discounts |
| AAA membership tier | Some regions offer enhanced rates for Plus or Premier members |
| State and local taxes | Added on top of the discounted rate — not reduced by the discount |
Taxes, surcharges, and fees — including airport concession fees, vehicle licensing fees, and state/local taxes — are applied after the discounted base rate and are not reduced by your CDP code. These can add 25–40% or more to the displayed rate depending on where you're renting.
AAA Membership Tiers and Hertz Benefits
Not all AAA memberships are equal when it comes to rental car perks. AAA Classic, Plus, and Premier tiers may carry different benefit levels depending on your regional AAA club. Some clubs negotiate enhanced Hertz agreements that include additional free days per year, upgraded loss damage waiver (LDW) terms, or higher discount percentages.
Because AAA operates through a network of regional clubs — not a single national organization — the exact benefits attached to your membership can differ based on which club issued your card. Checking directly with your regional AAA club or logging into your account is the most reliable way to confirm what's available to you.
Combining AAA Discounts With Other Offers
Hertz generally does not allow stacking of multiple discount codes on a single reservation. You can use your AAA CDP code or another promotional code — not both simultaneously. However, AAA members can still benefit from:
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points (earned on top of the AAA rate)
- Prepaid rate options (if the AAA rate is available on a prepaid basis)
- Hertz's loyalty program status benefits running concurrently with the AAA rate
If you hold status with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, your status perks typically apply regardless of which discount code you use to book.
What the Discount Doesn't Change ✅
The AAA CDP code affects the base rental rate. It does not change:
- Fuel policies — you'll still choose between prepay, return full, or their fuel purchase option
- Insurance options — LDW, liability supplements, and personal accident insurance are priced separately
- Driver requirements — minimum age policies and license requirements are set by Hertz and vary by state and country
- Cancellation and modification terms — these follow the rate type you selected
The Missing Piece
How much you'll actually save depends on the specific Hertz location, rental dates, car class, your AAA club's agreement, and what competing rates look like at the time you book. The CDP code is a reliable starting point, but the final number — and whether it's actually the best available rate — only becomes clear when you run it against the alternatives for your specific trip.