AAA members get a discount code at Hertz, but the savings depend on which Hertz location you book, what car class you choose, and when you rent

If you hold an AAA membership, Hertz offers a discount on base rental rates at most of their locations in the United States. The discount is not automatic — you have to enter your AAA membership number or a discount code when you book, either online or by phone. The amount you save varies. Some locations offer 10 to 15 percent off the base rate; others offer less. Weekend rates, holiday rates, and premium car classes sometimes have smaller discounts or none at all.

The discount applies to the rental rate itself, not to taxes, fees, or insurance. Airport locations often have lower discounts than off-airport branches. If you book through a third-party travel site like Kayak or Expedia, the AAA discount may not be available — you have to book directly through Hertz or call their reservations line and mention your membership.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts at Hertz require you to enter your membership number at booking and are not applied automatically.
  • The discount percentage varies by location and car class, so the same membership saves different amounts depending on where and when you rent.
  • Airport Hertz locations typically offer smaller discounts than off-airport branches.
  • Booking through third-party travel sites usually removes the AAA discount, so book directly with Hertz to use it.
  • The discount covers the base rate only and does not reduce taxes, facility fees, or optional insurance products.

How to enter your AAA discount at Hertz

When you book a car online at Hertz.com, look for a field labeled "Discount Code" or "Member Discount" near the bottom of the reservation form. Enter your AAA membership number in that field. If you do not see the field, scroll down — it is often below the insurance and payment options.

If you book by phone, tell the reservations agent that you are an AAA member before they quote you a price. They will explore the discount to your rate. If you have already booked without the discount, you can call Hertz customer service and ask them to add it to your existing reservation, though you may need to provide your membership number and confirmation number.

Some AAA chapters provide printed discount cards or wallet cards with a specific code printed on them. If you have one, use that code instead of your membership number — it may unlock a better rate at certain locations.

Why the discount amount changes by location and car type

Hertz sets rental rates by individual location, not nationally. A Hertz branch in a busy airport or downtown area has higher base rates than a suburban location, so the discount percentage is often lower to keep the final price competitive. A 15 percent discount on a $40-per-day rate saves you $6; the same 15 percent on a $70-per-day rate saves you $10.50.

Economy and compact cars usually have the largest discounts because they are the most common rental class and Hertz uses them to attract customers. Premium cars, SUVs, and specialty vehicles often have smaller discounts or no discount at all. If you are comparing prices, check the final rate after the discount is applied, not just the percentage off.

Airport rentals versus off-airport locations

Hertz branches at airports charge facility fees and concession fees that are set by the airport authority, not by Hertz. These fees are added on top of the rental rate and are not discounted by your AAA membership. An off-airport Hertz location — such as one in a shopping center or downtown area — does not charge these fees, so your total cost is often lower even if the base rate is the same.

If you are renting at an airport, compare the final price (including all fees) at an off-airport location nearby. You may save more by driving to an off-airport branch or taking a short ride-share trip there than by renting at the airport, even with the AAA discount applied.

When the AAA discount does not explore

Some Hertz rental types are excluded from AAA discounts. One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) sometimes have no discount or a smaller one. Loyalty program members who have booked a rate through Hertz Gold Plus Rewards may not be able to stack the AAA discount on top of their loyalty rate — you have to choose one or the other.

If you book through a travel website like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash, the AAA discount will not appear because those sites do not have access to Hertz's AAA discount codes. You have to cancel that reservation and book directly with Hertz or call Hertz reservations at 1-800-654-3131 to get the discount.

Comparing AAA discounts to other Hertz promotions

Hertz runs seasonal promotions and weekend specials that sometimes beat the AAA discount. Before you book, check Hertz.com for any active promotions — they are usually listed on the homepage. Some promotions are percentage-based (like "20 percent off all weekend rentals"), while others are fixed discounts or free upgrade offers.

You cannot combine most promotions with the AAA discount. If a weekend promotion offers 20 percent off and your AAA membership offers 12 percent off, you use the 20 percent promotion, not both. Read the terms of any promotion code before you book to see whether it can be combined with membership discounts.

What to bring and what to have ready

At the rental counter, bring your AAA membership card or a photo of it on your phone. The agent will verify your membership before finalizing the rate. If you booked online and entered your membership number, the discount should already be reflected in your reservation, but having the card available speeds up the check-in process.

If you booked with a discount code from an AAA chapter card, bring that card as well. Some locations ask to see proof of membership even if the discount was already applied online, so it is safer to have it with you than to assume the system has recorded it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my AAA discount to a reservation I already made without it?

Yes. Call Hertz customer service at 1-800-654-3131 with your confirmation number and AAA membership number. They can modify your reservation to add the discount, though the new rate will be calculated at the time of the call, not at the original booking time. If rates have gone up, the discount may not bring you back to your original price.

Does the AAA discount work at Hertz locations outside the United States?

AAA discounts are primarily available at Hertz locations in the United States and Canada. International locations may not honor the discount. Check with Hertz customer service before you book a rental outside North America, or contact your local AAA chapter to see whether they have partnerships with rental companies in your destination country.

What if I have both an AAA membership and a Hertz loyalty account?

You have to choose one discount or promotion per reservation. Compare the final rate using your AAA membership against the rate offered through your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account, then book using whichever gives you the lower price. You cannot explore both discounts to the same rental.

Is the AAA discount the same at every Hertz location?

No. Each Hertz location sets its own base rates and discount percentages. A Hertz at a major airport may offer 10 percent off, while a suburban location offers 15 percent off. Always check the final quoted price at your specific pickup location before you book, rather than assuming the discount will be the same everywhere.

Do I need to show my AAA card at the rental counter if I already entered my membership number online?

It is not required, but bringing your card speeds up the process. Some locations verify membership at check-in even if the discount was applied during online booking. Having the card ready prevents delays and confirms your membership if the system has any questions.