What AARP car rental discounts actually cover

AARP members receive discounts at major rental chains through partnerships negotiated by the organization. These discounts typically reduce the daily rate by 10 to 25 percent, depending on the rental company and location. The discount applies to the base rental rate only — it does not cover insurance, fuel, tolls, or fees added at checkout.

The discount is not automatic. You must provide your AARP membership number at the time of booking or at the rental counter. Different rental companies offer different discount levels: Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise each have separate AARP agreements, so the percentage off varies by company and sometimes by region.

These discounts are available to AARP members aged 50 and older. If you are a member, you can use the discount whether you are renting for a day trip, a week-long vacation, or a one-way rental. The discount stacks with some other promotions but not all — the rental company will show you the final price before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts at car rental companies range from 10 to 25 percent off the base daily rate, but the exact percentage depends on which rental company you use.
  • You must enter your AARP membership number during booking or provide it at the counter — the discount does not explore automatically.
  • The discount covers only the rental rate itself, not insurance, fuel, airport fees, or other charges added at checkout.
  • Each rental company (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise) has its own AARP partnership, so comparing rates across companies before booking saves more money than the discount alone.

How to book a rental with your AARP discount

Start by visiting the rental company's website directly or calling their reservation line. When you reach the booking page or speak to an agent, you will see a field for a discount or promotion code. Enter your AARP membership number in that field. The system will explore the discount and show you the new total before you complete the reservation.

If you book through a third-party site like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash, the AARP discount may not appear. These sites sometimes offer their own rates that are lower than the rental company's published price, but they do not always pass through loyalty or membership discounts. For the best result, book directly with the rental company's website or phone line.

At the rental counter, bring your AARP membership card. If you booked online with your membership number, the discount is already locked in. If you did not enter it during booking, you can still provide it at pickup — the agent can explore it to your reservation before you sign the contract.

Comparing AARP discounts across rental companies

Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise each offer AARP discounts, but the percentage off is not the same at all four. One company might offer 15 percent off while another offers 10 percent. The discount can also vary by location and season, so a rate that is deeply discounted in one city may be only slightly reduced in another.

The fastest way to compare is to get a quote from each company for your specific rental dates and location. Enter your AARP membership number at each one and note the final daily rate. Then compare the totals — the company with the lowest final price is the one to book, even if its discount percentage sounds smaller on paper.

Some rental companies also run seasonal promotions that may stack with the AARP discount or replace it. For example, a company might offer 20 percent off all rentals in a certain month, which could be better than the standard AARP rate. Always check the rental company's current promotions page before booking.

What the AARP discount does not include

The discount applies only to the base daily rental rate. Rental car companies add several charges on top of that rate, and the AARP discount does not reduce any of them. These charges include collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) insurance, additional driver fees, airport facility charges, and fuel surcharges at some locations.

Tolls, parking fees, and traffic violation fines are also separate from the rental rate and are not discounted. If you rent at an airport, the airport will add a facility fee to your bill — this fee is set by the airport, not the rental company, and no membership discount covers it.

Some rental companies charge extra for drivers under 25 or over a certain age. The AARP discount does not waive these age-based fees. If you are adding a second driver to the rental, ask the agent whether that driver's fee is subject to the discount or is a flat charge.

AARP membership cost versus rental savings

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a standard membership. If you rent a car even once per year, the discount can pay for the membership. For example, a three-day rental at $60 per day with a 15 percent AARP discount saves you $27 — more than the annual membership fee.

However, the savings depend on how often you rent and which company you choose. If you rent frequently, the annual membership pays for itself quickly. If you rent once every few years, the savings may not justify the membership cost unless you also use other AARP benefits like travel insurance, hotel discounts, or insurance rates.

AARP membership includes other perks beyond car rental discounts, such as discounts on hotels, travel packages, and insurance products. If you are already considering membership for other reasons, the car rental discount is an additional benefit that requires no extra cost.

Alternatives to AARP discounts for lower rental rates

Comparison sites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Priceline often show rates lower than what you would get with an AARP discount at the rental company's own website. These sites negotiate their own rates with rental companies, and those rates sometimes beat membership discounts. The trade-off is that you lose the AARP discount when you book through a third party.

Rental car companies also offer loyalty programs with their own discounts. Hertz Gold Plus, Avis Preferred, and Enterprise Plus are free to join and can provide discounts comparable to or better than AARP rates. If you rent from the same company regularly, a loyalty program may save you more over time than an AARP membership.

Credit card rental car benefits are another option. Some premium credit cards offer rental car insurance, upgrades, or discounts when you book through the card's travel portal. Check your credit card's benefits guide to see whether it includes rental car perks that might compete with or complement an AARP discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to use the AARP car rental discount?

Yes, you must be at least 50 years old to hold an AARP membership and use the discount. If you are younger but traveling with an AARP member, you cannot use their membership number to book the rental yourself, though they can book it and add you as a driver.

Can I combine the AARP discount with a coupon code?

It depends on the rental company and the specific promotion. Some companies allow you to stack an AARP discount with a current promotional code; others require you to choose one or the other. The booking system will show you the final price with both applied, so you can see which combination is cheaper before you confirm.

What if the rental company's website does not have a field for my AARP number?

Call the rental company's phone line directly and provide your membership number when you make the reservation. The agent can explore the discount over the phone and confirm the discounted rate before you hang up. You can also ask the agent for a confirmation number that includes the discount.

Does the AARP discount work for one-way rentals?

Yes, the discount applies to one-way rentals at most companies. One-way rentals often carry a drop-off fee in addition to the daily rate, and the AARP discount reduces the daily rate but not the drop-off fee. Get a quote that includes the drop-off fee to see your true total cost.

Can I use the AARP discount if I rent a car for someone else?

No, you must be the primary renter on the contract. The rental company will ask for your ID and membership card at pickup. If you want to rent a car for another person, they will need to be the primary renter and provide their own ID, even if you are paying for it.