Avis Military Discount: What Service Members Should Know About Renting Through Avis
Military members, veterans, and their families often qualify for discounted rates when renting a car through Avis — but how much you save, what's included, and how to access the discount varies depending on several factors. Here's what the program generally involves and what to watch for before you book.
Does Avis Offer a Military Discount?
Yes. Avis has maintained a military discount program for active duty service members, veterans, reservists, and in some cases dependents and surviving spouses. The discount is typically accessed through a dedicated Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) code tied specifically to military customers.
The discount is also available through partnerships with military organizations and benefit programs, including:
- USAA — members often access Avis discounts through their USAA member benefits portal
- Armed Forces Vacation Club
- Military OneSource
- Veterans Advantage
- AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) and similar exchanges
Each of these programs may offer a slightly different rate or bundle, so the discount you receive through USAA may differ from what you'd get through Veterans Advantage or by calling Avis directly.
How Much Can Military Members Save?
Avis doesn't publish a single fixed military discount percentage — rates fluctuate based on location, vehicle class, rental duration, and current promotions. Generally, military customers can expect discounts in the range of 5% to 25% off base rental rates, though the actual savings depend on when and where you're renting.
Some programs stack a percentage discount with other perks such as:
- Waived additional driver fees for a spouse or fellow service member
- Free upgrades (subject to availability)
- Reduced or waived young driver surcharges in certain situations
These extras aren't guaranteed. They depend on which access method you use and what Avis is offering at the time of booking.
How to Access the Avis Military Discount
The most direct method is using an AWD code at the time of booking — either on Avis.com, through the Avis app, or by phone. If you're a USAA member, the discount link is typically embedded in your member portal and auto-applies the code when you click through.
When booking:
- Enter your AWD code in the designated field before searching for vehicles
- Verify the discounted rate appears before completing the reservation
- Note any conditions attached to the rate (prepaid vs. pay-later, cancellation terms)
Bring your military ID to the rental counter. Avis agents may verify your eligibility at pickup, and failing to present valid documentation can result in the discount being removed and the standard rate applied.
What the Discount Doesn't Cover 🎖️
Military discounts apply to the base rental rate — not necessarily to the full cost of your rental. Several charges sit outside the discount:
| Charge | Typically Discounted? |
|---|---|
| Base daily rental rate | Yes |
| Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) | No |
| Personal Accident Insurance | No |
| Fuel service charges | No |
| GPS or child seat add-ons | No |
| Airport concession fees | No |
| State and local taxes | No |
This is important because the add-ons can represent a substantial portion of the final bill. A 15% discount on a $40/day base rate saves $6/day — but if you're adding LDW, tolls, and airport fees, those savings shrink relative to the total.
Active Duty vs. Veterans vs. Dependents
Eligibility isn't uniform across all military-connected renters:
- Active duty service members almost universally qualify
- Veterans typically qualify, especially through programs like Veterans Advantage or USAA (for those who meet USAA membership criteria)
- Reservists and National Guard members generally qualify
- Dependents and surviving spouses may qualify through specific programs (USAA being the most common pathway), but not always through a direct AWD code
If you're unsure whether your status qualifies, the safest approach is to contact Avis directly or check through the specific benefit organization (USAA, Veterans Advantage, etc.) to confirm before booking.
Comparing Avis Military Rates Against Other Options
Military discounts are worth checking, but they don't always produce the cheapest available rate. Avis also participates in corporate discount programs, third-party travel platforms, and seasonal promotions that sometimes undercut even discounted military pricing.
Before finalizing a military-rate booking, it's worth comparing:
- The military AWD rate on Avis.com
- Rates through third-party booking sites using the same dates and vehicle class
- Any USAA-specific or exchange-specific rate if you have access
The lowest total cost — after factoring in insurance coverage you may already have through personal auto insurance or credit card benefits — varies based on your individual situation. 🚗
What Shapes Your Final Rental Cost
Even with a military discount locked in, several variables determine what you'll actually pay:
- Rental location — airport locations carry extra fees that off-airport locations don't
- Vehicle class selected — economy vs. full-size vs. SUV pricing differs significantly
- Rental duration — weekly rates often offer better per-day economics than daily rates
- Insurance decisions — whether you decline or accept Avis coverage products affects the bill substantially
- State and city — taxes, fees, and surcharges vary by jurisdiction and can add 20–35% above the base rate in some markets
The military discount is a real benefit, but how much it matters in your final bill depends on the rental details you choose — and those details are yours to work through based on where you're going, how long you need the vehicle, and what coverage you already carry.