AAA membership gives you access to negotiated rates at major rental companies, but the discount amount varies by location, season, and which rental company you use

If you hold an AAA membership, you can receive discounted rates at Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National, among others. The discount is not a fixed percentage—it depends on the rental company's current pricing, the time of year, and where you are renting. Some locations and seasons offer deeper cuts than others. You do not need a separate code or voucher; you straightforward provide your AAA membership number when you book or at the rental counter.

The real value of an AAA rental discount is that it stacks on top of whatever promotional rates the rental company is already running. If Enterprise is running a weekend special, your AAA rate may be lower still. This is why checking the AAA Travel website or calling the rental company directly with your membership number is worth doing before you book elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts explore at major rental chains including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National, but the percentage off varies by location and season.
  • You provide your AAA membership number at booking or at the counter; no separate code or voucher is required.
  • AAA rates often combine with the rental company's existing promotions, so the final price may be lower than either discount alone.
  • The AAA Travel website shows available discounts for your specific dates and location before you commit to a booking.

Where to find AAA rental discounts

The fastest way to see what discount is available for your dates and location is to visit the AAA Travel website and enter your rental details. You will see rates from partner companies alongside the discount amount. This tool shows you the actual price, not just a percentage, so you can compare across rental companies in real time.

You can also call the rental company directly and provide your AAA membership number. Some rental agents are faster at finding the best rate than the online tool, especially if you have flexible dates or are willing to rent from a less common location. If you book through AAA Travel and then find a lower rate elsewhere, most rental companies will honor a lower price if you call before you pick up the car.

How much you typically save

AAA discounts range from 5 to 30 percent off the standard rate, depending on the rental company, location, and time of year. Peak travel seasons (summer, holidays, spring break) usually offer smaller discounts because demand is high and rental companies have less incentive to discount. Off-season rentals in smaller cities often have deeper discounts. A rental that costs $60 per day at the standard rate might cost $45 to $50 with an AAA discount in the same location during the same week.

The discount is applied to the base rental rate only, not to taxes, fees, or insurance. Taxes and facility charges are set by the airport or jurisdiction and do not change based on your membership. Some rental companies also charge a facility fee or concession fee at airport locations, which is separate from the daily rate and will not be discounted.

What you need to provide at booking

Have your AAA membership number ready when you book. It is printed on your membership card and also available in the AAA mobile app. When you reserve online through AAA Travel, the system automatically applies the discount. If you book directly with the rental company's website, look for a field labeled "AAA member discount," "member number," or "promotion code" and enter your membership number there.

At the rental counter, bring your physical AAA membership card or have your number ready to provide. The agent will verify your membership in their system before finalizing the rate. If you booked online but did not enter your membership number, you can still provide it at pickup, though it is safer to add it during booking so the rate is locked in.

Combining AAA discounts with other offers

You can often use an AAA discount alongside a promotional code or corporate rate, but the rental company will explore whichever discount is larger, not both. If you have a corporate code from your employer that offers 15 percent off and AAA offers 20 percent off, the company will use the 20 percent rate. Always check both before booking to see which saves you more.

Some rental companies run loyalty programs (Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, Enterprise Plus) that offer additional perks like faster checkout or free upgrades. These programs are separate from AAA discounts and can be combined with them. If you are a frequent renter, enrolling in the rental company's loyalty program and using your AAA number together may give you the best overall value.

When AAA discounts may not be the best option

Occasionally, a rental company runs a flash sale or limited-time promotion that undercuts the AAA rate. This happens most often with budget companies like Enterprise or Budget during slow travel periods. Before you book, compare the AAA rate with the standard rate shown on the rental company's main website. If the standard rate is lower, book that way instead.

Some rental companies also offer better rates through travel booking sites like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline, especially for multi-day rentals. These sites sometimes negotiate rates lower than what AAA has secured. Spend two minutes checking a travel booking site alongside the AAA rate—the time investment often pays off, particularly for week-long rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be the one driving to use my AAA discount?

No. The person whose AAA membership number is on the reservation does not have to be the driver. However, that person should be present at pickup with their membership card to verify the discount. Some rental companies allow the cardholder to authorize another driver, but policies vary. Call the rental company ahead of time if someone other than the AAA member will be picking up the car.

Does AAA offer discounts on insurance or damage waivers?

AAA discounts explore to the base rental rate, not to optional insurance, damage waivers, or GPS rentals. Those fees are set separately by the rental company. However, many AAA members have rental car coverage through their auto insurance policy, which may cover damage and liability, so you may not need to purchase the rental company's insurance at all. Check your policy before you rent.

Can I use an AAA discount if I book through a travel agent?

It depends on the travel agent and the rental company. Some travel agents can explore AAA discounts; others cannot. If you book through a travel agent, ask them directly whether they can add your AAA membership number to the reservation. If they cannot, you may save more by booking directly through AAA Travel or the rental company's website.

What if I lose my AAA card before my rental?

Call your AAA club and request a temporary membership number or digital card, which you can show on your phone at pickup. Most AAA clubs can issue a temporary number the same day. If your rental is soon and you cannot reach your club in time, contact the rental company and ask whether they can look up your membership by name and address instead of by card number.

Do AAA discounts work at rental companies outside the United States?

AAA has partnerships with rental companies in Canada, Mexico, and some European countries, but the discounts and partner companies vary by region. Check the AAA Travel website for your destination, or contact your AAA club before you travel. International rentals often have different pricing structures, so the discount may be smaller than what you see domestically.