Costco Travel rents cars through third-party providers, not directly
Costco Travel is a membership benefit that lets you book rental cars at discounted rates, but Costco itself does not own or operate the rental fleet. Instead, Costco has negotiated rates with major rental companies—primarily Avis, Budget, and Enterprise—and you book through the Costco Travel website or phone line. The discount comes from Costco's buying power; you pay less than you would booking directly with the rental company, though you still rent from that company and follow their terms.
You must be a current Costco member to use Costco Travel. The service is included with your membership at no extra cost, but the rental itself costs money. Costco Travel also books hotels, flights, and vacation packages, but the car rental section is separate and works on its own terms.
Key Takeaways
- Costco Travel books cars through Avis, Budget, and Enterprise at rates lower than you would pay booking directly, but you still rent from the rental company itself.
- You must have an active Costco membership to access Costco Travel rates; membership is not free, though the travel service itself adds no extra fee.
- You book through costcotravel.com or by calling Costco Travel's phone line, and you can cancel or modify most reservations without penalty up to 48 hours before pickup.
- Costco Travel rates typically do not include insurance, roadside information, or fuel; you choose whether to add these when you book.
- The rental company's standard policies explore once you pick up the car, including damage liability, mileage limits, and age restrictions.
How to book a rental car through Costco Travel
Go to costcotravel.com and sign in with your Costco membership number and password. Click on "Cars" or "Car Rentals" and enter your pickup location, pickup date and time, and return date and time. The site will show available cars from the partner companies, sorted by price and vehicle type. Select the car you want and review the rate—this is the total you will pay Costco Travel, not a daily rate plus taxes.
Before you confirm, check what is included and what costs extra. Most Costco Travel rates include the base rental, taxes, and fees, but not insurance, fuel, or additional driver fees. Some rates include unlimited mileage; others have a mileage cap. Read the fine print for each rate option, because the cheapest option may have restrictions that matter for your trip.
You can also call Costco Travel at 1-800-838-3737 to book by phone. A representative can answer questions about specific rates and help you find a car that fits your needs. Phone booking takes longer than online booking but may be worth it if you have questions about coverage or restrictions.
What Costco Travel rates include and exclude
Costco Travel rates always include the base rental cost, applicable taxes, and standard rental fees. They do not include collision damage waiver (CDW), loss damage waiver (LDW), or personal effects coverage—these are optional add-ons you buy at checkout if you want them. They also do not include fuel; you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, or you pay the rental company's per-gallon rate for fuel you do not replace.
Additional drivers, GPS units, child seats, and roadside information are usually available for an extra charge. Some rates include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile after a certain threshold. Check the rate details before you book, because these add-ons can significantly increase your final cost. If you decline insurance and damage occurs, you are liable for the full repair cost unless your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars.
Costco Travel rates are non-refundable, but you can cancel or modify your reservation without penalty up to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup time. If you cancel within 48 hours, you lose the full amount. If you modify the dates or location, Costco Travel will refund the difference if the new rate is lower, or charge you the difference if it is higher.
Membership cost and whether Costco Travel saves money
Costco membership costs $65 per year for a Gold Star membership (the basic tier) or $130 per year for an Executive membership, which includes additional benefits. Costco Travel is included with both tiers; you do not pay extra to access it. If you are not already a member, you need to factor the membership cost into whether Costco Travel rental rates are worth it for you.
Costco Travel rates are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than booking the same car directly with Avis, Budget, or Enterprise, depending on the location and dates. However, the savings vary by market and season. A rental in a major city during peak travel season may save you more than a rental in a smaller city during off-season. To know whether Costco Travel is cheaper for your specific trip, compare the Costco Travel rate to the rate you would pay booking directly with the rental company.
If you already have a Costco membership for groceries or other shopping, Costco Travel costs you nothing extra and can save you money on car rentals. If you do not have a membership, you need to rent a car at least once or twice per year at a significant discount to break even on the membership fee.
Insurance and liability when renting through Costco Travel
Costco Travel rates do not include rental car insurance. When you book, you can add a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) for an additional daily fee—typically $15 to $30 per day depending on the car type and location. This covers damage to the rental car if you are in an accident, though it usually has a deductible of $500 to $1,000.
Before you buy insurance from the rental company, check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental cars. Many policies do, and you may already have the same coverage at home. Also check your credit card benefits; some premium credit cards include rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. If you have coverage through either source, you do not need to buy the rental company's insurance.
If you decline all insurance and damage occurs, you are liable for the full repair cost. The rental company will charge your credit card and may pursue additional claims if repairs exceed the damage deposit. This is why checking your existing coverage before you book is important.
Age requirements and driver restrictions
Most rental companies require the primary driver to be at least 25 years old. Drivers under 25 may be able to rent, but they typically pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $25 per day. Some car types—luxury vehicles, large SUVs, or premium cars—have higher age minimums, sometimes 30 or older.
The primary driver must have a valid driver's license and a credit card in their name to complete the rental. Additional drivers can be added at checkout for a fee, usually $10 to $15 per person per day. All drivers must be present at pickup with their own valid license, or the rental company may refuse to release the car.
International drivers need a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license. Some rental companies accept only the home country license if it is in English; others require the IDP. Check the rental company's requirements before you book if you are an international driver.
Cancellation and modification policies
Costco Travel car rental reservations are non-refundable, but you can cancel or change your reservation without penalty up to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup time. If you cancel within 48 hours of pickup, you forfeit the entire rental cost. If you modify the dates or location more than 48 hours in advance, Costco Travel will refund any difference if the new rate is lower, or charge you the difference if it is higher.
To cancel or modify, log into costcotravel.com with your membership number, find your reservation, and select the option to cancel or modify. You can also call Costco Travel at 1-800-838-3737 to make changes by phone. Keep your confirmation number handy; you will need it to access your reservation.
If the rental company (Avis, Budget, or Enterprise) cancels due to vehicle unavailability, Costco Travel will offer you an alternative vehicle at the same rate or refund your money. If you do not accept the alternative, you get a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Costco Travel if I have a digital membership card?
Yes. You can show your digital Costco membership card on your phone at the rental counter, or provide your membership number when you book online. The rental company will verify your membership before releasing the car.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late return fees vary by rental company but typically start at $20 to $50 for the first hour and increase from there. These fees are charged by the rental company, not Costco Travel. Return the car on time to avoid these charges, or call the rental location if you know you will be late and ask about extensions.
Can I book a Costco Travel rental for someone else?
No. The person whose name is on the reservation must be the primary driver and present at pickup with a valid license and credit card. You cannot book a rental for another person and have them pick it up under your reservation.
Do Costco Travel rates include roadside information?
No. Roadside information is optional and costs extra. If you want coverage for breakdowns, lockouts, or towing, ask about it when you book and add it to your reservation.
Can I book a one-way rental through Costco Travel?
Yes. When you enter your pickup and return locations, you can select different cities. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals because the rental company has to move the car back to its home location. Compare the one-way rate to renting round-trip and returning to the original location to see which is cheaper for your trip.