Costco Travel offers rental car discounts through partnerships with major companies, but the savings depend on which rental agency you use and when you book

Costco Travel is a membership benefit that negotiates rates with Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. You access these discounts through the Costco Travel website using your membership number — you do not need a separate account or membership with the rental company itself. The discounts are real negotiated rates, not coupon codes you stack on top of existing deals.

The catch is that Costco Travel rates are not always the lowest available. On any given day, a standard Google search, Kayak, or direct booking with a rental company might show a cheaper rate. Costco Travel works best when you are already a member, you book in advance, and you want to avoid the hassle of comparing dozens of sites. It is one option to check, not the only option.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco Travel rental rates are pre-negotiated with Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, and you book through the Costco Travel website using your membership number.
  • You should compare Costco Travel rates against at least one other booking site before reserving, because the lowest price varies by location, date, and car type.
  • Costco Travel rates typically include basic insurance coverage options and roadside information, but you still need to understand what your personal auto policy covers before declining rental company coverage.
  • Cancellations and changes follow the rental company's standard policy, not a special Costco Travel policy, so read the terms when you book.
  • The discount applies only to the base rental rate — taxes, airport fees, and fuel charges are separate and not discounted.

How to Book Through Costco Travel

Log into your Costco.com account and navigate to the Travel section. Select "Car Rentals" and enter your pickup location, dates, and car type. Costco Travel will show you rates from the four partner companies. You choose the rental company and car class, then proceed to checkout using your membership number as verification.

You will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number and a link to the rental company's website. On pickup day, bring your driver's license, a valid credit card in your name, and your confirmation number. The rental company handles the transaction from that point forward — you are not dealing with Costco at the counter.

What the Costco Travel Discount Actually Covers

The negotiated rate covers the vehicle rental itself. Taxes, airport facility fees, and local surcharges are added on top and are not discounted. If you rent from an airport location, you will pay the airport's concession fee regardless of where you booked. Fuel, tolls, and parking are your responsibility.

Costco Travel rates typically include options for damage waiver, liability coverage, and roadside information at the time of booking. These are offered as add-ons you can choose or decline. Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before paying for rental company coverage. If your credit card offers rental car protection, that is another layer to review before deciding what to buy from the rental company.

Comparing Costco Travel to Other Booking Methods

The best way to know if Costco Travel is the cheapest option is to check at least one other site. Search Google Flights, Kayak, or Autoslash for the same dates and location, and compare the total price including taxes and fees. Costco Travel sometimes wins; sometimes a direct booking with the rental company or a flash sale on another site is cheaper.

Autoslash is particularly useful because it tracks your reservation and alerts you if a lower rate appears for the same dates. If you find a cheaper rate elsewhere, you can cancel your Costco Travel booking (following the rental company's cancellation policy) and rebook. This takes five minutes and can save you $20 to $50 on a week-long rental.

Cancellation and Change Policies

Costco Travel does not set the cancellation terms — the rental company does. When you book through Costco Travel, you are bound by that rental company's standard cancellation policy. Some companies offer free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup; others charge a fee. Read the terms at checkout before confirming your reservation.

If you need to change your pickup date, location, or car type after booking, contact the rental company directly using the confirmation number from your email. Costco Travel cannot modify reservations on your behalf. Changes may incur fees depending on the company's policy and how far in advance you make the change.

Insurance and Liability Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before you decline the rental company's damage waiver, confirm what your personal auto insurance covers. Call your insurer and ask: Does my policy cover rental cars? Is there a deductible? Does it cover damage, theft, and liability? Some policies exclude rentals; others cover them fully. Your credit card may also offer rental car protection — check the card's benefits guide or call the issuer.

If you are renting in a state or country outside your insurance's coverage area, you may need to buy the rental company's coverage even if you normally decline it. Ask the rental company at pickup if your policy is valid in that location. It is cheaper to ask now than to dispute a claim later.

When Costco Travel Makes Sense and When It Does Not

Costco Travel is worth checking if you are already a member, you know your travel dates in advance, and you want one less website to monitor. It works well for straightforward rentals — pick up at a city location, return to the same place, standard car class. The negotiated rates are real, and you avoid some of the upsell pressure at the rental counter because the terms are already set.

Costco Travel is less useful if you are booking last-minute, renting from an airport (where fees are high regardless), or comparing dozens of dates and locations. In those cases, a dedicated rental search engine like Kayak or Autoslash will save you more time and money. Costco Travel is one tool in your toolkit, not the only one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to book through Costco Travel?

Yes. You must have an active Costco membership and log into Costco.com to view and book rental rates. The membership number is part of your verification at pickup.

Can I use Costco Travel rates if I am not the one picking up the car?

No. The person whose name is on the Costco membership must be the primary driver on the rental agreement. Some rental companies allow additional drivers, but the primary driver must match the membership holder.

What happens if the rental company is out of the car class I booked?

The rental company will offer you an upgrade or a different vehicle at no extra charge. This is standard practice across all rental companies, not specific to Costco Travel bookings. You are not obligated to accept a downgrade.

Can I earn Costco rewards or cash back on a Costco Travel rental?

No. Costco Travel bookings do not earn Costco rewards or cash back. You are paying a negotiated rate, not a standard retail price that triggers rewards.

What if I find a cheaper rate after I book through Costco Travel?

You can cancel your Costco Travel reservation following the rental company's cancellation policy and rebook elsewhere. Most companies allow free cancellation within 24 to 48 hours of pickup, so you have a window to switch if you find a better deal.