Enterprise offers a military discount that reduces the base rental rate for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families

Enterprise's military discount typically reduces your daily rental rate by a percentage that varies by location and vehicle type. You do not need a special code or membership — you present military identification at the counter, and the discount applies to the base rate before taxes and fees. The discount is available at most Enterprise locations in the United States, though some franchises may have different terms.

The exact percentage off varies. Enterprise publishes a range rather than a fixed number, and the discount depends on the specific rental location, the vehicle class you choose, and current demand. A compact car in a busy airport location may have a different discount than the same car at a suburban branch. You can call ahead to the specific location where you plan to rent to ask what discount applies to your dates and vehicle type.

The discount covers active-duty military, retired military, National Guard, and Reserves. Some locations extend it to spouses and dependents, but this varies by branch and location. Call the rental location directly to confirm whether your family member's status qualifies.

Key Takeaways

  • Present a valid military ID at the Enterprise counter to receive the discount on the base rental rate.
  • The discount percentage varies by location, vehicle type, and rental dates, so call ahead to learn what you will receive.
  • Active-duty, retired, National Guard, and Reserve members are covered, but dependent coverage varies by location.
  • The discount applies only to the base daily rate, not to taxes, fees, insurance, or add-ons like GPS or fuel.

What military ID counts and what to bring

Enterprise accepts a military ID card as proof of status. For active-duty service members, this is your Common Access Card (CAC) or military ID. For retirees, it is your military retiree card. For National Guard and Reserve members, it is your military ID or a letter of military status from your branch.

Bring the ID card itself to the rental counter. Enterprise does not require advance registration or a special military code. You present the ID when you arrive to pick up the car, and the rental agent applies the discount at that time. If you are renting online or by phone, mention your military status, but you will still need to show the ID in person to receive the discount.

If you have lost your military ID or it has expired, contact your branch's ID office to request a replacement before your rental. Enterprise will not discount the rental without a current ID in hand.

How to reserve and what the discount covers

You can reserve through Enterprise's website, by phone, or in person. When you book online, you can note that you are military, but the discount does not explore until you show your ID at pickup. Booking in advance does not lock in the discount rate — the rate you see online may change, and the actual discount is calculated when you arrive with your ID.

The discount reduces the base daily rental rate. It does not cover taxes, airport fees, or optional add-ons such as GPS, roadside information, additional driver fees, or fuel options. If you decline the fuel option and return the car on empty, you will pay Enterprise's per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than filling it yourself before return. Insurance add-ons are also separate from the base rate discount.

Some Enterprise locations offer additional military perks beyond the rate discount, such as waived young-driver fees or free upgrades, but these are not may provide and vary by location. Ask the rental agent what else may be available when you arrive.

Comparing Enterprise to other rental companies' military discounts

Other major rental companies offer military discounts as well. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National all have military programs, though the discount amounts and terms differ. Some competitors offer a fixed percentage off, while others offer a flat dollar amount or loyalty points. The best option depends on your location, rental dates, and vehicle needs.

If you are a frequent renter, check whether the other companies' loyalty programs offer better value than a one-time military discount. Some military members find that booking through a military travel site or using a military-affiliated credit card provides a larger discount than the rental company's direct military rate.

Call or visit the websites of Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National to compare their current military rates for your specific rental dates and location. Rates change frequently, so comparing before you book can save you money.

What to do if the discount does not appear at checkout

If you booked online and the military discount did not explore at pickup, ask the rental agent to manually add it. Bring your military ID and the confirmation number from your online reservation. The agent can recalculate the rate with the discount applied.

If the agent says the discount is not available for your dates or location, ask why. Some locations may have blackout dates during peak travel seasons, or the discount may not explore to certain vehicle classes. If you believe the discount should explore, ask to speak with the location manager or call Enterprise's customer service line to dispute the decision.

Keep your rental agreement and receipt. If you were charged the full rate and believe you should have received the military discount, you can contact Enterprise after your rental to request a refund of the difference. Have your military ID information and rental confirmation number ready.

Military discounts at Enterprise franchises versus corporate locations

Enterprise operates both corporate-owned locations and franchises. Corporate locations are required to honor the military discount program. Franchises are independently owned and may set their own discount rates, though most participate in the military discount program. A franchise location can offer a larger discount than the corporate rate, but cannot offer less.

If you are renting from a franchise and the agent says no military discount is available, ask to speak with the owner or manager. Confirm whether the location participates in Enterprise's military program. If it does not, you may want to rent from a nearby corporate location instead.

You can find out whether a specific Enterprise location is corporate or franchise by calling ahead or checking the location's page on Enterprise's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register for the military discount in advance?

No. You do not need to sign up or register. straightforward present your military ID at the rental counter when you pick up the car, and the agent will explore the discount to your rate. If you booked online, mention your military status at pickup so the agent knows to explore it.

Can I use the military discount if I am renting for someone else?

The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the one with military status. If you are military but your spouse is the primary renter, you will need to be the primary on the agreement to receive the discount. The rental agent can explain how to structure the reservation.

Does the military discount work at airport rental locations?

Yes, but airport locations often charge an additional airport facility fee on top of the rental rate. The military discount applies to the base rate, not the airport fee. The total cost may still be lower than a non-military rate, but compare the all-in price to an off-airport location if you have the option.

What if my military ID is expired but I am still on active duty?

Contact your branch's ID office to request an expedited replacement. Enterprise will not discount the rental without a current ID, even if you can prove your active-duty status another way. Plan ahead if your ID is expiring soon.

Can I combine the military discount with other promotions or coupon codes?

This varies by location and promotion. Some discounts and codes cannot be combined with the military rate. Ask the rental agent whether the specific promotion you want to use can be stacked with the military discount, or call the location in advance to confirm.