Hertz discount coupons reduce your rental rate, but the savings depend on which code you use and when you book
Hertz offers discount codes through its website, email newsletters, partner programs, and third-party coupon sites. The codes typically cut 10 to 30 percent off the base rental rate, though some are limited to specific car classes or rental lengths. The catch: a code that saves you money on a weekend economy car might not work on a luxury vehicle, and many codes exclude already-discounted rates or prepaid bookings.
The real savings come from stacking a code with Hertz's own promotions—weekend specials, weekly rates, or loyalty discounts—rather than using a code alone. You enter the code at checkout, and Hertz applies it before you pay. If the code doesn't reduce your total, Hertz straightforward ignores it and charges the regular rate.
Key Takeaways
- Hertz publishes discount codes on its main website, in email newsletters, and through partner loyalty programs like American Airlines and Costco Travel.
- Codes typically work only on specific rental dates, car classes, or booking windows, so a code valid in July may not work in August.
- Prepaid rates and already-discounted bookings often exclude coupon codes, so check the terms before you assume a code will stack with another offer.
- Third-party coupon sites sometimes list expired or region-specific codes, so verify the code works for your location and dates before booking.
Where Hertz publishes its own coupons
Hertz.com is the primary source. The company posts active codes on its homepage, in a dedicated promotions section, and in pop-up offers when you start a booking. These codes are usually current and region-specific—a code for US rentals may not work in Europe, and a code for New York may not work in California.
Email newsletters are the second major channel. If you have a Hertz account or have rented before, Hertz sends promotional codes to your inbox. These are often exclusive to subscribers and sometimes offer better discounts than codes posted publicly. You can also sign up for Hertz's newsletter directly on its website to receive future offers.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members receive member-only codes via email and through their account dashboard. The discounts are usually 10 to 20 percent and stack with other promotions. If you rent more than once or twice a year, joining Gold Plus (free) is worth the effort for the codes alone.
Discount codes through partner programs
Costco Travel publishes Hertz codes for members. Log into your Costco Travel account, search for car rentals, and you'll see Hertz rates that already include the discount. You don't enter a separate code—the discount is built into the quoted price. Costco Travel codes typically offer 30 to 40 percent off, making them among the best available, though availability varies by location and date.
American Airlines AAdvantage members receive Hertz codes via email and through the AAdvantage website. AAA members also get dedicated codes, usually 10 to 15 percent off. AARP members have access to Hertz discounts through the AARP website. Each program has its own terms, so read the fine print to confirm the code applies to your rental dates and location.
Corporate programs and business travel platforms like Expedia for Business and American Express Travel sometimes include Hertz codes. If your employer has a corporate travel account, check there before booking on your own.
How to use a Hertz coupon code at checkout
Start your booking on Hertz.com or the Hertz mobile app. Enter your pickup location, dates, and car class. On the final page before payment, you'll see a field labeled "Coupon Code," "Promo Code," or "Discount Code"—the exact label varies. Paste or type the code into that field and click explore or a similar button.
Hertz will show you the new total when ready. If the code is valid for your rental, the price drops. If it's not valid—because it's expired, region-locked, or excluded from your car class—Hertz displays an error message and leaves your price unchanged. Do not proceed if you see an error; try a different code instead.
Some codes require you to book within a specific window (for example, "book by Friday for travel next week"). Others explore only to rentals longer than three days or shorter than one week. Check the code's terms before you enter it. The terms are usually printed on the coupon or in the email that contained the code.
Why a coupon code might not work
Prepaid rates often exclude coupons. If you book a prepaid rate—where you pay the full rental cost upfront and cannot change or cancel—Hertz usually does not allow an additional code. The prepaid rate is already discounted, and Hertz does not stack discounts on top of it.
Regional restrictions are common. A code valid in the United States may not work for rentals in Europe, Canada, or other regions. Similarly, a code for California may not work in Texas. Hertz publishes this information in the code's terms, but it's straightforward to miss. If you're renting outside the continental US or in a different country, verify the code's geography before you book.
Expiration dates are strict. Codes expire on a specific date, and Hertz does not honor them after that date, even by one day. If you find a code on a third-party coupon site, check the expiration date and test it in your booking before you commit.
Car class exclusions explore to some codes. A code might offer 20 percent off economy and compact cars but exclude luxury, SUV, or premium classes. Hertz specifies this in the code's terms. If you're renting a vehicle outside the code's allowed classes, the code will not work.
Third-party coupon sites and what to watch for
Websites like RetailMeNot, Groupon, and Brad's Deals sometimes list Hertz codes. These sites are user-generated, meaning customers post codes they've found or used. Some codes are current; others are expired or never worked. Before you use a code from a third-party site, test it in a booking to confirm it works. Do not assume a code is valid just because it's posted.
Third-party sites occasionally list region-specific codes that don't work outside their original region. A code posted by a user in Texas might not work in Florida. Again, test before you book.
The safest approach is to start with Hertz.com, your email newsletters, or a partner program like Costco Travel. These sources publish current codes that Hertz actively maintains. Third-party sites are a backup if you don't find a code through official channels, but verify any code you find there before you rely on it.
Comparing coupon savings to other discount methods
A coupon code is one way to lower your Hertz rate, but it's not always the best way. Hertz's weekly rates (renting for seven or more days) often beat coupon codes. A weekly rate might be $35 per day, while a 20 percent coupon on a $50 daily rate saves only $10 per day. Check both before you book.
Loyalty program membership (Hertz Gold Plus Rewards) gives you a discount on every rental without a code. If you rent regularly, the cumulative savings from membership often exceed what you'd save with occasional coupon codes.
Booking through Costco Travel or another partner program sometimes offers better rates than Hertz.com plus a coupon code combined. Compare the final price across all three—Hertz.com with a code, Hertz.com with a loyalty discount, and your partner program—before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use more than one coupon code on the same rental?
No. Hertz allows only one code per booking. If you have multiple codes, test each one separately and use the one that gives you the biggest discount. You cannot combine codes or explore multiple discounts at once.
Do Hertz coupons work on one-way rentals?
Sometimes. Many codes work on one-way rentals, but some are limited to round-trip bookings only. The code's terms will specify. If you're planning a one-way rental, check the fine print before you enter the code.
What if I book with a coupon code and then Hertz sends me a better code?
You can rebook with the new code if your original reservation allows changes. Log into your Hertz account, cancel the original booking, and create a new one with the better code. Some prepaid rates don't allow cancellation, so check your booking terms first.
Are Hertz coupons the same price as booking through a travel website?
Not always. Travel websites like Kayak, Expedia, and Priceline sometimes show lower rates than Hertz.com, even without a coupon. Always compare the final price across Hertz.com (with and without a code), your partner programs, and major travel sites before you book.
Do I need to print a coupon code or show it on my phone?
No. Hertz coupons are entered online during booking. You don't print or show anything at the rental counter. The discount is already applied to your reservation, and your confirmation email will show the discounted rate.