USAA members can rent cars through the USAA Car Rental program, which offers discounted rates at major rental companies including Hertz, Budget, and Avis

USAA is a financial services company that serves military members, veterans, and their families. Beyond banking and insurance, USAA offers a car rental benefit as part of its membership perks. When you rent through USAA's program, you book directly with one of their partner rental agencies but receive a member discount that is typically 10 to 20 percent below the standard rate. You do not need a separate membership or account—your USAA membership is your access.

The rental companies themselves handle the actual transaction: they provide the vehicle, collect your driver's license and payment method, and manage the rental agreement. USAA's role is to negotiate the discount and provide you with a booking code that unlocks that rate when you reserve. This means you still deal with the rental company's policies, insurance requirements, and vehicle condition checks—USAA does not change those parts of the process.

Key Takeaways

  • USAA members access discounted car rental rates through partner companies like Hertz, Budget, and Avis by using a USAA booking code.
  • You book the rental directly with the rental company's website or phone line, not through USAA, but the discount applies when you enter your code at checkout.
  • The rental company still sets its own policies on insurance, fuel, mileage, and vehicle damage—USAA's discount does not override those terms.
  • USAA membership itself is required; you cannot use the car rental discount without an active USAA account.

Where to find your USAA car rental booking code

Your USAA booking code lives in your USAA member account, either online or in the mobile app. Log into your USAA account, navigate to the "Member Benefits" or "Discounts" section (the exact name varies by app version), and look for "Car Rental" or "Travel." The code is usually a string of numbers and letters—something like a 6-digit or 8-digit code that you will enter when you book.

If you cannot find the code in your account, call USAA directly at the number on the back of your USAA card or in your account statements. A representative can provide the code and walk you through the booking process. Some USAA members also receive the code in welcome materials or periodic member updates, so check your email or physical mail if you have recently joined.

How to book a rental car with your USAA discount

Once you have your booking code, visit the website of one of USAA's partner rental companies: Hertz, Budget, Avis, or Enterprise (availability varies). Enter your rental dates, pickup location, and vehicle type as you normally would. At the final stage of booking—usually labeled "Promo Code," "Discount Code," or "Member Code"—paste or type your USAA code into that field.

The discount applies when ready, and you will see the reduced rate before you complete the purchase. Some rental companies also allow you to call their reservations line and provide your code verbally; this can be useful if you want to ask about specific vehicle availability or have questions about their current policies. Either way, you pay the rental company directly—not USAA—and you receive your confirmation from them.

What the USAA discount covers and what it does not

The USAA discount reduces the base rental rate, which is the daily or weekly charge for the vehicle itself. It typically does not explore to add-ons such as insurance, GPS devices, fuel prepayment, or additional driver fees. Those charges are set by the rental company and are separate from the negotiated rate.

The discount also does not change the rental company's damage waiver policy, mileage limits, or fuel requirements. If the rental company charges for a full tank of fuel upfront or requires you to return the car with a full tank, that policy remains in place. Read the rental agreement carefully before you book, because the discount is on the rate only—everything else is the rental company's standard terms.

Insurance and liability when renting through USAA

USAA does not provide insurance for the rental car itself. The rental company will offer you a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) at checkout—this is their insurance product, and it costs extra. You can decline it if your own auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, but you must have some coverage in place before you drive off the lot.

Check your personal auto insurance policy or credit card benefits to see whether they cover rental vehicles. Many policies do, but some exclude rentals or limit coverage to certain situations. If you are unsure, call your insurance company before you rent. The rental company will ask you to confirm your coverage status when you pick up the car, and if you have no coverage and decline their waiver, you are liable for any damage to the vehicle.

USAA membership requirements and how to join

To use the USAA car rental discount, you must be an active USAA member. USAA membership is open to active-duty military, retired military, veterans, and their spouses and adult children. If you are not currently a member, you can open an account online or by phone. USAA does not charge a membership fee for most accounts, though some specialized products carry their own costs.

The membership process takes a few minutes and requires proof of military affiliation—your military ID, discharge papers, or a military email address. Once your account is open, you have when ready access to member benefits, including the car rental discount. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, USAA's website has a detailed may be able to access tool, or you can contact their membership team directly.

Comparing USAA car rental rates to other discount programs

USAA's discount is one option among several ways to reduce car rental costs. AAA membership, for example, offers similar discounts at many of the same rental companies. Corporate discount codes, airline frequent-flyer programs, and hotel loyalty programs also negotiate rates with rental agencies. The actual savings depend on the rental company, the location, and the dates you are booking—there is no single "best" discount across all scenarios.

If you have multiple memberships or discount codes, compare the final price at checkout before you book. Enter one code, note the total, then go back and try another. The rental company's website will show you the discounted rate in real time, so you can see which code saves you the most money for that specific rental. This takes a few extra minutes but can save you 10 to 30 dollars on a week-long rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my USAA car rental discount if I am not the primary driver?

The discount is tied to your USAA membership, so you must be the person who books the rental and whose name appears on the agreement. If someone else will be driving, they can be listed as an additional driver, but you are the primary renter. Some rental companies charge extra to add a second driver; that fee is separate from the USAA discount.

What happens if I lose my booking code?

Log back into your USAA account and retrieve the code again—it does not change. If you cannot access your account, call USAA customer service and they will provide the code over the phone. You can also ask the rental company's reservations line to look up your USAA member discount by your membership number instead of a code.

Does the USAA discount work at rental car locations outside the United States?

USAA's partner agreements vary by country and region. The discount typically works at major rental companies' international locations, but availability is not may provide everywhere. Before you book an overseas rental, contact USAA or the rental company directly to confirm the discount applies at your specific pickup location.

Can I combine the USAA discount with other promotions or sales?

Most rental companies do not allow you to stack multiple discounts—you choose one code at checkout. If the rental company is running a sale or promotion, compare the final price using your USAA code against the final price using their promotional code, then book whichever is lower. The rental company's website will show both totals before you commit.