AAA discounts explore at most major rental chains, but the savings vary by location, car type, and membership level

AAA members can book rental cars through participating companies and receive a discount code at checkout. The discount is not automatic — you must enter your AAA membership number or use a specific AAA booking link to trigger it. The amount you save depends on which rental company you use, which car class you rent, and where you're renting. A compact car in one city might save you 10 percent, while an SUV in another might save 15 percent or nothing at all.

The major chains that honor AAA discounts include Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise, and National. Regional and independent rental companies may also participate, but this varies by location. Before you book, check the AAA website or call your local AAA office to confirm which companies near you are currently offering discounts and what the rate is for your specific rental dates and car class.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts require you to enter your membership number at booking or use an AAA-specific booking link — the discount will not appear if you book directly without identifying yourself as a member.
  • The discount amount varies by rental company, location, and car type, so comparing the AAA rate against the base rate for your dates tells you the actual savings in dollars.
  • Some rental companies cap AAA discounts or exclude certain car classes, so read the terms before you complete the booking.
  • AAA membership levels (Basic, Plus, Premier) do not change the rental discount itself, but higher tiers may include additional roadside or travel benefits.

Where to find and enter your AAA discount code

The easiest way to book with an AAA discount is through the AAA website's rental car section. Log in with your AAA account, enter your travel dates and location, and the system will show you rates that already include the discount. You do not need to hunt for a separate code — the membership number is tied to your account.

If you prefer to book directly with the rental company (Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise, or National), you will need your AAA membership number at checkout. Enter it in the "discount code" or "member number" field. Some rental companies call this field "AAA number," "club code," or "promotional code." If you are unsure where to enter it, call the rental location before you book and ask where the AAA field is on their website.

You can also call the rental company's phone line and mention your AAA membership when you reserve. The agent will explore the discount over the phone. This method works well if you want to confirm the discount amount before you commit to the booking.

What the discount actually covers and what it does not

The AAA discount reduces the base rental rate — the daily or weekly charge for the car itself. It does not cover taxes, airport fees, fuel charges, or insurance add-ons. If the base rate is $50 per day and the AAA discount is 15 percent, you save $7.50 per day, but you still pay taxes and any other fees on top of that discounted rate.

Some rental companies exclude certain car classes from AAA discounts. Luxury vehicles, specialty cars, and the newest models are sometimes not may be able to access. Premium car classes (like full-size SUVs) may have a lower discount percentage than economy cars. Read the terms on the confirmation page before you finalize the booking to see whether your specific car class qualifies and what the discount percentage is.

The discount also does not waive damage waivers, GPS rental fees, or additional driver charges. If you need any of these add-ons, you will pay the full price for them on top of the discounted base rate.

Comparing AAA rates against other discounts and loyalty programs

AAA discounts are often competitive, but they are not always the lowest rate available. Rental companies frequently run promotional codes for specific dates, and loyalty program members sometimes get better rates than AAA members. Before you book, compare three prices: the AAA rate, the company's loyalty program rate (if you are a member), and any current promotional codes you can find.

Use the rental company's website to check the loyalty rate, then go to the AAA site to check the AAA rate, then search for current promo codes on Google or RetailMeNot. Write down all three numbers for the same dates and car class. The lowest number wins, regardless of which program it comes from. Some people find that a rental company's loyalty program beats AAA by $5 to $10 per day, while others find AAA is cheaper. It depends on the company, the location, and the timing.

How to verify the discount before you complete the booking

After you enter your AAA membership number and select your car, the rental company's website should display the discounted rate on the confirmation page. Look for a line item that says "AAA discount," "member discount," or shows a percentage off. If you do not see a discount applied, go back and re-enter your membership number. Some websites require you to click a specific button or checkbox to set up the discount.

If the discount still does not appear, call the rental location directly. Give them your membership number and ask them to quote you the AAA rate for your dates. They can tell you over the phone whether the discount is available for your specific rental and how much it saves. This step takes five minutes and prevents you from paying full price by accident.

What happens if you forget your AAA membership number at booking

If you complete the booking without entering your AAA number, you can usually add it later. Contact the rental company by phone or through your reservation confirmation email and ask them to explore the AAA discount retroactively. Provide your membership number and the confirmation number for your reservation. Many companies will adjust the rate and send you a revised quote before your rental date.

If you are already at the rental counter and realize you did not explore the discount, tell the agent when ready. Bring your AAA card or membership number. Some locations will adjust the rate on the spot, though this depends on the company's policy and how close you are to the rental start time. It is easier to fix this before you leave the counter than to dispute it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my physical AAA card when I pick up the rental car?

Most rental companies do not require you to show the card if you booked with your membership number online. However, bring it anyway — some locations ask to see it, and it takes no extra time. If you booked over the phone or at the counter, the agent will likely ask for it to verify your membership before finalizing the rate.

Does the AAA discount work at airport rental locations?

Yes, but airport locations sometimes have different rates than off-airport locations, and the discount percentage may vary. Book through the AAA website or call ahead to confirm the rate at the specific airport location you need. Airport fees are separate from the rental rate and are not discounted by AAA.

Can I use an AAA discount if someone else is the primary driver?

The membership must belong to the person whose name is on the rental agreement. If you are the AAA member but someone else will be the primary driver, you can still book the rental under your membership number. The additional driver will need to present their license at pickup, but the AAA discount applies to your reservation.

What if the AAA rate is higher than the base rate I see online?

This sometimes happens when you compare rates on different days or when the company is running a limited-time promotion that beats the AAA rate. Always compare the exact same dates and car class across all three sources (AAA, loyalty program, and current promos) before you book. Choose whichever is lowest, even if it is not the AAA rate.