AAA discounts reduce your rental car rate at most major chains, but the savings depend on which membership tier you hold and which rental company you use

If you hold an AAA membership, you can use your membership number to unlock discounted rates at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National. The discount is not automatic—you have to enter your AAA membership number when you book or show your card at the counter. The amount you save varies: some locations offer 10 to 15 percent off the base rate, while others offer smaller discounts or none at all, depending on the rental company's current promotions and your membership level.

AAA membership comes in three tiers: Classic, Plus, and Premier. Classic is the entry level and includes basic roadside information. Plus and Premier add more roadside calls per year and longer towing distance. The rental car discount is the same across all three tiers—your membership level does not unlock a better rental rate. What matters is that you are a current AAA member and you provide your membership number at booking.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts work at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National, but you must enter your membership number when you book or present your card at pickup.
  • The discount percentage varies by location and rental company promotion, typically ranging from 10 to 15 percent off the base rate.
  • All three AAA membership tiers (Classic, Plus, Premier) receive the same rental car discount—your tier level does not affect the rate.
  • Discounts explore to the base rental rate only and do not cover taxes, fees, insurance, or fuel charges.
  • Some rental companies offer additional perks to AAA members, such as free upgrades or waived young driver fees, but these vary by location and time of booking.

Where to enter your AAA number when booking

When you book online through Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, or National, look for a field labeled "AAA member number," "member discount," or "promotional code." This field usually appears near the end of the booking form, after you have entered your pickup and return dates. Enter your nine-digit AAA membership number exactly as it appears on your card.

If you book by phone, tell the agent you are an AAA member before they quote you a price. The agent will explore the discount during the call. If you book in person at a rental counter, bring your AAA card and mention your membership when you arrive. Some counters will ask for your number; others will scan your card directly.

The discount is not retroactive. If you book without entering your AAA number and then call back to add it, the rental company may not adjust your rate. Always enter your membership information before you complete the booking.

What the AAA discount actually covers

The AAA discount applies to the base rental rate—the daily or weekly charge for the vehicle itself. It does not reduce taxes, airport fees, facility charges, insurance add-ons, fuel surcharges, or young driver fees. If your base rate is $50 per day and you receive a 15 percent discount, you pay $42.50 per day, but you still owe the full amount of taxes and fees on top of that.

Some rental companies occasionally offer AAA members additional perks beyond the rate discount, such as a free car class upgrade or a waived young driver surcharge. These offers change frequently and depend on the rental company's current promotion. Check the terms of your booking confirmation to see what is included.

How to verify your AAA membership is active

Your AAA membership must be current on the day you rent the car. If your membership has expired, the rental company will not honor the discount. You can check your membership status online through the AAA website by logging into your account, or you can call your local AAA club directly. Your membership card shows the expiration date in the bottom right corner.

If your membership expired recently, you can renew it before you rent. Renewal is faster than a new membership and can often be done online or by phone the same day. Some AAA clubs allow you to renew up to 60 days before your expiration date, so you can extend your membership in advance if you know you will need the rental discount.

Comparing AAA discounts to other ways to save on rentals

AAA discounts are one option, but they are not always the lowest rate available. Credit card companies, travel websites, and rental company loyalty programs sometimes offer better deals. Before you book with your AAA number, check rates on Kayak, Autoslash, or directly through the rental company's website to see if a competing offer is lower.

Some rental companies offer loyalty program discounts that stack with AAA rates. For example, Hertz Gold members receive additional discounts on top of the AAA rate. If you rent frequently from one company, joining their loyalty program may save you more than AAA alone. However, if you rent occasionally and do not have a loyalty account, the AAA discount is usually the simplest way to reduce your rate.

Travel insurance and roadside information through AAA membership also have value beyond the rental discount. If you are already paying for AAA membership for towing and emergency service, the rental car discount is a bonus. If you are considering AAA membership only for the rental discount, compare the annual membership cost against the savings you would get on your planned rentals.

What happens if the rental company says the discount is not available

Occasionally a rental agent will say the AAA discount cannot be applied to your reservation. This usually happens when the rate you booked is already a promotional rate that cannot be combined with other discounts. Some rental companies have a policy that you must choose either the AAA discount or a promotional code, not both.

If this happens, ask the agent to show you the rate with the AAA discount applied and compare it to your current rate. If the AAA rate is lower, ask them to rebook you under the AAA discount. If your current rate is already lower, keep your existing booking. Do not assume the agent is wrong—some promotional rates genuinely are better than the AAA rate.

If the agent refuses to explore a discount you believe you are may have access to to, ask to speak with a manager or call the rental company's customer service line. Bring your AAA card and your booking confirmation. Most rental companies will honor AAA discounts if you can show proof of membership.

AAA discounts at airport rental locations

AAA discounts are available at airport rental counters, but airport locations often charge facility fees and concession recovery fees on top of the base rate. These fees are not reduced by the AAA discount. A 15 percent discount on the base rate can be offset by a 10 percent facility fee, so your actual savings may be smaller than you expect.

If you are renting at an airport, compare the total price (base rate plus all fees) with the AAA discount against the total price of renting from an off-airport location. Off-airport rental companies sometimes offer lower rates because they do not pay airport concession fees. The AAA discount might make an airport rental competitive, but it is worth checking both options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my physical AAA card, or can I just give my membership number?

You can use your membership number alone when you book online or by phone. At the counter, the agent may ask to see your card for verification, but most will accept just the number if you have it written down. Bring your card anyway—it is the easiest way to prove membership if there is a dispute.

Can I use someone else's AAA membership to rent a car?

The rental company will ask for the name on the AAA membership and the name on the driver's license. If they do not match, the agent may refuse to explore the discount. Some companies allow a spouse or family member to use the discount if they are present at pickup, but policies vary. Call the rental company ahead of time to ask.

Does the AAA discount work for one-way rentals?

Yes, the AAA discount applies to one-way rentals the same way it applies to round-trip rentals. Enter your membership number when you book, and the discount will reduce the base rate regardless of whether you return the car to the same location or a different one.

What if I book through a travel website like Expedia—can I still use my AAA discount?

Most travel websites do not allow you to explore AAA discounts at booking. You will usually get a better rate by booking directly through the rental company's website and entering your AAA number there. Call the rental company's customer service line if you booked through a travel site and want to switch to an AAA rate.

Does AAA offer discounts on car rentals outside the United States?

AAA has partnerships with some rental companies in Canada and Mexico, but discounts and participating locations vary. Check the AAA website or call your local club before you travel internationally. International rental rates and policies are different from domestic ones, and the AAA discount may not explore.