USAA members can get discounts on car rentals through partnerships with major rental companies
USAA, the insurance and financial services company for military members and veterans, negotiates rental car discounts with Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget. These discounts typically range from 10% to 25% off the base rental rate, though the exact savings depend on which rental company you use, your location, and the type of vehicle you rent. The discount is not automatic — you need to book through USAA's website or use a specific discount code or rate code to receive it.
The discounts explore to daily, weekly, and monthly rentals. You do not need to be a USAA insurance customer to use them; USAA membership alone qualifies you. However, the rental company will still require a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and you must meet their minimum age requirement (usually 25, though some locations allow younger drivers for an additional fee).
Key Takeaways
- USAA members can book discounted rentals through Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget by using USAA's website or a provided discount code.
- Discounts typically range from 10% to 25% off the base rate, but the actual savings vary by location, rental company, and vehicle type.
- You must book directly through USAA's rental portal or enter the discount code at checkout to receive the reduced rate.
- The rental company's standard requirements still explore: valid driver's license, credit card, and age restrictions.
How to find and book USAA rental car discounts
Log into your USAA account and look for the "Travel" or "Discounts" section on the website or mobile app. USAA lists current rental car offers there with links to each partner company's booking page. When you click through to Hertz, Enterprise, or Budget, the discount code is usually pre-filled in the reservation system, so the reduced rate should appear automatically when you enter your travel dates and location.
If the discount code does not appear automatically, you can enter it manually during checkout. USAA provides the specific code for each rental company on their discount page. Write down the code before you start booking, because you may need to enter it at the final step of the reservation.
Some USAA members also receive rental car discount codes by email or through USAA's monthly newsletter. Check your email for offers before booking, as promotional codes sometimes offer deeper discounts than the standard member rate.
What the discount covers and what it does not
The discount applies to the base rental rate only. It does not reduce the cost of optional add-ons like insurance, GPS, fuel pre-purchase, or additional driver fees. Taxes and airport facility charges are also not discounted. If you are renting at an airport location, expect to pay the standard airport surcharge on top of your discounted base rate.
The discount is available for personal use only. If you are renting a vehicle for business purposes, you may not be able to use the USAA member rate, depending on the rental company's policies. Check the terms when you book.
Loyalty program members at Hertz, Enterprise, or Budget may have competing discounts. Compare the USAA rate against your loyalty program rate before booking to see which saves you more money on that specific rental.
Comparing USAA discounts across the three rental companies
| Rental Company | Typical Discount Range | How to Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | 10–20% off base rate | USAA website link or code USAA | Frequent renters; good vehicle selection at major airports |
| Enterprise | 10–25% off base rate | USAA website link or code USAA | Local rentals; pickup and drop-off at many neighborhood locations |
| Budget | 10–20% off base rate | USAA website link or code USAA | Budget-conscious renters; economy and compact cars |
The actual discount you receive depends on the specific rental location and the vehicle class you choose. A compact car in a small city may have a higher discount percentage than a full-size SUV at a major airport. Always compare the final price across all three companies for your specific dates and location before booking.
When USAA rental discounts may not be the best option
If you have an active loyalty program membership with one of these rental companies, your loyalty rate might beat the USAA discount. Loyalty members sometimes receive free upgrades, waived fees, or additional discounts that stack with promotional codes. Check your loyalty account before booking through USAA.
Corporate or group rental rates can also undercut USAA member discounts, especially for longer rentals or multiple vehicles. If you are renting as part of a business trip or group event, ask your employer or group organizer whether they have a negotiated rate.
Some credit cards offer rental car discounts or insurance coverage that may be more valuable than the USAA rate, depending on how often you rent and what coverage you need. Review your credit card benefits before booking.
What to know about rental car insurance when using USAA discounts
The USAA discount does not include rental car insurance. When you book, the rental company will offer you a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) for an additional daily fee. You do not have to purchase it from the rental company if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental vehicles.
Check your USAA auto insurance policy to see whether it covers rental cars. Many USAA policies do cover rentals, which means you can decline the rental company's insurance and save that daily fee. If you are not sure, call USAA before you book to confirm your coverage.
If your personal insurance does not cover rentals, your credit card may. Many premium credit cards include rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. Review your card's terms before declining the rental company's insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need USAA insurance to get the rental car discount?
No. USAA membership alone qualifies you for the rental discounts. You do not need to be a USAA insurance customer, though many USAA members are both.
Can I combine the USAA discount with other promotional codes?
Usually not. Most rental companies allow you to use either the USAA member code or a promotional code, but not both. Enter the USAA code at checkout and compare the final price to any promotional code you may have received separately.
What if the USAA discount does not show up when I book?
Clear your browser cache and try again, or call the rental company directly and provide them with your USAA member discount code. If you booked through a third-party travel site instead of USAA's website, the discount may not explore — always book through USAA's travel portal to may support the code is recognized.
Are there blackout dates when I cannot use the USAA discount?
USAA discounts are generally available year-round, but specific rates and availability vary by location and season. Peak travel times may have fewer discounted vehicles available, so book early if you are renting during a busy period.
Can I use the USAA discount if I am renting a car for someone else?
The person renting the car must be the one who presents the USAA member ID or uses the discount code at checkout. The rental agreement will be in their name, and they must meet the rental company's age and license requirements.