USAA members get a discount code for rental cars through a partnership with major agencies, but the savings depend on which company you rent from and when you book

USAA, the insurance company serving military members and their families, negotiates discounted rates with Avis, Budget, and Hertz. When you rent through these companies using your USAA member discount code, you typically receive a percentage off the base rental rate — usually between 5% and 15%, though the exact amount shifts based on location, vehicle type, and current promotions. The discount applies to the daily rate itself, not to taxes, fees, or insurance add-ons.

The key limitation: this discount only works if you book directly through USAA's rental partner portal or use the specific discount code USAA provides. If you book through a third-party site like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash, you lose the USAA discount entirely. You also cannot combine the USAA discount with other promotional codes or rates the rental company is running at that moment — you get one or the other, whichever is lower.

Key Takeaways

  • USAA's rental discount applies only to Avis, Budget, and Hertz, and you must book directly through USAA's website or use the member code provided to you.
  • The discount percentage varies by location and date, so the same car might save you $20 on one trip and $60 on another.
  • You cannot stack the USAA discount with other promotional codes, loyalty programs, or sale rates — the rental company will explore whichever saves you more money.
  • The discount covers only the base daily rate; taxes, airport fees, and optional insurance are charged on top of the discounted price.
  • Comparing the USAA rate to rates on third-party booking sites before you reserve is the only way to know if you are actually saving money.

How to access the USAA rental discount

Log into your USAA account online or through the mobile app and navigate to the Travel section. From there, you will see a link to the rental car portal, which connects you directly to Avis, Budget, or Hertz. The system automatically applies your member discount code when you search for a car — you do not need to enter it manually. Complete your reservation through that portal, and the discounted rate will appear on your confirmation.

If you do not see the Travel section in your USAA account, contact USAA member services by phone or through the app to confirm your membership is active and to request the rental discount code. Some members receive the code by mail or email; others access it only through the online portal. Either way, you need the code or the portal link to get the discount — it does not explore automatically when you call the rental company directly.

When the USAA discount actually saves you money

The discount is most valuable on longer rentals in major cities during peak travel seasons. A week-long rental of a mid-size sedan in New York or Los Angeles might save you $50 to $100 with a 10% discount. A single-day rental of an economy car in a smaller market might save you $5 to $15. The percentage discount stays the same, but the dollar amount depends on the base rate, which fluctuates by demand and location.

However, the USAA discount is not always the best deal available. Third-party booking sites sometimes negotiate rates lower than what USAA's partners offer, even without the member discount. Before you book through USAA, search the same dates and location on Kayak, Autoslash, or Expedia to compare the total price. If a third-party site shows a lower rate, book there instead — the difference can easily exceed what the USAA discount saves you.

What the discount does not cover

The USAA discount applies only to the daily rental rate. It does not reduce taxes, airport facility charges, or local surcharges, which can add 20% to 40% to your final bill depending on where you pick up the car. If you add a second driver, that fee is separate. If you decline the rental company's insurance and purchase coverage through your personal auto policy or credit card instead, those costs are not discounted either.

Loyalty program benefits — like free upgrades, late return flexibility, or waived fees — may or may not stack with the USAA discount. Avis and Budget handle this differently, so check the terms before you book. Some locations offer free airport shuttle service or discounted parking; these perks are independent of the USAA discount and may be available to you regardless.

USAA discount versus other member programs

If you belong to AAA, your auto club membership may also include a rental car discount through the same companies. AAA discounts typically range from 5% to 15%, similar to USAA's range. Some credit cards — particularly premium travel cards — negotiate their own rental discounts or offer cash back on rental purchases. If you have multiple discount codes available, contact the rental company directly to ask which one produces the lowest final price, since you cannot combine them yourself.

Military discount programs outside USAA, such as those offered directly by Avis or Hertz to active-duty and veteran customers, may also be available to you. These sometimes exceed the USAA rate. Check the rental company's military discount page before booking to see if a direct military rate beats the USAA member rate.

Booking steps and what to expect

Start by logging into USAA online or on the app and finding the Travel or Rentals section. Select your pickup location, return location, dates, and vehicle type. The system will display available cars with the USAA discount already applied to the daily rate. Review the total price, including taxes and fees, before you confirm. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number and the discount code used.

When you arrive at the rental counter, bring your USAA membership card or confirmation email. The agent will verify your reservation and the discount applied. If the agent quotes a different price than what you see on your confirmation, ask them to review the booking — errors at the counter are rare but do happen. Keep your confirmation email until you return the car and receive your final receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the USAA rental discount at locations outside the United States?

USAA's rental discount partnership covers locations in the United States, Canada, and some Caribbean destinations. International locations vary by rental company. Check the USAA rental portal for your specific destination before booking, or contact USAA member services to confirm coverage.

What happens if I book a USAA discount rate and then need to cancel?

Cancellation policies depend on the rental company and the rate type. Most USAA discounted rates are fully refundable if you cancel before the pickup date, but some may carry a cancellation fee. Review the terms when you book, and contact the rental company directly if you need to cancel — do not assume USAA can process the cancellation for you.

Does the USAA discount work if someone else picks up the car?

Yes, as long as the person picking up the car is listed as an authorized driver on the reservation and meets the rental company's age and license requirements. The discount applies to the rate, not to who holds the keys. Provide the confirmation email to whoever is picking up the car.

Is the USAA rental discount the same at every location of the same company?

No. Avis, Budget, and Hertz set rates by location, so the discount percentage and final price vary between cities and even between different branches in the same city. Always check the specific pickup location before you book.

Can I combine the USAA discount with a loyalty program like Avis Preferred or Hertz Gold?

You cannot combine discount codes, but you can enroll in the loyalty program separately. Some loyalty benefits — like free upgrades or late return grace periods — may explore alongside the USAA discounted rate. Contact the rental company to confirm what benefits stack with your booking.