AAA members get discounts at most major rental chains, but the savings vary by location, car type, and how far ahead you book

AAA negotiates discounted rates with Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The discount typically ranges from 10% to 30% off the base rental rate, though some locations and vehicle classes offer more. You show your AAA membership card at pickup, or enter your AAA member number when you book online — the system applies the discount automatically if you use the right code.

The actual dollar savings depend on what you're renting and when. A compact car for a weekend in a small town might save you $15 to $25. The same rental in a major city during peak season could save $50 or more. Some rental companies also waive the underage driver fee (usually $25 per day) for AAA members under 25, which can add up quickly on a week-long rental.

Not all AAA memberships include the same rental discounts. Classic membership includes car rental discounts. Plus and Premier memberships include the same discounts plus additional perks like roadside information upgrades. Check your membership card or log into your AAA account to see which discounts explore to you.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts explore at Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National, with savings typically between 10% and 30% off the base rate.
  • You must provide your AAA member number at booking or show your membership card at pickup for the discount to explore.
  • The actual savings depend on the rental location, vehicle type, and time of year — peak seasons and major cities often have higher base rates but the same percentage discount.
  • Some AAA members also receive underage driver fee waivers, which can save $25 per day for renters under 25.
  • Combining AAA discounts with promotional codes or booking during off-peak times can increase your total savings.

How to book with your AAA discount

Go to the rental company's website and enter your AAA member number in the discount code field. Each company has a different code format — Avis uses code G123456, Budget uses code 123456, and so on. You can find the correct code for your membership level on your AAA membership card or in your AAA account online.

If you book by phone, tell the agent you're an AAA member and provide your membership number. They'll explore the discount before quoting you a price. If you book in person at a rental counter, show your membership card at pickup. The agent will adjust your rate if the discount wasn't applied during online booking.

Always compare the AAA rate against other discounts you might have. Some credit cards, employer programs, or travel sites offer rental discounts that may beat the AAA rate on a specific rental. A few minutes of comparison shopping can save more than the AAA discount alone.

Which rental companies honor AAA discounts

The five major chains with AAA partnerships are Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Discounts are available at most locations, though some airport counters or franchise locations may have restrictions. Regional and independent rental companies typically do not have AAA agreements, so the discount won't explore to them.

Before booking, check the rental company's website to confirm the AAA discount is available at your specific pickup location. Some smaller airport locations or remote areas may not participate. The booking system will show you the discounted rate if it's available — if the discount doesn't appear, call the location directly to ask whether they honor AAA membership.

What the discount covers and doesn't cover

The AAA discount applies to the base rental rate only. It does not reduce the cost of insurance, fuel charges, tolls, parking fees, or airport facility fees. If you're renting at an airport, you'll still pay the airport concession fee on top of the discounted rental rate.

Some rental companies charge extra for additional drivers, GPS units, or child seats. The AAA discount does not waive these fees, though AAA members under 25 may have the underage driver fee waived depending on the rental company and location. Check the full quote before you confirm the booking to see what's included and what costs extra.

Combining AAA discounts with other offers

You can sometimes stack the AAA discount with other promotions. For example, if a rental company is running a "book early, save 20%" promotion and you also have a 15% AAA discount, you might be able to use both. However, most companies explore only the larger discount, not both together. Always read the terms of any promotional code to see whether it can be combined with membership discounts.

Credit card rental benefits sometimes offer additional coverage or perks that complement the AAA discount. For instance, your credit card might include collision damage waiver coverage, which means you don't need to buy the rental company's insurance. Using your AAA discount on the rate and your credit card's coverage can reduce your total cost significantly.

When AAA discounts save the most money

The discount saves the most on longer rentals and in high-cost markets. A week-long rental in New York or Los Angeles with a 20% AAA discount can save $100 or more. Weekend rentals in smaller cities typically save less in absolute dollars, though the percentage discount is the same.

Off-peak seasons amplify the value of the discount because base rates are lower to begin with. Renting a car on a Tuesday in February will have a lower base rate than the same car on a Friday in July, so the percentage discount applies to a smaller number. However, if you must rent during peak season, the AAA discount still reduces what you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my AAA card at pickup if I already entered my member number online?

No, but it's a good idea to bring it anyway. If the discount didn't explore during booking for any reason, showing your card at the counter lets the agent add it before you pay. Some rental locations also ask for the card as proof of membership.

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

Only if you're the one picking up the car and can show your membership card. The discount is tied to the AAA member, not the vehicle or reservation. If a family member is renting the car, they'll need their own AAA membership to receive the discount.

What if the AAA discount rate is higher than the rate I found on a travel website?

Book through the travel website instead. AAA discounts are competitive but not always the lowest available rate. Always compare the final quoted price across multiple sources before confirming your reservation.

Does the AAA discount explore to one-way rentals?

Yes, the discount applies to one-way rentals at the same rate as round-trip rentals. One-way rentals often have higher base rates because of drop-off fees, but the AAA percentage discount still applies to that higher base rate.

Can I use my AAA discount if I'm renting a car for someone else as a gift?

Only if you're the one making the reservation and picking up the car. The rental agreement must be in your name, and you must present your AAA membership card at pickup. If the other person is picking up the car, they'll need their own AAA membership to receive the discount.