AAA members get discounts at certain rental companies, but the savings and terms depend on which rental chain you book through

If you hold an AAA membership, you can receive discounts when you rent a car through partner companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis. The discount amount varies — typically 10 to 30 percent off the base rental rate — and changes based on the rental company, your membership tier, the car class, and the rental dates. AAA does not run its own rental fleet; instead, it negotiates rates with major chains and provides member codes you enter at booking.

The discount applies only to the base rental rate, not to taxes, fees, insurance, or fuel charges. You must book through AAA's website or call their travel service to receive the member rate. Booking directly through the rental company's site without using your AAA code will not trigger the discount, even if you show your membership card at pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts come from partner rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis, and the discount percentage varies by company and membership level.
  • You must book through AAA's website or travel phone line using your member code to receive the discount — booking directly with the rental company will not may have access to.
  • The discount covers only the base rental rate and does not reduce taxes, facility fees, insurance, or fuel charges.
  • Rental companies may still charge for damage waivers, GPS units, and additional drivers, which are separate from the discounted rate.
  • AAA membership tiers (Classic, Plus, Premier) may offer different discount levels, so check your membership card for your specific tier.

How to find and book an AAA car rental discount

Log into your AAA account on AAA.com and navigate to the Travel section. You will see a "Car Rentals" option that shows partner companies and current rates for your travel dates. Enter your pickup and return dates, location, and car type. The system displays rates that already include your member discount.

Each rental company listing shows the discount code you need. Write down or copy this code before you proceed to the rental company's checkout page. Some bookings complete entirely through AAA's site; others redirect you to the rental company to finish payment. Either way, the code ensures the discount applies.

If you prefer to book by phone, call AAA's travel service at the number on your membership card. A representative can search rates across partner companies and book your rental while confirming your member discount is included.

What the discount does and does not cover

The AAA discount reduces the daily or weekly base rental rate. If a car normally costs $60 per day and your discount is 20 percent, you pay $48 per day for the rental itself. This applies to the full rental period you book.

The discount does not cover taxes, airport facility fees, or local surcharges. These are added after the base rate is calculated. A $48-per-day rental may become $65 per day once taxes and fees are included, depending on your location.

Insurance, damage waivers, GPS units, child seats, and additional drivers are charged separately and are not discounted. If you decline the rental company's damage waiver, your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental damage — check your policy before you book. Fuel charges depend on whether you prepay for a full tank or return the car empty; neither option is discounted.

AAA membership tiers and their rental discounts

AAA offers three membership levels: Classic, Plus, and Premier. Rental discounts may differ by tier, though the difference is often small. Classic members typically receive a base discount, while Plus and Premier members may receive slightly higher discounts or additional perks like free upgrades or late-return grace periods.

Check your membership card to see your tier. When you book through AAA's website or call their travel line, the system automatically applies your tier's discount. You do not need to request a higher discount or provide proof of membership — the code tied to your account handles it.

If you are unsure whether your membership is active or what tier you hold, log into your AAA account or call the customer service number on your card. Membership status affects whether you receive any discount at all, so confirm before you book.

Partner rental companies and their discount terms

AAA partners with Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and occasionally others, though the list changes. Each company sets its own discount percentage and terms. Enterprise and Budget often offer higher discounts for AAA members than Hertz or Avis, but rates fluctuate based on demand and location.

When you search on AAA's site, you see all available partners and their rates side by side. Compare the daily cost, cancellation policy, and pickup location for each. A company with a smaller discount may still be cheaper overall if it has lower taxes or is closer to your destination.

Rental company policies on damage, late returns, and fuel also vary. Before you book, read the terms for the specific company you choose. AAA's discount does not override the rental company's rules about mileage limits, age restrictions, or additional fees.

When AAA discounts may not be available

During peak travel seasons — holidays, summer vacation, major events — rental companies sometimes suspend AAA discounts or limit them to certain car classes. If you search and see no discount listed, the company may have temporarily removed it due to high demand.

Some rental locations, especially small airport branches or franchises, may not honor AAA codes. If you book through AAA but the rental desk says the code is invalid, ask to speak with a manager or call AAA's travel line from the rental counter to resolve it. AAA can sometimes override the issue or rebook you at a different location.

Certain car classes — luxury vehicles, specialty rentals, or one-way rentals across state lines — may not may have access to for the discount. The AAA website shows which cars are may be able to access when you search, so check before you commit to a booking.

Comparing AAA rental discounts to other options

AAA discounts are one way to lower rental costs, but they are not always the lowest price available. Credit card companies, travel sites like Kayak or Autoslash, and rental company loyalty programs sometimes offer better rates. Before you book through AAA, search the same dates on a general travel site to compare.

Some credit cards offer rental car insurance or cash-back rewards that may offset the difference if another company's rate is slightly lower. If you rent frequently, a rental company's loyalty program might provide better long-term savings than a one-time AAA discount.

AAA discounts work best when you are a regular member who rents occasionally and wants a reliable, straightforward booking process. If you rent rarely, spending five minutes comparing AAA rates to other sites may save you more than your membership fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The discount is tied to the booking code you used when you reserved the car, not to your physical card. Bring your driver's license and payment method. If the rental desk questions the discount, show your membership card or the confirmation email with your code, but the card itself is not required to receive the rate you booked.

Can I use an AAA discount if someone else is driving the rental car?

Yes, as long as you are the person who booked and paid for the rental. The additional driver must be listed on the rental agreement and may incur an extra fee from the rental company. The AAA discount applies to the base rate regardless of who drives.

What happens if the rental company charges me the full price instead of the discounted rate?

Contact AAA's travel service with your confirmation number and receipt. AAA can often resolve billing errors or request a refund for the difference. Keep your booking confirmation and the rental receipt to prove the discount was promised. If the rental company does not refund the difference, AAA may escalate the issue on your behalf.

Does the AAA discount explore to insurance or damage waivers?

No. The discount covers only the base rental rate. Insurance, damage waivers, GPS, and other add-ons are charged separately at the rental company's standard rates. You can decline these add-ons if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental damage.

Can I cancel or change my rental after I book with an AAA discount?

Cancellation and change policies depend on the rental company, not AAA. When you book, check the terms for the specific company. Most allow free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup, but some charge a fee. AAA's discount does not change the rental company's cancellation rules.