AAA members get discounts at major rental chains, but the savings vary by location, car type, and rental dates

AAA negotiates discounted rates with companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Avis. The discount is not a single code you enter everywhere — instead, AAA members book through the AAA Travel portal or call a dedicated AAA phone line, and the rental company applies the member rate automatically. The amount you save depends on which rental company you use, where you're renting, and what class of car you need.

Not all AAA members get the same discount. Your membership level (Basic, Plus, or Premier) can affect the rate, and some rental locations offer better discounts than others. The best approach is to check the AAA Travel portal first, then call the rental company directly with your AAA membership number to confirm the rate before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts are applied when you book through the AAA Travel portal or call the rental company's AAA reservations line, not through a code you type at checkout.
  • The discount amount varies by rental company, location, and vehicle class, so comparing quotes from different companies is worth the time.
  • Your AAA membership number is what unlocks the discount, so have it ready when you book or call.
  • Some rental companies offer additional perks to AAA members beyond the base discount, such as free upgrades or waived fees, which you should ask about when booking.

How to book a rental with your AAA discount

Start by visiting the AAA Travel portal on the AAA website. Enter your rental dates, pickup location, and return location. The system will show you rates from multiple rental companies with AAA discounts already applied. Compare the total price across companies — the discount percentage is not always the same from one company to the next.

If you find a rate you want, you can book directly through the portal. You will need to enter your AAA membership number during checkout. If you prefer to book by phone, call the rental company's AAA reservations line (each company has a dedicated number for AAA members) and provide your membership number. Ask the agent to confirm the rate before you complete the reservation.

Which rental companies offer AAA discounts

Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all have AAA discount programs. Alamo and some regional companies also participate, though the discount size may differ. The AAA Travel portal shows which companies are available at your specific pickup location and what rate each one is offering for your dates.

Not every location of every company offers the same discount. An Enterprise in one city might offer 10% off, while an Enterprise 50 miles away offers 15% off. This is why checking the portal for your exact dates and location matters — you are seeing the actual rate that location will give you, not an average.

What to ask about when you call or book

Beyond the base AAA discount, some rental companies offer additional benefits to AAA members. These can include free car upgrades (subject to availability), waived facility fees, free additional drivers, or discounts on insurance add-ons. These perks are not automatic — you have to ask about them or the agent may not mention them.

When you call to book, say: "I'm an AAA member and I'd like to confirm the AAA rate. Are there any additional member benefits available for this rental?" Write down the rate you're quoted, the rental company name, the location, and the dates. If you book online through the portal, the rate shown is the one you'll pay, so take a screenshot before you complete the transaction.

Comparing AAA rates to other discount sources

AAA discounts are often competitive, but they are not always the lowest rate available. Booking directly with a rental company's website, using a third-party aggregator like Kayak or Autoslash, or checking for corporate or promotional codes can sometimes yield a lower price. Spend five minutes checking two or three sources before you book.

One useful tool is Autoslash, which lets you enter your rental details and then monitors the rate for price drops. If the price falls, Autoslash alerts you. This is helpful if you book early — you can rebook at a lower rate if one appears. AAA rates are usually locked in when you book, so if you think prices might drop, monitoring the rate is worth doing.

Understanding what the AAA discount covers and does not cover

The AAA discount applies to the base rental rate. It does not cover taxes, airport fees, or optional add-ons like insurance, GPS, or fuel plans. If you rent at an airport, the rental company will charge airport facility fees on top of the discounted rate — those fees are set by the airport authority, not the rental company, so the AAA discount does not reduce them.

Insurance is optional and not included in the discount. If your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you may not need the rental company's insurance. Check your policy or card benefits before you book, because declining the rental company's insurance can save you more than the AAA discount itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to enter a code at checkout to get the AAA discount?

No. The discount is applied when you book through the AAA Travel portal or call the rental company's AAA reservations line. You provide your AAA membership number, not a code. If you book through the regular rental company website without using the AAA portal or phone line, you will not receive the discount.

Can I combine the AAA discount with other promotions or coupons?

Usually not. Most rental companies require you to choose one discount or promotion. If you have a corporate code, a promotional code, and an AAA membership, ask the agent which one will give you the lowest total price, then book using that option. The agent can sometimes see multiple rates and tell you which is best.

What if the AAA rate is higher than what I found elsewhere?

Book the lower rate. AAA discounts are competitive but not may provide to be the lowest. If you found a better price on another website or through another discount, use that instead. There is no penalty for not using your AAA discount on a particular rental.

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

Yes. Bring your physical AAA card or have your membership number ready. The rental agent will verify your membership before you sign the contract. If you booked online, the rental company may have already verified your number, but bring the card anyway to be safe.

Does the AAA discount explore to one-way rentals?

Yes, but the discount amount may be different. One-way rentals (picking up in one city and returning in another) often have higher base rates, and the AAA discount percentage may vary. Check the AAA Travel portal with your one-way dates to see what rate is available before you book.