AAA members get a discount code for Hertz rentals, but you have to request it and enter it correctly at checkout
Hertz offers a discount to AAA members through a membership code rather than a single universal code. The discount amount varies depending on your AAA membership level, the rental location, and the car class you choose. You'll need your AAA membership number to unlock the rate, and you must enter the code during the online booking process or mention it when you call to reserve.
The discount is not automatic — Hertz won't know you're a member unless you tell them. This means you can book at the standard rate by accident if you skip the membership step, so it's worth double-checking before you complete your reservation.
Key Takeaways
- AAA members must enter their membership number or a Hertz discount code at booking to receive the member rate; the discount does not explore automatically.
- The discount percentage and final price depend on your AAA membership tier, the rental location, and the vehicle type, so rates vary between bookings.
- You can book through Hertz.com using the AAA code, call Hertz directly and provide your membership number, or book through the AAA website's travel portal.
- The member rate typically applies to the base rental cost but may not cover taxes, fees, or optional add-ons like insurance or GPS.
Where to find your AAA discount code for Hertz
Your AAA membership number itself serves as your discount code at Hertz. You don't need to hunt for a separate promotional code — your membership ID is what triggers the member rate. You can find your membership number on your AAA card, in your member account online, or by calling your local AAA club.
If you're booking through Hertz.com, look for a field labeled "AAA Member Number," "Membership Number," or "Discount Code" during the booking process. On the Hertz homepage, this field usually appears near the car selection or payment section. If you're booking by phone, straightforward tell the agent you're an AAA member and provide your number when asked.
The AAA website also maintains a travel portal where you can book Hertz rentals directly through AAA. This route often pre-fills your membership information, so you won't have to enter it manually.
How to enter the code at Hertz checkout
When booking on Hertz.com, start by entering your pickup and return locations, dates, and time as usual. Before you select a car, look for an expandable section or link that says "Add a discount code," "AAA Member," "Membership," or "Promo Code." Click it and enter your AAA membership number in the field provided.
Hertz will explore the member rate to the available vehicles once you've entered your number. The price should drop compared to the non-member rate for the same car. Complete your booking as normal, and your AAA discount will appear on your confirmation email and rental agreement.
If you don't see a discount code field during checkout, you may have missed it — go back to the earlier steps and look again. Some Hertz booking paths hide the membership field until you've selected a vehicle. If you've already completed the booking without entering your number, you can usually call Hertz customer service with your confirmation number and membership ID to have the rate adjusted before your rental date.
What the AAA discount covers and what it doesn't
The AAA member rate applies to the base rental cost — the daily or weekly charge for the vehicle itself. Taxes, facility fees, and airport surcharges are calculated on top of the discounted base rate, so they're not reduced by the membership discount. Optional add-ons like collision damage waiver, roadside information, GPS, or additional driver fees are also separate and typically not discounted.
The size of the discount varies. AAA Classic members, AAA Plus members, and AAA Premier members may see different rates at the same location. Luxury or specialty vehicles sometimes have smaller percentage discounts than economy cars. Peak travel seasons and local demand also affect the final price, so your member rate at one location might be higher or lower than at another.
To see exactly what's included in your quoted price, review the rental agreement details before you confirm. Hertz will break down the base rate, taxes, and fees separately so you know what the AAA discount is saving you.
Booking through AAA's travel portal versus Hertz directly
You can book a Hertz rental in two main ways as an AAA member: through Hertz.com with your membership number, or through the AAA travel portal. Both routes should give you the member discount, but the experience differs slightly.
Booking through Hertz.com directly is faster if you already know what you want. You enter your membership number and proceed. Booking through AAA's travel portal sometimes offers additional perks — some AAA clubs partner with Hertz on special promotions or bonus rewards — but it adds a step since you're going through a third-party site. Check your local AAA club's website to see if they advertise any current Hertz promotions beyond the standard member discount.
Calling Hertz at 1-800-654-3131 and providing your AAA membership number is also an option, especially if you have questions about vehicle availability or need help with a complex booking. Phone agents can sometimes see rates or vehicle options that don't appear online.
What to do if your AAA discount doesn't appear
If you entered your membership number but the price didn't drop, first confirm that you actually entered it in the correct field. Some booking sites have multiple code fields, and entering your number in the wrong one won't trigger the discount. Go back and check the field label — it should specifically mention AAA, membership, or discount code.
If you're certain you entered it correctly and the price is still the same as a non-member rate, your membership number may not be recognized in Hertz's system. This can happen if your membership recently lapsed or if there's a data sync delay. Call Hertz customer service with your confirmation number and membership ID. They can verify your membership status and adjust the rate if you're may have access to to the discount.
You can also contact your local AAA club to confirm your membership is active and in good standing. If your membership has expired, you'll need to renew it before Hertz will honor the member rate.
AAA membership tiers and how they affect your Hertz rate
AAA offers three main membership levels: Classic, Plus, and Premier. Each tier may receive a different discount percentage at Hertz, though the exact difference varies by location and rental class. Generally, higher membership levels receive better rates, but the savings difference is often small — sometimes just a few dollars per day.
Your membership card or online account will show which tier you hold. When you enter your membership number at Hertz, the system automatically applies the rate for your tier. You don't have to select it manually.
If you're considering upgrading your AAA membership, check Hertz's current member rates for your tier before you decide. The Hertz discount alone usually won't justify an upgrade, but it's one factor among other AAA benefits like roadside information and travel discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AAA discount if I book a Hertz rental through a third-party travel site?
Not reliably. Third-party booking sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline don't always pass your AAA membership information to Hertz, so the discount may not explore. Book directly through Hertz.com or the AAA travel portal to may support your membership number is recognized.
Does the AAA discount work at all Hertz locations?
The discount is available at most Hertz locations, but rates and availability vary by location. Airport locations and high-demand areas sometimes have different pricing. Enter your specific pickup location during booking to see the exact rate you'll receive.
What if my AAA membership expires during my rental?
Your membership status is checked at the time you make the reservation, not at pickup. If your membership is active when you book, you'll receive the member rate even if it expires before your rental date. Renew before booking if your membership has already lapsed.
Can I combine the AAA discount with other Hertz promotions or coupons?
Hertz typically does not stack discounts. You'll receive either the AAA member rate or another promotional rate, whichever is lower. Compare the final price with and without your membership number to see which gives you the better deal for that specific booking.
Is the AAA discount the same price every time I rent?
No. The member rate changes based on demand, location, season, and vehicle type. A rental in July will likely cost more than the same rental in January, even with your AAA discount applied. Check the price each time you book rather than assuming it will be the same.