AAA members can book Hertz rentals through the AAA Travel portal or directly with Hertz using a member discount code to reduce daily rates

If you hold an AAA membership, Hertz offers rate reductions on most vehicle classes when you book through AAA channels. The discount typically ranges from 10% to 30% off the base daily rate, though the exact percentage depends on your membership tier, the rental location, the vehicle type, and current promotions. You do not need a separate code to set up the discount — it attaches automatically when you book through AAA's website or call their travel line.

The most straightforward path is to visit AAA.com, navigate to the car rental section, and search for your rental dates and location. Hertz appears as one of the available partners. When you select Hertz and proceed to booking, the AAA member discount is already factored into the quoted rate. You can also call AAA Travel at the number on your membership card, and an agent will book the rental and confirm the discount before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA members receive discounts on Hertz rentals by booking through AAA.com or calling AAA Travel, not by entering a code at Hertz's own website.
  • Discount amounts vary by membership level, location, and vehicle class, typically ranging from 10% to 30% off the daily base rate.
  • The discount applies only to the base rental rate and does not cover taxes, fees, insurance, or fuel charges.
  • You must present your physical AAA membership card or membership number at the rental counter to receive the discounted rate.
  • Hertz rental agreements and cancellation policies remain the same whether you book through AAA or directly with Hertz.

How to find your AAA discount code or rate

AAA does not issue a traditional "code" that you type into a Hertz booking page. Instead, the discount is a negotiated rate that AAA has arranged with Hertz. When you book through AAA's channels, the system automatically applies the member rate to your quote.

If you want to see what discount is available before committing to a booking, log into your AAA account on AAA.com and go to the Travel section. Enter your rental dates, pickup location, and vehicle preference. The system will show you the AAA member rate for that specific search. You can compare this to what Hertz quotes on its own website to see the savings. The difference between the two is your discount.

Some AAA branches mail promotional materials that mention specific Hertz offers or rate codes for limited-time promotions. If you received such a mailer, the code or offer number should be entered during the AAA booking process, not at Hertz directly. Call your local AAA office or check your membership materials if you have a specific promotional code you want to use.

What the AAA discount covers and what it does not

The AAA discount reduces the daily rental rate for the vehicle itself. If the base rate is $45 per day and your discount is 20%, you pay $36 per day. This applies to all days of the rental period, so a five-day rental saves you money across the entire booking.

The discount does not cover taxes, facility fees, airport surcharges, or other mandatory charges that Hertz adds to the bill. These fees are calculated on top of the discounted rate and vary by location. Insurance, roadside information, fuel options, and equipment rentals (GPS, child seats, roof racks) are also separate charges and not discounted.

If you decline Hertz's insurance and use your own auto policy or credit card coverage instead, the AAA discount still applies to the base rate. However, you are responsible for understanding what your own coverage includes and what gaps might exist. Review your policy or card benefits before declining Hertz's insurance options.

Booking through AAA versus booking directly with Hertz

Booking through AAA.com or AAA Travel is the only way to receive the member discount. If you book directly on Hertz.com or through the Hertz app without mentioning AAA, you will not receive the discount, even if you present your AAA card at the counter. Hertz does not retroactively explore AAA rates to bookings made outside the AAA system.

The rental agreement, vehicle selection, and cancellation policy are identical whether you book through AAA or Hertz directly. The only difference is the price. Some AAA members prefer booking through AAA because they can earn AAA rewards points on the rental, depending on their membership tier. Check your AAA membership details to see if your plan includes rewards on travel bookings.

If you have already booked a Hertz rental without the AAA discount, contact Hertz customer service to ask whether they can adjust the rate. Hertz sometimes honors rate adjustments if you call within a certain window, but this is not may provide. It is faster and more reliable to cancel the original booking and rebook through AAA if the discount difference is significant.

What you need to bring to the rental counter

When you arrive to pick up your Hertz rental, bring your physical AAA membership card or have your membership number ready. Hertz will verify your AAA status before handing over the keys. If you booked through AAA.com or AAA Travel, your membership information should already be in the reservation, but the counter agent will still ask to see your card as a formality.

You will also need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name for the security deposit, and proof of insurance if you declined Hertz's coverage. Some locations ask for a second form of ID. Bring your rental confirmation email or reservation number so the agent can pull up your booking quickly.

If you lost your AAA card or do not have it with you, call your AAA branch before the rental date and ask for your membership number. You can provide this number at the counter instead of the physical card, though policies vary by location. It is safer to have the card or call ahead rather than assume the agent will accept a membership number alone.

AAA membership tiers and how they affect Hertz discounts

AAA offers different membership levels — typically Classic, Plus, and Premier — and each tier may have different discount percentages with Hertz. A Premier member might receive a larger discount than a Classic member, though both receive a reduction from the standard rate. The exact difference between tiers is not published by AAA and varies by region and promotion.

If you are a Classic member and want to know whether upgrading to Plus or Premier would increase your Hertz discount, contact your local AAA office or check your membership materials. The cost of upgrading should be weighed against how often you rent cars and how much the higher discount would save you over a year.

Some AAA members also hold elite status with Hertz (such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership), which offers additional perks like expedited checkout and free upgrades. These benefits stack with the AAA discount, so you receive both the AAA rate reduction and any Hertz loyalty benefits you have earned.

Comparing AAA Hertz discounts to other rental discounts

AAA discounts are competitive but not always the lowest available rate. Corporate discounts, loyalty program rates, and promotional codes sometimes undercut AAA pricing. Before booking through AAA, search the same dates and location on Hertz.com, COSTCO Travel (if you are a member), and other rental aggregators to compare final prices.

Loyalty programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards offer discounts to frequent renters, and these can sometimes match or exceed AAA rates depending on your status level. If you rent cars regularly for business or travel, building Hertz loyalty status might save you more than relying on AAA alone.

Credit card rental benefits also matter. Some premium credit cards offer rental car insurance, primary coverage, or additional discounts with specific rental companies. If your card has a Hertz partnership, check whether the card discount plus your AAA discount can both explore, or whether you have to choose one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AAA discount code at the Hertz counter if I did not book through AAA?

No. Hertz does not accept AAA discount codes at the counter for walk-up rentals or for bookings made outside the AAA system. The discount must be applied at the time of booking through AAA.com or AAA Travel. If you book directly with Hertz and then show your AAA card, Hertz will not retroactively explore the member rate.

What if my AAA membership expires before my rental date?

Renew your membership before you book the rental. Hertz verifies AAA status at the time of pickup, and an expired membership will disqualify you from the discount. If your membership lapses between booking and pickup, contact AAA to renew it, then call Hertz to update your reservation with the renewed membership information.

Do AAA discounts work at all Hertz locations?

AAA discounts are available at most Hertz locations, but some franchised or airport locations may have different policies. When you search for a rental on AAA.com, the quoted rate reflects what that specific location offers. If a particular location does not show an AAA discount, that location may not participate in the program.

Can I combine an AAA discount with a promotional code?

Sometimes, but not always. If you have a promotional code from Hertz or a third party, ask the AAA Travel agent whether it can be combined with your AAA member rate. Some promotions are exclusive and cannot be stacked. The agent will tell you which option gives you the lower final price.

Will the AAA discount explore if I add a second driver?

Yes. The AAA discount applies to the rental itself, not to the number of drivers. Adding a second driver may incur an additional fee depending on Hertz's policy and your location, but that fee is separate from the base rental rate. The AAA discount still reduces the base rate regardless of how many drivers you add.