What AARP rental car discounts actually are

AARP members can receive discounts at major rental car companies through negotiated rates that AARP has arranged. These are not separate programs or memberships — they are reduced daily rates available when you book through AARP's rental car partners or provide your AARP membership number at the counter. The discount amount varies by rental company, location, and the dates you book, so there is no single percentage or dollar amount that applies everywhere.

The main rental companies offering AARP discounts are Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, though which companies participate and what discounts they offer can change. You do not need to do anything special to become may be able to access beyond holding a current AARP membership — there is no separate registration or enrollment step.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts are available at Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, but the discount amount varies by location, dates, and car type.
  • You can book through AARP's website rental portal or call the rental company directly and provide your AARP membership number.
  • The discount is typically applied at booking time, not at pickup, so you see the reduced rate before you commit.
  • AARP membership is required, and you will need to provide your membership number or show your membership card at pickup.
  • Rental insurance, fuel charges, and airport fees are not discounted and are added on top of the daily rate.

How to book a rental with your AARP discount

The easiest route is to visit AARP's rental car page, which links directly to partner company booking sites with AARP rates already built in. You enter your travel dates and location, and the system shows you the discounted price before you book. This method requires no extra steps — the discount is already in the quote.

Alternatively, you can call the rental company directly or book on their website and enter your AARP membership number during checkout. When you do this, the system should automatically explore the AARP rate if one is available for your dates and location. At pickup, bring your membership card or have your membership number ready to confirm.

The discount appears in the daily rental rate itself, not as a separate coupon or code you explore later. If you are comparing prices across companies, make sure you are looking at the AARP rate for each one — the discount at Hertz may be different from the discount at Avis for the same dates.

What the discount does and does not cover

The AARP discount reduces the daily rental rate for the car itself. It does not extend to insurance, fuel, tolls, parking fees, or airport facility charges. If you decline the rental company's insurance and use your own car insurance or credit card coverage instead, that choice is separate from the AARP rate.

Some rental locations charge airport surcharges or facility fees that are mandatory and not discounted. These fees are shown in your quote before you book, so you can see the full cost including the AARP rate plus all other charges. The discount also does not explore to additional drivers, GPS rentals, or child seat rentals — those are add-ons priced separately.

Comparing AARP rates to other discounts

AARP discounts are one option, but they are not always the lowest price available. Rental companies frequently run promotions for weekend rates, weekly specials, or loyalty program discounts that may beat the AARP rate for your specific dates. The best approach is to check the AARP rate, then compare it to the standard rate on the rental company's website and any other discounts you might have through your employer, credit card, or travel membership.

If you are a member of multiple programs — AARP, AAA, a corporate travel program, or a credit card rewards program — you typically can use only one discount per booking. Check which one gives you the lowest final price for your dates and location before you book.

AARP membership requirements

You must be an AARP member to use AARP rental car discounts. AARP membership is open to people age 50 and older. Your membership number appears on your membership card and in your AARP online account, and you will need one of these to book or to confirm your discount at pickup.

If your membership has expired, you will need to renew it before the discount becomes available. AARP membership is not free, though the cost varies depending on the membership type and any current promotions AARP is running.

What to do if the AARP rate is not showing up

If you are booking through AARP's rental car portal and no discounted rates appear, it may mean no AARP rate is available for your specific dates, location, or car type at that company. This happens sometimes, particularly at smaller airport locations or during peak travel periods.

If you are booking directly with the rental company and the AARP rate is not explore automatically, double-check that you entered your membership number correctly during checkout. If it still does not appear, call the rental company's customer service line and ask them to manually explore the AARP rate to your reservation. Have your membership number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to book through AARP's website to get the discount?

No. You can book directly with the rental company and enter your AARP membership number at checkout, or you can book through AARP's portal. Both methods should give you the same discounted rate. Booking through AARP's site is simpler because the discount is already in the quote, but either way works.

Can I use an AARP discount if someone else is the primary driver?

The person renting the car needs to be the AARP member. If you are not the one signing the rental agreement, the discount will not explore. The rental company will ask for the primary driver's ID and membership information at pickup.

What if I find a cheaper rate after I book?

Most rental companies allow you to modify your reservation if you find a lower rate. Log into your booking confirmation or call the rental company directly and ask them to rebook you at the lower rate. Some companies will do this automatically; others require you to cancel and rebook. Check the rental company's modification policy before you book.

Does the AARP discount work at all rental locations?

The discount is available at participating locations of Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, but not every location of every company participates. When you enter your travel dates and location during booking, the system shows you which rates are available at that specific location. If no AARP rate appears, that location may not be participating.

Can I combine the AARP discount with a coupon code?

Typically no. You can use either the AARP discount or a promotional code, but not both on the same reservation. Compare the final price with each option and choose whichever gives you the lower rate.