AAA members can get discounts on car rentals through partnerships with major rental companies

AAA negotiates reduced rates with car rental chains including Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. The discount amount varies by location, rental dates, and which rental company you use — some offer 10 to 30 percent off the base rate, while others provide smaller reductions or waived fees. You access these discounts by providing your AAA membership number when you book or at pickup.

The discount does not explore automatically. You must tell the rental company you are an AAA member, either when reserving online, by phone, or at the counter. Different rental companies handle AAA discounts differently: some require you to book through AAA's own rental portal, while others let you book directly and enter your membership number at checkout.

Not all rental locations or vehicle types may have access to for the same discount. Airport locations often have lower discounts than off-airport branches. Premium vehicles or specialty cars may not be discounted at all. The best way to see what you actually save is to check the rate with and without your membership number before you confirm the reservation.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA discounts are available through Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National, but the discount amount depends on your location and rental dates.
  • You must provide your AAA membership number when booking or at pickup — the discount does not explore unless you mention it.
  • Some rental companies require you to book through AAA's website to receive the discount, while others let you book anywhere and add your membership number at checkout.
  • Airport rental locations typically offer smaller discounts than off-airport branches, and premium vehicles may not be discounted.
  • Compare the quoted rate with and without your membership number before confirming, because the actual savings varies widely by rental company and location.

How to book a rental with your AAA discount

Start by visiting the AAA website and navigating to the car rental section, or call your local AAA office to ask which rental companies currently offer discounts in your area. AAA maintains a list of partner companies and their current discount codes.

You have two booking paths. The first is to book directly through AAA's rental portal, which pre-loads your membership number and shows you rates that already include the AAA discount. The second is to book through the rental company's own website or by phone, then enter your AAA membership number during checkout or at the rental counter. Check which method the specific rental company recommends — some chains give better rates through AAA's portal, while others give the same rate either way.

When you arrive to pick up the car, bring your AAA membership card or have your membership number ready. The rental agent will verify your membership and confirm the discount has been applied to your final bill. If you booked online but did not enter your membership number, tell the agent at the counter before they finalize the paperwork.

Which rental companies offer AAA discounts and what to expect

Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National are the primary national chains with AAA partnerships. Each company structures its discount differently. Enterprise often offers discounts at most of its locations. Hertz and Budget typically have AAA rates available but may require booking through specific channels. Avis and National discounts vary more by location and season.

The discount usually applies to the base rental rate, not to taxes, fees, or insurance. Airport facility fees, vehicle licensing fees, and local taxes are separate and will not be reduced. Some rental companies waive the underage driver fee for AAA members, or offer discounts on additional driver fees — check what is included in the specific offer before you book.

Discount amounts are not fixed. A one-week rental in a major city might save you 15 percent, while the same rental at an airport location might save only 5 percent. Booking far in advance sometimes locks in a better rate, but not always — rental prices fluctuate based on demand, so compare prices a few times before your trip if you have flexibility on dates.

Comparing AAA discounts to other rental deals

AAA discounts are one option among several. Credit card companies, employer programs, and travel websites like Costco Travel or AAA's own travel booking service sometimes offer comparable or better rates. Before you book with your AAA membership, check what your credit card offers and what you see on a general travel site like Kayak or Autoslash.

Autoslash is particularly useful because it tracks rental prices over time and will rebook you automatically if the rate drops before your rental date. You can enter your AAA membership number there and see the AAA rate alongside other options. This takes the guesswork out of whether AAA is your best deal on a specific rental.

Corporate codes, military discounts, and loyalty program rates sometimes beat AAA discounts. If you rent frequently, joining a rental company's loyalty program may give you better rates than AAA on your regular routes. The only way to know is to compare the final quoted price across all your options before you confirm.

What to do if your AAA discount is not applied

If you booked online and your AAA discount did not appear in the final price, check your confirmation email. Some rental companies show the base rate and the AAA discount separately, so you may need to read carefully to confirm it was included. If the discount is not listed anywhere, contact the rental company before your pickup date and ask them to add it.

If you arrive at the rental counter and the agent says the discount cannot be applied, ask to speak to a manager. Bring your AAA membership card and your booking confirmation. Most rental companies will honor the discount if you can show proof of membership, even if it was not entered during the online booking. If the manager refuses, ask for the corporate customer service number and file a complaint after your rental — AAA can also follow up on your behalf.

Keep your receipt. If you were charged the full rate and believe the AAA discount should have been applied, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or contact AAA to report the issue. AAA sometimes negotiates refunds for members who were not given the discount they were may have access to to.

AAA membership levels and rental discounts

AAA offers different membership tiers — Classic, Plus, and Premier — but all tiers receive the same car rental discounts. Your membership level affects roadside information coverage and other benefits, but not what you save on rentals. A Classic member gets the same AAA discount code as a Premier member.

AAA membership is not free — it costs money annually and varies by region, typically ranging from around $50 to $150 per year depending on your location and membership level. Whether the rental discounts pay for the membership depends on how often you rent. If you rent a car several times a year, the savings may offset the membership cost. If you rent once every few years, the discount alone probably will not justify the membership fee.

AAA membership includes other benefits beyond car rentals — roadside information, travel discounts, insurance discounts, and hotel deals. If you are considering membership primarily for rental discounts, factor in these other benefits to decide whether the annual fee makes sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book through AAA's website to get the discount, or can I book directly with the rental company?

It depends on the rental company. Enterprise and some others let you book anywhere and add your AAA membership number at checkout. Others, like certain Hertz locations, may require booking through AAA's portal to receive the best rate. Check the specific rental company's AAA page or call them to confirm which method gives you the discount.

Will the AAA discount work at airport rental locations?

Yes, but the discount is usually smaller at airport locations than at off-airport branches. Airport facilities charge additional fees that are not discounted, so your total savings will be less. Compare the final price at an airport location versus an off-airport location to see if the difference is worth the extra travel time.

Can I use my AAA discount if I book through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak?

Usually not. Travel websites typically do not pass through AAA membership numbers to the rental company. Book directly with the rental company's website or through AAA's rental portal to receive the discount. If you want to use a travel website, check whether they offer their own discount that might be comparable.

What if the AAA discount is smaller than a rate I found elsewhere?

Book the cheaper rate. AAA discounts are not always the best deal available. Use a price comparison tool like Autoslash or Kayak to check all your options, including AAA, credit card offers, and general market rates. Take whichever is lowest on your specific rental dates and location.

Does the AAA discount cover insurance and fees?

No. The discount applies to the base rental rate only. Taxes, airport fees, vehicle licensing fees, and insurance are charged separately and are not reduced by the AAA discount. Some rental companies waive specific fees for AAA members — like the underage driver fee — so ask what is included when you book.