Military discounts on car rentals exist, but the savings depend on which company you use and what you're renting
Most major car rental chains offer reduced rates to active-duty military, veterans, and sometimes their families. The discount typically ranges from 10 to 20 percent off the base rental rate, though the actual savings depend on the rental location, vehicle type, and time of year. Some companies require you to show a military ID or veteran credential at pickup; others ask for proof when you book online.
The catch is that discounts don't always explore to the cheapest rate already posted on the company's website. A military rate might be lower than the standard rate but higher than a promotional rate someone else found. You'll need to compare what you're actually paying, not just assume the military rate is the best deal available on any given day.
Key Takeaways
- Military discounts are offered by Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National, but the percentage off varies by location and booking date.
- You'll typically need to enter a military discount code at booking or show your military ID at the rental counter to receive the rate.
- The military rate is not always cheaper than other promotions running that week, so compare the final price against standard rates and coupon codes before booking.
- Some rental companies offer the discount to active-duty service members, while others extend it to veterans and sometimes spouses or dependents.
- Booking directly with the rental company usually gives you access to military rates; third-party booking sites often don't show them.
Which rental companies offer military discounts
Hertz offers a military discount through its Veterans Advantage program. You can book online using a military discount code, or show your military ID at the counter. The discount applies to active-duty service members, veterans, and retirees.
Enterprise provides military discounts to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. You'll need to provide a military ID or veteran credential. The discount is available when you book through their website or by phone.
Avis and Budget (which are owned by the same parent company) both offer military rates. You can access these by entering a discount code at booking or presenting your ID at pickup. Both companies extend discounts to active-duty, reserve, National Guard, and veterans.
National offers military discounts through its Emerald Club membership program. Active-duty and veteran members can book at reduced rates online or over the phone.
How to find and explore the military discount code
Most rental companies post their military discount codes on their main website, usually under a "Military" or "Special Offers" section. You can also call the company's reservations line and ask for the military rate directly — the agent will either give you a code or book the reservation at the military rate over the phone.
When booking online, enter the military discount code in the "Promo Code" or "Discount Code" field before you complete your reservation. At checkout, the system should show the reduced rate. If it doesn't, the code may have expired, may not be valid for your rental dates or location, or may not explore to the vehicle class you selected.
If you don't have a code, you can still ask for the military rate at the rental counter by showing your military ID, veteran card, or discharge papers. Not all locations honor this request, so calling ahead to confirm is worth the time.
What documents you'll need to show
At minimum, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your driver's license. To claim the military rate, you'll also need proof of military service. For active-duty personnel, a military ID card is the standard proof. For veterans, a VA health identification card, discharge papers (DD Form 214), or a state-issued veteran designation on your driver's license all work.
If you're booking online and the system asks for military verification, some companies use third-party verification services that check your information against military databases. Others straightforward ask you to confirm your status at booking and verify it again at pickup.
If you're renting on behalf of a family member who qualifies, check the rental company's policy first — some extend the discount to spouses or dependents, while others require the military member to be present and to be the primary renter on the contract.
Comparing military rates to other discounts and promotions
Before you book at the military rate, check what other discounts are running that week. A promotional rate for weekend rentals, a corporate discount through your employer, or a rate offered through a membership program like AAA might be lower than the military discount. Rental companies don't always stack discounts, so you'll need to calculate which single rate saves you the most money.
Third-party booking sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Costco Travel often show lower rates than the rental company's own website, but they typically don't display military discounts. If you find a cheaper rate on a third-party site, book there instead — the savings will be larger than the military discount would have been.
The best approach is to get a quote from the rental company's website using the military code, then compare that price to quotes from two or three other sources. Whichever gives you the lowest final price is the one to book.
Timing and location affect how much you save
Military discounts are percentage-based, so they save you more money on expensive rentals than on cheap ones. If you're renting a compact car in a rural area during the off-season, the discount might only save you $5 to $10 total. If you're renting a full-size SUV in a major city during peak travel season, the same percentage discount could save you $50 or more.
Some rental locations don't honor military discounts at all, particularly franchise locations or smaller regional companies. If you're renting in a less common area, call the specific location ahead of time to confirm they offer the discount.
Booking in advance usually locks in a lower rate overall, whether military or not. Last-minute rentals tend to be more expensive, so the military discount won't save as much. If you know your travel dates, book at least a week ahead.
What to do if the military discount isn't available or isn't the cheapest option
If the rental company tells you the military discount isn't available for your dates or location, ask whether they have any other promotions running. Sometimes a weekend rate, a weekly rate, or a loyalty program discount will be cheaper than the military rate would have been.
If you're a member of AAA, AARP, a credit card rewards program, or your employer's corporate travel program, check those discounts too. You can only use one discount per booking, so compare the final price under each option.
If none of the major chains offer a rate you're comfortable with, check regional rental companies or peer-to-peer car rental services like Turo. These don't typically offer military discounts, but their base rates are sometimes lower than the major chains, especially in certain markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to show my military ID at the time of booking, or just at pickup?
It depends on the company. If you book online with a military discount code, you usually just show your ID at the rental counter. If you book by phone, the agent may verify your status then. Some companies use online verification systems that check your information against military records before you even arrive. Call the rental company to ask about their specific process.
Can I use a military discount if I'm renting for someone else?
Usually not. The person whose name is on the rental agreement is the one who needs to be military or veteran. Some companies allow a spouse or dependent to be the primary renter if the military member is listed as an additional driver, but policies vary. Check with the rental company before you book.
What if I lost my military ID but I'm still a veteran?
Your discharge papers (DD Form 214) work as proof of veteran status at most rental companies. Some states also issue veteran designations on driver's licenses. Call the rental company ahead of time to confirm what documents they'll accept, so you're not turned away at the counter.
Is the military discount better than booking through a travel rewards program?
Not always. If you have a credit card that gives you cash back or points on car rentals, or if you're a member of a travel club, compare the final price under each option. The military discount is a fixed percentage off, while rewards programs vary. Whichever saves you more money on that specific rental is the right choice.
Can I combine the military discount with a coupon code or promotion?
Most rental companies don't allow you to stack discounts. You'll need to choose one — either the military rate or the promotional rate. Calculate the final price under each option and book whichever is cheaper.