Costco members can rent cars at discounted rates through partnerships with major rental companies
Costco Travel, the membership's travel booking service, negotiates lower rates with Hertz, Budget, and Avis. You access these discounts by booking through the Costco Travel website or calling their phone line — you cannot get the discount by walking into a rental counter and mentioning your membership. The discount applies to the base rental rate, not taxes or fees, and typically saves members 30 to 50 percent compared to walk-up prices, though the actual savings depend on the location, dates, and car type you choose.
The discount is available to all Costco members at no extra cost beyond your regular membership fee. You do not need a special code or coupon — your membership number is what unlocks the rate when you book through Costco Travel.
Key Takeaways
- Book through Costco Travel's website or phone line, not directly with the rental company, to receive the member discount.
- The discount applies to Hertz, Budget, and Avis rentals and typically ranges from 30 to 50 percent off the base rate depending on location and dates.
- You must have an active Costco membership to access Costco Travel rates, and the discount is included in your membership at no additional charge.
- Taxes, airport fees, and insurance are not discounted, so compare the total cost including these charges before booking.
How to book a rental through Costco Travel
Go to costcotravel.com and sign in with your Costco membership number and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your membership card. Enter your rental location, pickup and return dates, and car type preferences. Costco Travel will show you available vehicles and prices from its partner companies.
Review the total cost, which includes the base rate, taxes, and any fees specific to that location. Some airports charge facility fees that Costco cannot negotiate away. Once you confirm the booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details and a confirmation number. Bring this number, your driver's license, and a credit card to the rental counter.
If you prefer to book by phone, call Costco Travel at 1-800-838-3737. A representative can answer questions about specific locations or help you find the best rate for your dates. Phone booking takes longer than online booking but may be useful if you have questions about insurance options or need help comparing prices.
What the Costco discount covers and does not cover
The discount applies to the daily rental rate for the vehicle itself. If you book a compact car for $35 per day at a standard rental counter, the Costco rate might be $20 per day for the same car on the same dates. The savings multiply across multiple days, which is why longer rentals show larger total discounts.
The discount does not cover taxes, airport facility fees, or insurance. Taxes vary by state and city — a rental in Las Vegas is taxed differently than one in New York. Airport locations charge facility recovery fees that explore whether you book through Costco or not. If you add a damage waiver or liability insurance at the counter, those charges are separate from the base rate and not discounted.
Some locations offer loyalty program rates or promotional codes that may compete with the Costco rate. Always compare the total cost, including taxes and fees, before deciding where to book. Costco Travel shows the full price upfront, so you can see exactly what you will pay.
Which rental companies participate and what to expect at pickup
Costco Travel partners with Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Availability and discount depth vary by location — a major airport may have all three companies, while a smaller city might have only one. When you search on Costco Travel, you see which companies serve your location and what each charges for your dates.
At the rental counter, present your Costco Travel confirmation number, driver's license, and credit card. The agent will pull up your reservation using the confirmation number. Your rate is locked in — the counter agent cannot change it or offer you a different price. If the agent questions the rate or says it is not in their system, provide your confirmation number and ask them to search by reservation number rather than by name.
You may be offered upgrades, additional insurance, or fuel packages at the counter. These are optional and not part of your Costco discount. Declining them does not affect your reservation or the rate you booked.
Comparing Costco rates to other discounts and membership programs
Other memberships and programs offer car rental discounts too. AAA members, AARP members, and corporate travel programs often negotiate rates with the same rental companies. The best rate depends on which memberships you hold and which rental company serves your location. A Costco member might save more with Costco Travel at one location but save more with AAA at another.
Credit card rewards programs sometimes offer rental car discounts or cash back on rentals booked through their portal. If your credit card gives you 3 percent cash back on travel, that might beat a 40 percent Costco discount on a short rental. Calculate the total cost under each option before booking.
Price comparison sites like Kayak and Autoslash show rates from multiple companies and booking channels, including Costco Travel. Running a search on one of these sites lets you see whether Costco's rate is the lowest available for your specific dates and location. This takes a few minutes but can reveal savings you would miss by assuming Costco is always the cheapest option.
When Costco Travel rates may not be the best choice
If you are renting for only one day in a small town, the absolute dollar savings may be modest even at 40 percent off. A $30 daily rate discounted to $18 saves you $12 — real money, but not transformative. For longer rentals or airport locations with high base rates, the savings are much larger.
If you need specific insurance coverage or have questions about liability, Costco Travel's phone line can help, but you may find it easier to book directly with a rental company and ask their agent detailed questions. Costco Travel representatives can explain what is and is not covered, but they are booking agents, not insurance specialists.
If you have elite status with a rental company's loyalty program, you may earn more value through that program's perks — free upgrades, late checkout, or points toward future rentals — than through a Costco discount. Weigh the discount savings against the loyalty benefits you would give up by booking elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to show my Costco membership card at the rental counter?
No. The rental company looks up your reservation using your Costco Travel confirmation number. Your membership is already tied to the booking in their system. Bring your driver's license and credit card; the membership card is not required at pickup.
Can I modify or cancel my Costco Travel rental after I book?
Yes, but the cancellation policy depends on the rental company and the rate type you booked. Most Costco Travel rates are refundable if you cancel before the pickup date, though some may have restrictions. Check your confirmation email for the specific cancellation terms, or call Costco Travel at 1-800-838-3737 to modify your reservation.
What if the Costco rate is higher than a rate I found elsewhere?
Costco Travel rates are not always the lowest available. If you find a lower rate on another site, book there instead. Costco Travel shows the full price upfront, so you can compare it to other options before committing. There is no penalty for choosing a different booking channel.
Does the Costco discount work for one-way rentals?
Yes. Costco Travel books one-way rentals the same way it books round-trip rentals. One-way rentals typically cost more because the company has to move the car back to its home location, but the Costco discount still applies to the base rate. Enter your return city as different from your pickup city when you search.
Can I use Costco Travel if my membership is about to expire?
You must have an active membership to book through Costco Travel. If your membership expires before your rental date, renew it before booking. If your membership expires after you book but before you pick up the car, your reservation remains valid — Costco Travel locks in the rate at booking time.