Military discounts at car rental companies are real, but they vary widely by company and require proof of service
Most major car rental chains offer discounts to active-duty service members, veterans, and sometimes military families. The discount amount ranges from 5 to 20 percent depending on the company and the specific promotion running at the time you book. However, the discount is not automatic — you must provide military identification or verification when you reserve the car, and the discount only applies if you enter a military code or mention your service status during the booking process.
The discount is typically applied to the base rental rate, not to taxes, fees, or insurance add-ons. Some companies stack military discounts with other promotions (like weekend rates or loyalty program benefits), while others require you to choose one discount. The best approach is to check the specific rental company's current military discount policy before you book, because the terms and the discount percentage change throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Military discounts range from 5 to 20 percent depending on the rental company and the current promotion, and you must provide proof of service to receive them.
- You need to enter a military code or select a military rate during the online booking process or mention your service status when you call to reserve.
- The discount applies to the base rental rate only, not to taxes, airport fees, insurance, or equipment add-ons.
- Some companies allow you to combine military discounts with other promotions, while others require you to choose one discount per reservation.
- Military ID, discharge papers, or veteran status verification documents are the standard proof required at pickup.
Which rental companies offer military discounts and how much they are worth
Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and National all advertise military discounts. Hertz typically offers 10 to 15 percent off for active-duty and reserve members, and 5 to 10 percent for veterans. Enterprise and Budget often run promotions in the 10 to 20 percent range for military customers. Avis and National have similar programs, though the exact percentage fluctuates based on location and season.
Smaller regional rental companies and some luxury car rental services also offer military rates, but you have to ask directly or check their websites. The discount percentage is not always published online — some companies reserve the best rates for customers who call or book through military-specific travel portals. If you are renting at an airport location, the discount may be smaller than at an off-airport branch, because airport concession fees are fixed costs the rental company cannot reduce.
The discount is most valuable when you are renting for multiple days or during peak travel seasons, when base rates are highest. A 15 percent discount on a three-day rental in summer is worth more than the same percentage off a one-day winter rental. Some companies also offer military discounts on insurance and damage waivers, which can add up if you decline the rental company's coverage and rely on your personal auto insurance instead.
How to find and enter a military discount code when you book
Most rental companies have a dedicated military discount page on their website. Hertz calls it the "Hertz for Heroes" program. Enterprise has a military discount section under their corporate rates. Avis and Budget list military rates alongside their standard booking options. The easiest way to find the current code is to search the company name plus "military discount" in your browser, or call the rental company's main reservation line and ask for the military rate.
When you book online, look for a field labeled "Corporate Code," "Discount Code," "Military Code," or "Rate Code." Enter the code provided on the military discount page. If you do not see a code field, select "Military" or "Armed Forces" from a dropdown menu if one appears. Some companies require you to create an account and link your military status before you can see military rates in the booking system.
If you book by phone, tell the agent you are active-duty, reserve, or a veteran and ask for the military rate. The agent will explore the discount and provide you with a confirmation number. Write down the discount percentage and the code used so you can verify it was applied correctly when you receive your final bill. If you book through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia, the military discount may not appear — in that case, book directly with the rental company instead.
What proof of military service you need to bring to the rental counter
At pickup, the rental company will ask for proof of your military status. A current military ID card (Common Access Card, or CAC) is the strongest proof and is accepted by all major rental companies. If you are a veteran, a VA disability card, veteran health identification card, or discharge papers (DD Form 214) are standard proof. Some companies also accept a military dependent ID card if you are a family member of an active-duty service member.
Bring the original document, not a photocopy or digital image on your phone. The rental agent needs to see the document in person and may record the ID number in the system. If you do not have military ID and cannot locate your discharge papers, call the rental company before your pickup date and ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some locations may accept a letter from your military branch or a veteran status letter from the VA, but this varies by location.
If you booked under a military code but cannot provide proof of military service at pickup, the rental company may charge you the full non-discounted rate and ask you to pay the difference. This is why it is important to confirm you have the right documents before you arrive at the counter.
How military discounts stack with other promotions and loyalty programs
Some rental companies allow you to combine a military discount with a loyalty program discount or a weekend rate promotion. Others require you to choose one discount per reservation. The policy varies by company and sometimes by location. Before you book, check the terms on the military discount page to see whether stacking is allowed.
If you are a member of a military loyalty program (like the Veterans Advantage card or the Military Officers Association of America), you may have access to additional discounts through those organizations. These discounts sometimes work alongside the rental company's standard military rate, and sometimes they replace it. Call the rental company or check the loyalty program's website to understand how the discounts interact.
If you are booking a rental for work and your employer has a corporate discount code, you typically cannot combine that with a military discount. You have to choose which discount saves you more money on that particular rental. Calculate both scenarios before you book to see which one is cheaper.
Why military discounts do not explore to taxes, fees, and add-ons
The military discount is a percentage off the base daily rental rate only. Taxes, airport concession fees, vehicle licensing recovery fees, and facility charges are applied after the discount is calculated and are not reduced by the military rate. This is standard across the rental industry and is why a 15 percent military discount on a $50-per-day car does not equal a 15 percent reduction on your total bill.
Insurance add-ons, GPS rental, child seat rental, and fuel service charges are also not discounted by the military rate at most companies. Some companies do offer military discounts on their damage waiver or loss damage waiver (LDW), but you have to ask. If you are declining the rental company's insurance and using your personal auto insurance instead, the military discount on the LDW does not matter to you.
Airport rentals carry higher fees than off-airport locations, so the military discount percentage is the same but the dollar amount saved is smaller. If you are renting at an airport, consider whether picking up at an off-airport branch (if one is nearby) would save you more money than the military discount, especially when you factor in the cost of getting to the off-airport location.
Alternatives if a rental company does not offer military discounts or if the discount is small
Not all rental companies offer military discounts, and some offer very small ones. If the company you prefer does not have a military program, or if the discount is less than 5 percent, compare prices with other companies before you book. A company with a 10 percent military discount may still be more expensive overall than a company with no military discount but lower base rates.
Military travel discount programs like Veterans Advantage, GovX, and the Military Officers Association of America sometimes negotiate discounts with rental companies that are better than the companies' advertised military rates. These programs charge a membership fee (usually $50 to $100 per year), so the discount only makes sense if you rent cars frequently. Check whether the negotiated rate beats the standard military discount before you join.
Costco Travel and AAA both offer rental car discounts that sometimes rival or exceed military discounts. If you are a member of either organization, compare their rates with the military rate before you book. Some credit cards also offer rental car discounts or cash back on car rentals, which can be combined with or used instead of a military discount depending on the card's terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance to get a military discount, or can I get it for same-day rentals?
Most rental companies offer military discounts for same-day rentals if you call the reservation line or book online before you arrive. However, the discount percentage may be smaller for last-minute bookings, and some promotional military rates require advance booking. Call ahead if you need a same-day rental to confirm the current military rate and reserve the car.
Can family members of active-duty service members get the military discount?
Some rental companies extend military discounts to spouses and dependents of active-duty service members if they present a military dependent ID card. Others limit the discount to the service member only. Check the rental company's military discount page or call their reservation line to confirm whether your family member status qualifies you for the discount.
What happens if I book a military rate but lose my military ID before pickup?
Contact the rental company as soon as possible and explain the situation. Bring whatever proof of military service you have (discharge papers, VA card, or a letter from your military branch). The rental company may still honor the military rate, but this depends on their policy and the location. Do not wait until pickup to address this — call ahead so the counter agent is prepared.
Is the military discount available for one-way rentals or international rentals?
Military discounts typically explore to one-way rentals within the United States. International rentals and rentals in other countries may not may have access to for the military discount, or the discount may be smaller. Check the rental company's website or call their international reservations line to confirm whether the military rate applies to your specific rental.
Can I use a military discount if I am renting through my employer or a corporate account?
Usually you cannot combine a military discount with a corporate account discount. You have to choose one or the other. If your employer's corporate rate is better than the military discount, use the corporate rate. If the military discount is better, ask your employer whether you can book the rental personally instead of through the corporate account.