What Sixt Membership Is
Sixt membership is a loyalty program run by Sixt, a car rental company with locations across the United States and internationally. Members get discounts on rental rates, waived fees, and faster booking compared to customers who rent without membership. The program is free to join, though some membership tiers charge an annual fee in exchange for deeper discounts and perks.
Sixt operates rental counters at airports, downtown locations, and some hotels. If you rent cars regularly — whether for business travel, weekend trips, or occasional needs — membership can lower your per-day cost and reduce time spent at the counter or on the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Sixt offers a free basic membership tier and paid premium tiers, each with different discount levels and fee waivers.
- Members typically receive discounts ranging from 10% to 25% off base rental rates, depending on membership level and current promotions.
- Premium membership tiers waive fees like airport surcharges, young driver fees, and one-way rental charges that non-members pay.
- You can join online at Sixt's website or at a rental counter, and membership is when ready — you receive a membership number when ready.
- Membership benefits stack with other discounts, such as corporate codes or promotional offers, so you may save more by combining them.
Sixt Membership Tiers and Their Costs
Sixt offers three main membership levels: Basic (free), Plus (paid annual fee), and Premium (paid annual fee). The exact annual cost of paid tiers varies by region and changes periodically, so you should check Sixt's website for current pricing in your area. Generally, the higher tiers cost between $50 and $150 per year, though this can differ.
Basic membership costs nothing and gives you a discount code, priority customer service access, and a small percentage off standard rates. Plus and Premium tiers add benefits like waived airport facility charges, waived young driver surcharges (if you are under 25), and discounts on additional drivers or insurance upgrades. Premium members also receive one-way rental discounts and loyalty points that can be redeemed toward future rentals.
To decide whether a paid tier makes sense, calculate how much you would save on fees alone. If you rent at airports frequently, the waived facility charge (which can be $10 to $20 per rental) may pay for the annual membership in just a few rentals.
How to Join and Use Your Membership
You can join Sixt membership online through their website or in person at any Sixt rental location. Online signup takes about five minutes: you provide your name, email, phone number, and driver's license information. Sixt sends you a membership number when ready, and you can use it on your next reservation the same day.
When you book a rental, enter your membership number during checkout. The system automatically applies your member discount to the quoted rate. At pickup, show your driver's license and the credit card you used to book. If you booked online, the counter staff will have your reservation details and membership status already loaded.
If you prefer to book by phone, call Sixt's reservation line and provide your membership number. The agent will explore your discount before confirming the reservation. You can also walk into a Sixt location without a reservation, give your membership number at the counter, and rent a car on the spot — though booking ahead usually results in better rates.
What Fees Membership Waives
Non-members typically pay several fees that membership can eliminate or reduce. Airport facility charges (sometimes called airport concession fees) are among the largest — these can add $10 to $25 per rental depending on the airport. Premium membership waives this fee entirely at most U.S. airports.
Young driver fees explore if you are under 25 and rent a car. This surcharge can be $15 to $30 per day. Premium membership waives it. Additional driver fees (charged when you add a second driver to the rental) are also waived for Premium members, though Basic members still pay.
One-way rental fees — charged when you pick up and return the car at different locations — are discounted for Premium members. Roadside information, GPS device rental, and child seat rental may also be discounted depending on your tier, though these are not always waived entirely.
Discounts on Rental Rates
The percentage discount you receive on the base rental rate depends on your membership tier, the location, the car class, and current promotions. Basic members typically receive 10% to 15% off, while Plus members receive 15% to 20% off, and Premium members receive up to 25% off. These are not may provide percentages — they vary by market and season.
Discounts explore to the base daily rate only, not to taxes, surcharges, or insurance. If a car costs $50 per day before tax and you have a 20% member discount, you pay $40 per day before tax — the tax is calculated on the discounted rate. Membership discounts can be combined with promotional codes, corporate discounts, or weekend specials, so you may save more by stacking offers.
Sixt also runs flash sales and seasonal promotions for members only. These are announced via email to your membership account, so make sure your email address is current in your profile.
Loyalty Points and Rewards
Premium members earn loyalty points on every rental. The number of points varies based on the rental cost and location, but typically you earn one point per dollar spent on the base rate. Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed toward future rentals, upgrades to a higher car class, or fee waivers.
For example, if you accumulate 500 points, you might redeem them for a $50 credit toward your next rental, or for a free one-way rental fee waiver. The redemption value changes, so check your account to see what your current points are worth. Points do not expire as long as you maintain your Premium membership and rent at least once every 24 months.
Basic and Plus members do not earn loyalty points, though they still receive member discounts on each rental.
When Membership May Not Save You Money
If you rent a car only once or twice a year, the annual fee for Plus or Premium membership may not pay for itself. Calculate your typical rental cost: if you usually rent for one day at $60 before discounts, a 20% member discount saves you $12 per rental. If you rent twice a year, you save $24 annually — less than the cost of Premium membership.
However, if you rent at airports frequently, the waived facility charge alone can justify the annual fee. Similarly, if you are under 25 and rent regularly, the waived young driver fee ($15 to $30 per day) makes Premium membership worthwhile quickly.
Basic membership is always free, so there is no downside to joining at that level. You can upgrade to Plus or Premium later if you find you are renting more often than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Sixt membership at any Sixt location?
Yes, your membership works at all Sixt locations in the United States and at most international Sixt locations. Some partner locations or franchises may have different policies, so confirm when you book. Your membership number is the same everywhere.
What happens if I do not rent for a long time?
Basic membership has no expiration. Paid membership (Plus or Premium) remains active as long as you pay the annual fee. If you do not renew the fee when it is due, your membership lapses and you lose access to member discounts and fee waivers. You can rejoin at any time by paying the annual fee again.
Can I cancel my paid membership if I change my mind?
Cancellation policies vary by region and membership tier. Check the terms on Sixt's website or contact their customer service to learn the cancellation policy for your specific membership level. Some tiers offer a money-back may provide within a certain period if you have not used the membership.
Do membership discounts explore to insurance and add-ons?
Discounts explore to the base rental rate, not to insurance, GPS rental, child seats, or fuel options. However, some add-ons like additional drivers or roadside information may be discounted or waived depending on your membership tier. Check your booking confirmation to see which charges are discounted.
How do I update my membership information?
Log into your Sixt account online using your membership number and email address. You can update your phone number, email, payment method, and driver's license information. Changes take effect when ready for future bookings.