Make up for Absurdly High Car Rental Prices With These Member Club Discounts
Although car rental prices have dropped slightly since the summer, we have not yet made our way out of the woods. Last month, the rates were still 51% higher than in September 2019, and it is expected that during the holidays the demand will rise again . To mitigate some of the price shock, it might be time to consider discounts on car rentals available through member clubs such as AAA, Costco, or USAA. The savings are significant enough to justify paying the membership fees. Let’s compare.
AAA
Basic membership costs $ 38-74 (depending on your location) and it entitles you to discounts from the following providers:
- In dollars: 8% of base rates for all rentals, one $ 14 child seat is free and there is no additional driver fee of $ 13.50. There is also a 10% discount on prepaid fuel.
- Hertz: 20% off base rate, there is no US $ 29 rental fee for young people, one US $ 14 child seat is free and there is no additional driver fee of US $ 13.50. 10% discount on international and prepaid rentals.
- Savings: 8% off base rate, $ 14 child seat fee is free and there is no additional driver fee of $ 13.50. There is also a 10% discount on prepaid fuel.
AARP
For an annual fee of $ 12, AARP membership entitles you to discounts from the following vendors:
- Avis: 30% discount, free upgrade and no additional driver fees.
- Budget: 30% discount, free upgrade and no additional driver fees. Truck rental with a 10-20% discount.
- Payless: 5% discount, free upgrade.
- Zipcar: 43% discount on annual membership.
BJ’s
For an annual fee of $ 110, Perks Rewards members are eligible for the following discounts and benefits:
- Alamo: 20% of the base rate.
- Avis: Up to 30% Off, Free Upgrade, $ 10 Off Rentals of $ 175.
- Budget: Up to 35% off base price, free upgrade, $ 10 discount on rentals of $ 175.
- National: 25% off the base rate.
- Payless: 5% of the base rate
It’s also worth noting that a membership entitles you to a discount on gasoline at BJ gas stations.
Costco
For $ 60, Costco Travel members 25 and older are eligible for a discount on car rental. Unlike other membership clubs, Costco has its own portal with various ongoing offers that can add up to 30% off the base rates for Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise. There is also no additional driver fee for rentals booked through their portal.
USAA
Membership is free for honorably discharged military personnel, whether active or retired. Car rental discounts are offered by the following providers:
- Avis: 25% off the base rate, on time and mileage only. Young driver fees and additional driving fees are free ($ 27 and $ 13 respectively).
- Budget: 25% of the base rate, for time and mileage only (excluding special vehicles). Young driver fees and additional driving fees are free ($ 27 and $ 13 respectively).
- Enterprise: Discounts up to 5% apply to time and mileage payments only (excluding special vehicles). Young driver fees and additional driving fees are free ($ 20 and $ 10 respectively).
- Hertz: Discounts up to 25%, only for payment of time and mileage. Young driver fees and additional driving fees are free ($ 30 and $ 14 respectively).
Sam’s club
A $ 60 Sam’s Club membership qualifies you for discounts at Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty. Revolving deals of up to 25% are available through the travel portal on the company’s website.