AARP’s real car rental partnerships are narrower than most seniors realize — and several popular companies have zero AARP deal at all. This guide tells you exactly where to book, what discount codes to use, what free perks you’re entitled to, and what to skip at the counter.
The AARP car rental benefit is genuinely useful — but only at certain companies, and only if you know how to claim every perk that comes with it. These are the answers to the questions most members never think to ask.
1 Which car rental companies actually have an AARP discount? Only three have direct AARP partnerships: Avis, Budget, and Payless. Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Dollar, and Thrifty have no direct AARP deal — despite what many websites claim. ▼
2 How much does an AARP membership cost — is it worth it just for the car rental discount? AARP membership is $20 per year (or $16 with auto-renewal). On a single week-long car rental with Avis or Budget, most members recoup that membership fee many times over through the base rate discount plus the free additional driver waiver. ▼
3 What’s the difference between “Pay Now” and “Pay Later” at Avis and Budget? Pay Now (pay at booking) gets you 35% off. Pay Later (pay at the counter on pickup day) gets you 30% off. The extra 5% for paying upfront is worth it for firm plans — but Pay Later offers more flexibility if your trip might change. ▼
4 What perks beyond the discount do AARP members get at Avis and Budget? Three bonus perks come with every AARP booking at Avis and Budget: a free one-class vehicle upgrade, a waived additional driver fee (saves $10–$15 per day), and a 3% credit applied toward your next rental. ▼
5 Is there an upper age limit for renting a car in the United States? No. In the U.S. and Canada, no major rental company — Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, or Sixt — charges additional fees or imposes driving restrictions based on upper age. Seniors face no age-based surcharges domestically. ▼
6 Should I buy the rental company’s insurance at the counter? Almost certainly no. Your existing personal auto insurance policy and many credit cards already cover rental cars. Buying the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver adds $20–$40 per day — potentially more than the car itself costs to rent. ▼
7 Do I need to show my AARP card at the counter — and what if I forget it? You should bring your membership card or have your AARP member number available. Even if the discount was applied online at booking, the counter may ask to verify membership. Your number is on your AARP card or accessible through the AARP website or app. ▼
8 Does the AARP discount apply to taxes and airport fees? No. The AARP discount applies only to base rates — the time and mileage charges. All taxes, airport concession fees, customer facility charges, and optional add-ons are calculated separately at full price. ▼
Avis consistently delivers the deepest AARP discount, the broadest location network, and the full package of member perks. For most seniors renting a car, this is where the AARP benefit works best.
Avis is one of AARP’s two flagship car rental partners and delivers the highest base rate discount available through any AARP car rental benefit. Pay Now at booking and receive 35% off base rates. Choose Pay Later at the counter and the discount is 30% off base rates. Both options unlock the full suite of AARP member perks simultaneously: a complimentary one-class vehicle upgrade (compact through full-size, subject to availability), a waived additional driver fee for the first extra driver, and unlimited mileage on most rentals. Avis operates at thousands of U.S. locations including airport and downtown pickup sites, making it practical for most itineraries. Book directly at avis.com or by phone — the AWD code auto-applies your AARP member number when you book through AARP’s website link.
- Enter the AWD code before selecting dates — on avis.com, it appears in the “AWD / Coupon / Discount Code” field at the very top of the search form. Enter it first, then fill in pickup location and dates.
- You can stack the AWD code with a separate coupon code at Avis — one AWD number plus one coupon code is allowed. You cannot combine two AWD numbers or two coupons.
- Compare the total cost (not just the base rate) at Pay Now vs. Pay Later. On short rentals, the 5% difference may be small; on a 10-day trip, it’s meaningful.
- The free upgrade is subject to availability at pickup. If an upgrade matters to you, book the car class one level below your preference to increase the chance the next class is offered at check-in.
- Bring your AARP membership card or have your member number on your phone — some counter agents ask to verify it even when the discount was booked online.
Budget is owned by the same parent company as Avis (Avis Budget Group), which means the AARP deal is essentially identical — with one bonus: a 3% credit toward your next reservation when you book directly on Budget’s website.
Budget’s AARP deal mirrors Avis nearly exactly — which makes sense given they share ownership, fleet sourcing, and discount structure. Pay Now: 35% off base rates. Pay Later at the counter: 30% off. All the same perks apply: free one-class upgrade, free additional driver, unlimited mileage on most rentals. The one differentiator is a 3% credit applied toward your next Budget rental, provided you booked directly on Budget.com rather than through a third-party travel site. This future credit is particularly valuable for frequent travelers — if you rent several times a year, the credits compound and can meaningfully reduce a future bill. Confirmation: the credit requires you to book directly on Budget’s website with your AARP member number entered at the time of booking. Third-party booking sites (Expedia, Priceline, etc.) do not trigger the credit.
Since both are owned by Avis Budget Group, the discount terms are essentially identical. The deciding factors in practice: which has a location that’s more convenient for your pickup; which has the vehicle class you need available at your dates; and whether you plan to rent again within 12 months (Budget’s 3% credit gives frequent renters a small ongoing advantage). For a one-time trip, compare final prices on both sites for the same dates and location — they often differ by a few dollars based on fleet availability. Pick whichever is lower after applying your AARP number to both.
AARP has no direct partnership with Hertz — confirmed by AARP.org. But Hertz runs its own independent 50-plus discount program that gives seniors up to 20% off without requiring AARP membership at all.
Hertz’s 50 Plus Program is open to any driver aged 50 or older — no AARP membership needed, just a government-issued ID confirming your age. The program offers up to 20% off base rates at participating Hertz locations. A critical note from independent car rental experts: the “50 Plus” rate doesn’t always beat Hertz’s own standard promotional rates. Before booking with the senior code, check Hertz’s current public rates for the same dates and location — the base promotional rate is sometimes lower than the senior discount rate. This doesn’t mean the 50 Plus program is a gimmick, but it does mean you should compare both paths before booking. To access the program: go to hertz.com, navigate to the 50+ Car Rental Deals page, and use discount code 2007815 when booking. Joining Hertz’s free Gold Plus Rewards program also unlocks expedited pickup and rewards points that accumulate toward free rental days.
Here’s where things get murky for a lot of seniors. A clear breakdown of every company — what exists, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your time.
Payless is the third and smallest of AARP’s direct car rental partners. The discount is 5% off base rates — significantly less than Avis or Budget — but Payless generally operates at lower base rates than the major brands to begin with, so the final out-of-pocket cost can still be competitive. Payless is best suited for budget-conscious travelers whose priority is the lowest total price rather than a specific vehicle class or upgraded experience. Book through the AARP Travel Center at expedia-aarp.com or by calling the AARP Travel Center at 1-800-675-4318. Payless locations are primarily at airport sites and in major leisure travel markets. Check location availability before planning your trip around this option.
Zipcar is a completely different model from traditional car rental — rather than renting from a lot for days at a time, you reserve cars by the hour or day from locations sprinkled around a city, unlock them with the Zipcar app, and return them to the same spot when done. Gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day are all included in the hourly rate. AARP members get $40 off a Zipcar annual membership, plus $40 in free driving credit for new members — an $80 combined value at enrollment. Zipcar is ideal for seniors who live in or visit cities and need a car for a few hours (doctor appointment, grocery run, day trip) without the hassle of airport rental logistics. It requires smartphone proficiency to use the app for unlocking and managing reservations. To activate: call Zipcar at 1-866-494-7227 or sign up at zipcar.com and mention your AARP membership.
- Enterprise: No AARP partnership. No age-based senior discount either. Book through the AARP Travel Center portal for comparison pricing, or use Enterprise’s own promotional rates. No upper age fees domestically.
- National: No AARP discount, no senior program. National Emerald Club loyalty members can earn rewards and receive expedited service — worth joining for frequent renters regardless of age.
- Alamo: No longer offers a senior or AARP discount. Alamo’s “Senior Circle” program cited by some sources was discontinued. Alamo is worth comparing through the AARP Travel Center portal for competitive base rates.
- Dollar: No AARP discount, no senior discount program. Owned by Hertz — when you need Dollar, compare against Hertz’s 50+ program for the same dates.
- Thrifty: Offers its own “Silver Club” 5% discount for renters age 50+ on time and mileage charges — no AARP required. Available at participating Thrifty locations; verify at time of booking.
- Sixt: Limited senior discount at select U.S. locations — not guaranteed. No AARP partnership. Worth checking for luxury vehicle rentals where Sixt’s fleet (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) might be preferred.
Use this table to see every company’s discount status at a glance before booking. Swipe left on mobile to see all columns.
← Swipe left to see all columns →
| Company | AARP Discount | Max Savings | Free Add. Driver | Free Upgrade | AARP Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | Direct — Yes ✓ | 35% off (Pay Now) | Yes ✓ | Yes (compact–full-size) | Yes |
| Budget | Direct — Yes ✓ | 35% off (Pay Now) | Yes ✓ | Yes (compact–full-size) | Yes |
| Payless | Direct — Yes ✓ | 5% off base rate | No ✗ | Check at booking | Yes |
| Hertz | No AARP deal ✗ | 20% off (own 50+ program) | No ✗ | No ✗ | No — Age 50+ ID only |
| Enterprise | No ✗ | None (portal only) | No ✗ | No ✗ | N/A |
| National | No ✗ | None (portal only) | No ✗ | No ✗ | N/A |
| Alamo | No ✗ (discontinued) | None | No ✗ | No ✗ | N/A |
| Thrifty | No AARP deal ✗ | 5% (own Silver Club) | No ✗ | No ✗ | No — Age 50+ only |
| Dollar | No ✗ | None | No ✗ | No ✗ | N/A |
| Zipcar | Partner — Yes ✓ | $40 off join + $40 credit | Gas + ins. included | N/A (hourly model) | Yes |
Discounts apply to base rates (time and mileage) only — taxes, airport fees, and surcharges are extra. “Free additional driver” applies to the first extra driver only. Upgrade subject to vehicle availability at pickup. Always verify current terms at AARP.org before booking.
The AARP discount is just the starting point. How you apply it — and what you do at the counter — determines whether you actually come away with the best deal.
AWD codes and BCD codes for Avis and Budget are occasionally updated, and the “book by” dates on current promotions shift periodically. The safest way to book is to start at aarp.org/membership/benefits/carrental — this link auto-populates your AARP number and the current discount code simultaneously. If you prefer to book directly at avis.com or budget.com, verify the current code on AARP.org first, then enter it manually. Codes from third-party websites, forums, or articles may be outdated.
The AARP discount applies to base rates, which are calculated before taxes and fees. What you need to compare is the all-in total at final checkout — not just the daily rate headline. Run two searches on avis.com for the same dates: one with your AARP code and one without any code. The better rate wins. For Hertz, run the same comparison between the 50+ code and the standard promotional rate. Independent car rental experts consistently find that branded discount programs sometimes produce higher totals than current promotions — the comparison takes 60 seconds and can save you real money.
Airport rental locations tack on concession fees, customer facility charges, and surcharges that can add 30–50% to the base rate — before your AARP discount is even applied. If your destination has an Avis or Budget location a few miles from the airport, taking a rideshare or shuttle there and picking up your car off-airport can result in significant total savings even after the cost of that short transfer. This is especially worthwhile for longer rentals of five days or more, where the daily fee difference compounds substantially. Check location availability at both sites before defaulting to the most convenient airport counter.
The complimentary one-class upgrade at Avis and Budget is “subject to availability” — meaning the counter agent doesn’t always volunteer it. When you reach the counter, say clearly: “I’m an AARP member and my booking includes a complimentary upgrade — what’s available today?” This directly prompts the agent to check. If the next class up is available, it’s yours at no cost. If it’s not, you take what you booked. Making the request explicitly rather than waiting for a spontaneous offer increases the chance you walk away with a larger or newer vehicle than you paid for.
Car rental prices are dynamic, changing daily or even hourly based on fleet availability and demand. In general, prices are lowest when booked two to four weeks in advance for leisure travel. Last-minute bookings and peak travel periods — major holidays, summer school break weeks, and popular event weekends — typically see the highest prices. If your trip is flexible, rates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are historically lower than weekends. For longer-term rentals of seven days or more, always compare the weekly rate against the daily rate multiplied by the number of days — weekly rates frequently provide a better per-day value, and Avis and Budget’s AARP discount applies to the weekly base rate in the same way.
The insurance upsell at the rental counter is where rental companies make a significant portion of their profit. Most seniors don’t need to buy it — but knowing exactly why requires a two-minute check before your trip.
- Does your personal auto insurance cover rentals? Call your insurance company — not your agent’s voicemail, but an actual representative — and ask: “If I rent a car in [state], am I covered for liability and collision damage?” Most standard personal auto policies extend identical coverage to rental vehicles, but confirm your specific policy. Ask about coverage limits and whether they cover the full value of a rental vehicle.
- Does your credit card provide rental coverage? Call the number on the back of whichever card you’ll use to pay for the rental and ask: “Do I have rental car collision damage protection on this card?” Many Visa Signature, Mastercard World, and some American Express cards provide coverage — but it often requires that you charge the entire rental to that card AND decline the rental company’s CDW at the counter. Get this confirmed in writing or note the representative’s name.
- Are there gaps? Personal auto policies typically do not cover “loss of use” fees — the amount a rental company charges for days the car was unavailable for rent while being repaired after an accident. Some credit cards do cover this; some don’t. If you have a gap, a focused “supplemental liability” or “loss of use” coverage (often cheaper than the full CDW) may be worth considering.
Rental company insurance — variously called a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), or Supplemental Liability Protection — typically costs $20–$40 per day. On a 7-day rental, that’s $140–$280 added to your bill. This can exceed the base rental cost on a budget vehicle. The agent at the counter is trained to present this as essential protection and may use language like “this fully protects you” — which is accurate but incomplete, since your existing coverage may provide the same or equivalent protection at no additional cost. You are never obligated to purchase rental company insurance. Politely declining is entirely your right. The counter agent cannot withhold your car because you declined coverage.
Book Avis or Budget using your AARP discount code. At the airport, check whether an off-airport location of the same company exists nearby — if you can take a hotel shuttle or rideshare to reach it, the savings on taxes and fees can be substantial for rentals of four days or more. If you must pick up at the airport, go straight to the counter, present your AARP card or member number, and explicitly ask for your complimentary upgrade and the additional driver waiver if a second driver will be named. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before leaving the lot — walk around the entire car, check for existing damage, and confirm that any damage noted is logged on your contract before you drive away.
For Hertz: use the 50 Plus program discount code 2007815 at hertz.com, but always compare it against Hertz’s current public promotional rate for the same dates — whichever total is lower is your booking. Joining Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free and provides expedited pickup benefits worth having regardless of price. For Enterprise: AARP has no direct deal there. Book through enterprise.com using their promotional codes, or check the AARP Travel Center at expedia-aarp.com to see if Enterprise’s rates are competitive for your specific dates and location. Enterprise’s neighborhood pickup and drop-off service can be useful if you’re not near an airport location.
The free additional driver perk at Avis and Budget through AARP means you’ll have one driver fee waived. Here’s how to make sure it’s applied: when booking online, add the additional driver’s information during the reservation process and note your AARP membership. If you’re booking by phone, tell the agent at the start of the call that you’re an AARP member and you want the additional driver benefit applied. At the counter, confirm with the agent that the fee waiver is shown on your reservation — ask them to point it out on the contract. If it’s missing, mention your AARP membership and the additional driver waiver perk. The additional driver must present a valid driver’s license at pickup.
Absolutely. Both Avis and Budget have dedicated phone booking lines that accept AARP member numbers. For Avis, call 1-800-331-1800 and tell the agent at the start of the call that you’re an AARP member and have your AARP member number ready. They will enter it into your reservation to apply the discount and perks. For Budget, call 1-800-733-9092 and do the same. For general AARP travel assistance including car rentals from any partner company, call the AARP Travel Center at 1-800-675-4318. Representatives can help compare rates, explain benefits, and book on your behalf. Phone bookings receive the same AARP discounts as online bookings.
Zipcar is the right answer here — and your AARP membership knocks $40 off the annual membership plus gives you $40 in free driving credit when you join. Zipcar cars are scattered throughout urban neighborhoods; you reserve one through the app, walk to it, unlock it with your phone, and return it to the same spot. Gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day are all included in the hourly rate. No rental counter, no paperwork at pickup, no returning to an office. The only requirement is a valid driver’s license and the ability to use the Zipcar smartphone app. If the app feels unfamiliar, ask a family member to help set it up — once it’s running, the actual reservation and unlock process is simple.
Budget Truck Rental — separate from Budget’s car fleet — offers AARP members a 10–20% discount on truck rentals for moves. This is a distinct product line from the car discount, but uses the same AARP partnership. If you’re helping a family member move or making a local or cross-country move yourself, check Budget’s truck rental rates with your AARP number applied. Penske and U-Haul have their own promotional structures and don’t carry AARP deals, so Budget Truck is where the AARP savings apply for moving vehicles specifically.
All discount information reflects confirmed AARP.org partnerships and publicly available codes as of mid-2026. Car rental discount codes, terms, “book by” dates, and participating locations are subject to change — always verify current details at AARP.org/membership/benefits/carrental before booking. Discounts apply to base rates (time and mileage charges) only; taxes, airport fees, customer facility charges, and optional products are not discounted. The free additional driver waiver applies to one driver at participating locations. Free upgrades are subject to vehicle availability at pickup. AARP membership ($20/year) is required to access Avis, Budget, and Payless discounts. No upper age restriction applies to domestic U.S. car rentals at any major company. International rental terms vary by country and company. This content is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AARP, Avis, Budget, Hertz, or any car rental company. Verify all terms directly with the relevant company before completing any reservation. Avis: avis.com / 1-800-331-1800 · Budget: budget.com / 1-800-733-9092 · AARP Travel Center: expedia-aarp.com / 1-800-675-4318 · Hertz: hertz.com / 1-800-654-3131.