Save money on your next vacation with these EASY Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars!
For instance, I recently visited Seattle and scored a great deal using Costco Travel. We rented a Nissan Altima through Alamo for 11 days for just $233. {Score!}
Check out all of the fun tips and rental car hacks to start saving BIG on every car you rent!
Related:
Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars
#1: Ask for a Free Upgrade at The Counter
When I rented a mid-size car last summer in North Carolina, my hubby scored a Free upgrade at the counter for a brand new Dodge Durango! All he did was ask if they’d be willing to rent any larger cars for the same price, and they said sure! It never hurts to ask!
Sarah writes: “I always try to upgrade at the counter the day of the rental.”
#2: Use Travel Credit Card Hacking to Score FREE Car Rentals!
When it comes to Credit Cards, I’m always on the hunt for BIG cash signup bonuses + BIG cash back when booking travel! Here are the cards I currently have in my wallet that have helped me save SO much money on car rentals…
Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards
#3: Fill Up Your Own Tank
Skip the option to prepay for fuel and save several dollars per gallon when you fill up the tank before returning your rental car.
#4: Use Free Gas Gift Cards to Fill the Tank!
Filling up the tank for free is always fun, and this is my favorite way to score Free gas gift cards for vacations…
How to Get Free Gas Gift Cards + 9 Genius Gas Money Saving Tips!
#5: Book Through Rakuten
Get cash back on your car rental when you book through Rakuten! Rakuten offers cash back on car reservations made with Budget, Avis, Hertz and Thrifty Car Rentals. Be sure to read my tips for How Rakuten Works and start getting cash back every time you shop or book travel online!
#6: Score Entertainment Book Discounts
Check your Entertainment Book’s travel section for Car Rental Coupons! In my current Entertainment Book, I found car rental discount coupons for Budget, Avis, Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz & National!
#7: Book Through Costco Travel
To use Costco Travel a Costco membership is required, but the savings you can score may very well be enough to justify the expense of an annual membership! You can receive discounted car rentals through Alamo, Avid, Budget & Enterprise! On our recent trip up to Seattle, we rented a Nissan Altima through Alamo for 11 days for just $233 using Costco Travel! {Score!}
#8: Don’t Forget the AAA Discounts!
With your AAA discount you can save 5% – 20% on Hertz Rentals. You will need a AAA membership to get this discount.
#9: Use Those Employer Discounts, Too!
Check with your employer {or your hubby’s employer}, to see if you qualify for any employer discounts. When my hubby worked at Boeing, he was able to score some sweet deals when renting through National!
#10: Take Advantage of Emailed Coupons
Sign up online for your favorite car rental company’s emails, and you’ll receive periodic coupons and deals delivered to your inbox! Some include: Alamo Insiders {click on ‘Alamo Insiders’ tab at the top}, Budget Car Rental {select ‘Specials’ then ‘e-mail’ to sign up}, Enterprise Email Updates, etc.
#11: Score Online Specials or Last Minute Deals
Many car rental companies will have a special tab or page with their designated current ‘online’ specials or last minute deals. Check out current and last-minute specials at Avis Car Rentals, Budget, National, etc.
#12: Use Your Air Miles for FREE Car Rentals
If you accrue air miles, you may be able to cash them in for a car rental! Check with your current program for more details and information.
Related: The BEST Southwest Airline Hacks
#13: Preferred Customer or Frequent Renter Clubs Savings and Perks
Many companies offer Preferred Customer or Frequent Renter Clubs which may score you some additional savings or perks! {examples = Hertz 1, National Emerald Club, etc.}
#14: Take Advantage of Military Discounts
If you are in the military, be sure to ask if you’re eligible for a military discount! It never hurts to ask! 😉 You can also check out the Ace Rent-a-Car 15% off Military Discount!
#15: Opt for a Turo {like an AirBNB for Car Rentals!}
Another way you may be able to save is by renting a car from someone on Turo.com. It’s basically like an AirBNB, but for cars! You may even find that some come with additional amenities for a small added price… like coolers, beach chairs, boogie boards, etc. Always look for high-rated reviews, and check out the older or smaller cars to save the most money.
#16: Skip The Rental Car and Ride Uber Instead
Use Uber for Free and skip the hassle of renting a car altogether! Use my Swagbucks Tips to score yourself Free Uber Gift Cards for your next vacation!
4 More Rental Car Hacks:
Here are even more ways you can save $$ on your next car rental shared by your frugal friends…
Oksana said: “I never buy rental car insurance. My insurance covers rental cars and my visa or master card will pay your deductible.”
Jamie said: “The Enterprise $9.99 per weekend day (Friday-Sunday, 100mi per day) is great! Not only that, there is no age differential (aka No Extra Fees!) for drivers ages 21-24!”
Kristi said: “I save money by declining the optional insurance coverages offered at the counter. If you carry full coverage, your auto insurance extends to a rental car within the US. Large employers often have discount codes that can be used by employees, too.”
Coleen said: “Become a frequent renter (I use Budget) or use coupon codes. I got a mid-size car for an entire week for just $130.”
More Travel Hacks:
Now that you’ve found so many Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars, finishing planning your next vacation with these helpful money saving tips and travel hacks…
How to Earn Free Hotel Nights {7 Secret Tricks}
How to Slash the Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO
25+ Southwest Airlines Hacks! {What To Know Before You Fly}
17 American Airlines Flight Hacks {Tricks To Know Before You Fly}
16 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks
19 Carry On Must Haves for your next Flight!
34 Ways To Entertain Kids on a Trip
How To Travel for Free Or Cheap {Budget Travel Hacks}
23 Road Trip Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know!
12 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Car Purchase!
10 Most Spectacular National Parks you NEED to Visit!
14 Ultimate Beach Getaways {plan your perfect beach vacation}
Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
10 Winter Family Vacation Ideas! {Top Destinations}
101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets
Now that you’ve scored these Rental Car Savings Tips, don’t miss out! Score yourself even more helpful Travel Tips & Tricks, Recipes + More right here…
So what are your favorite Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars??
Leave a comment and share!
Katie says
I get 25% off through usaa and also if you rent he car on a Saturday that is the least expensive day to rent a car
Tanya Riley says
I am trying to find cheapest way to Go Roundtrip to Richmond California from Tallahassee, Florida between 16 August to the 23rd of August.
Mary Gorton says
I have been very happy with Autoslash.com. It automatically keeps searching for a better deal on rental cars. It has worked for me each time I used it. I first heard of it on the Clark Howard show. (He is a frugal guru!)
Laura Phillips says
If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa, they offer discounts for several rental companies. Also, if you have the option, compare prices between the airport and neighborhood locations. I just saved $109 by using the neighborhood location vs. the airport. (Always check both — you never know where you’ll find the best price.)