Which Car Rental Companies Offer Senior Discounts? A Complete List
For seniors, every discount helps stretch a travel budget further. While many hotels and attractions offer senior rates, the policies for car rental companies can be less clear. This guide provides a complete list of the senior discounts available from the major car rental companies.
The Short Answer
Yes, several major car rental companies offer senior discounts, but the best deals are tied to an AARP membership. Avis and Budget offer the largest discounts (up to 30% off) for AARP members. Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar offer discounts for renters aged 50+ without requiring a specific membership.
The Key to Unlocking the Best Discounts: AARP Membership
The most powerful tool for securing a senior car rental discount is an AARP membership. AARP has negotiated special deals with several major rental companies, offering significant savings to their members (membership is available to anyone age 50 or older). If you travel even occasionally, an AARP membership can easily pay for itself with the savings from a single car rental.
Senior Discounts at a Glance (2025)
| Company | Discount Amount | Age Requirement | Membership Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avis | Up to 30% | 50+ | AARP |
| Budget | Up to 30% | 50+ | AARP |
| Hertz | Up to 20% | 50+ | None |
| Thrifty | 10% | 50+ | None |
| Dollar | 10% | 50+ | None |
In-Depth Look at Each Company's Senior Discount
Avis Rent a Car
Discount for AARP Members: Avis offers a substantial discount for AARP members. You can save up to 30% off base rates. You must book through the AARP travel portal or use the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number on the Avis website.
Other Perks: The deal also often includes a complimentary upgrade on compact through full-size cars, when available.
Budget Rent a Car
Discount for AARP Members: As a sister company to Avis, Budget also offers a strong AARP discount. Members can save up to 30% off base rates by booking through the AARP portal or using the Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number on Budget's website.
Hertz
"Fifty Plus" Program: Hertz offers its own "Fifty Plus" program for renters aged 50 and over. This program provides a discount of up to 20% off standard base rates and does not require an AARP membership. You can book directly on the Hertz website using the discount code (CDP#) for the 50+ program.
Thrifty Car Rental & Dollar Rent a Car
Both Thrifty and Dollar (owned by the same parent company as Hertz) offer a 10% discount on time and mileage charges for renters aged 50 and over. This can be booked directly on their respective websites.
What About Enterprise, Alamo, and National?
These three companies, all owned by Enterprise Holdings, do not offer a specific, nationwide "senior discount." However, their base rates are often very competitive, and you may find better deals through other programs like Costco Travel or by using corporate discount codes.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
- Always Compare the "All-In" Price: A 30% discount from one company doesn't guarantee the cheapest final price. A company with no senior discount might have a lower base rate. Use a travel comparison site like Kayak or a members-only site like Costco Travel to compare the final price from multiple companies after any discounts are applied.
- Book in Advance: Car rental prices are all about supply and demand. Booking several weeks or months in advance will almost always get you a better price.
- Consider Off-Airport Locations: Renting from an airport location is always more expensive due to added taxes and fees. A short shuttle or rideshare to a neighborhood rental location can often save you a significant amount of money.
Conclusion: AARP is Your Best Bet for the Biggest Discounts
Yes, many major car rental companies offer senior discounts, but the most valuable and consistent savings are found through an AARP membership. The discounts of up to 30% offered by Avis and Budget to AARP members are significant and can easily save you over $100 on a week-long rental. For those without an AARP membership, Hertz's "Fifty Plus" program is an excellent alternative. The key takeaway for any senior renter is to always check for these discounts and, most importantly, to compare the final price across multiple companies to ensure you're getting the absolute best deal for your trip.
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