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With cruising and air travel out of the picture, more people are hitting the road this summer than ever. There are lots of incredible places to visit in your own backyard and renting a car is a great way to travel safely during the pandemic. 

The great news is that nearly every major car rental company offers tons of great incentives for your next booking. We’re talking waived young driver fees, discounts topping 35%, bonus airline mile promotions, travel credits and more. You don’t have to bounce from one car rental website to the next either – we’ve compiled all the great car rental promotions and discount codes right here.

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In This Post

Avis promotions and coupon codes



(Photo by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images)


© The Points Guy
(Photo by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Avis has a huge line-up of discounts and promotional offers. In fact, there are so many that we decided to break them down into categories. You can save up to 30% on summer rentals or opt for cash discounts based on your total rental price. If you’re feeling generous, you can even take advantage of Avis’ partnership with several non-profit organizations that allow you to save money while supporting a great cause.

Avis is currently disinfecting all vehicles using EPA-certified disinfectants and minimizing contact during check-in and vehicle return.

Related: Your points, miles and loyalty guide to Avis

Avis discount promotions

Avis is offering three discount promotions on car rentals. The best deal is the 30% off promo on summer rentals. The catch is that you need to make a prepaid reservation. There’s no promo code for this promotion — simply search for a vehicle on the Avis website and choose the “Pay Now” option on the search result page.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 30% off summer rates with Pay Now Summer None
Up to 10% off the base rate of 28 days or more Dec. 31, 2020 A538100
Up to 15% off rentals of 5 days or more Oct. 15, 2020 S018500

 

Avis cash discounts

While Avis’ 30% summer discount is pretty substantial, you may find further savings by combining this promo with additional promo codes. At the moment, Avis is offering an extra $10 – $75 off, depending on your rental period. 

Offer Valid through Promo code
$10 off when you spend $100 Sept. 30, 2020 MUWA017
$15 off when you spend $125 Sept. 30, 2020 MUWA018
$25 off when you spend $175 Sept. 30, 2020 MUWA024
$75 off when you spend $600 Sept. 30, 2020 MUWA012

 

I ran a test search for each of these discount codes and not only was the relevant cash discount applied each time, but I was given the option to save more by choosing the Pay Now rate. Just keep in mind that the discount applies to the base rate. So if you want to take advantage of the $25 off coupon code, for example, your car rental cost needs to total $175 before taxes and fees.



a screenshot of a cell phone: Screenshot courtesy of Avis.com


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Screenshot courtesy of Avis.com

Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car

Avis membership discounts and promotions

Avis offers several membership-based discounts, including AARP and Amazon. That’s right — if you have an Amazon account, you can get up to 30% off on your Avis rental, plus another 10% bonus in the form of an Amazon gift card.

Avis also offers discounts for members of the military and is temporarily waiving young driver fees for those aged 21-24.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 30% off for AARP members N/A A359807
Up to 30% off plus 10% back in the form of an Amazon gift card N/A Log in to your Amazon account via the promo page
Up to 25% off for military members N/A T765700

Avis charitable promotions

What’s better than saving on car rentals? Supporting a great cause while you’re doing it. Avis partners with both the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Susan G. Komen to offer 25% off base rates along with a donation to each cause. Just remember to use the corresponding promo code.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 25% off base rate + 10% donation to Make-A-Wish N/A H749900 
Up to 25% off base rate + 5% donation to Susan G. Komen Dec. 31, 2020 A349300

 

Budget promotions and coupon codes



a person standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera: (Photo by Thomas Barwick/Getty Images)


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(Photo by Thomas Barwick/Getty Images)

Budget currently has more than a dozen car rental discount promotions and codes, including 35% off summer rentals. Like Avis, Budget partners with several non-profit organizations to offer savings and charitable donations.

Budget rental car discount promotions

At 35% off, Budget offers one of the biggest car rental discounts out there. You’ll need to book a prepaid rate to qualify for this discount. Beyond summer 2020, you can save big on truck rentals and long-term rentals.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 35% off summer rates with Pay Now Summer None
20% off truck rentals Dec. 31, 2020 20DIS
Up to 15% off rentals of 5 days or more Oct. 15, 2020 D111800
Up to 10% off the base rate Dec. 31, 2020 B112100

B129500

 

Related: Should I buy a used car instead of renting this summer?

Budget rental car cash discounts

You can stack Budget’s 35% prepaid discount with a promo code to save even more on your car rental. Just remember that the discount applies to your pre-tax total.

Offer Valid through Promo code
$10 off when you spend $100 Sept. 30, 2020 MUWZ065
$25 off when you spend $175 Sept. 30, 2020 MUWZ066

 

On a test booking, I was able to get the price of a 3-day luxury car rental down from $194.94 to $150.45 by stacking these promotions.



a screenshot of a cell phone: Screenshot courtesy of budget.com


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Screenshot courtesy of budget.com

Related: How AutoSlash can save you up to 77% on car rentals

Budget rental car membership discounts and promotions

If you miss the cut-off for Budget’s summer discount promotion, you can save up to 30% year-round as an AARP member. The great thing about AARP is that despite being targeted toward senior citizens, anyone can join AARP regardless of age.

Veterans and current members of the military can skip the AARP membership fee and save up to 25% on Budget car rentals. Interestingly, Budget also offers discounts for union members. 

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 30% off for AARP members N/A Y508501
Up to 25% off for Union members N/A V816100
Up to 25% off for military members N/A X612500

Budget charitable promotions

Budget offers 25% off the base rate when you rent a car with one of these promo codes. The company also donates 5% to Alex’s Lemonade Stand or the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 25% off base rate + 5% donation to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Dec. 31, 2020 S351600
Up to 25% off base rate + 5% donation to Susan G. Komen Dec. 31, 2020 R899700

Budget partner promotions

Not only can you save up to 30% on Budget car rental bookings, but you earn some interesting rewards. For example, Budget is offering four months of free Apple Music when you rent a car and opt-in to receive emails.

An individual Apple Music subscription costs $9.99, so this offer is worth up to $40. If you can find a cheap one-day rental, this could be worth doing just for the Apple Music subscription alone.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 30% off plus 750 Radisson Rewards points Sept. 15, 2020 U106528
Up to 30% off, plus 10% back via Amazon gift card N/A Log in to your Amazon account via the promo page
Up to 25% off, plus 30% off tickets to Legoland March 31, 2021 R533106
Four months of free Apple Music after your next rental Dec. 31, 2020 N/A

 

Related: The top 3 easiest ways to save on rental cars

Dollar Rent A Car promotions and coupon codes



a hand holding a cellphone: HONG KONG – AUGUST 24: A smart phone with the car rental app Dollar Rent A Car is seen on the screen in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, on August 24, 2018. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/S3studio/Getty Images)


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HONG KONG – AUGUST 24: A smart phone with the car rental app Dollar Rent A Car is seen on the screen in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, on August 24, 2018. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/S3studio/Getty Images)

While Dollar Rent A Car isn’t offering the biggest percentage discounts on rental cars, the company’s rent-five-earn-two-free promo is pretty generous. You might also find value in some of the airline partnerships, some of which let you earn bonus miles and save on rental car bookings.

Dollar Rent A Car Discounts

With Dollar’s rent-five-earn-two promotion, you’ll earn enough points on five rentals to cover two free rentals in the fall. 

Offer Valid through Promo code
Save up to 15% off the base rate with Pay Now. Oct. 8, 2020 N/A
Up to 10% off weekday rentals Dec. 31, 2020 101511

Dollar Rent A Car membership and demographic discounts

In addition to the standard AAA discount, Dollar is offering savings to AICPA, Union Privilege and BJ’s Wholesale Club members. Discounts aren’t specified for the latter group, but it’s worth comparing rates with the other promotions to see if you can save a few bucks.

Offer Valid through Promo code
10% off for AAA members N/A N/A

Dollar Rent A Car partner promotions

Few of us are traveling right now, but if you’re saving up for a post-pandemic vacation, Dollar’s airline partnerships could be lucrative. For example, you can earn 2,500 LifeMiles on a one-day rental. TPG values these miles at $42.50, which could easily offset the cost of a rental.

On pricier rentals, you may be better off with the 10% discount that also awards 1,500 LifeMiles.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Save 10% and earn up to 1,500 LifeMiles on rentals of one day or longer in the Americas and Europe Dec. 31, 2020 101397
Save 10% and earn 1,200 Southwest Rapid Rewards points when renting a mid-size or large car Jan. 31, 2021 100389
Earn 150 Alaska miles per day on rentals of three days or longer Dec. 31, 2020 100352
Earn 2X Avianca LifeMiles in the Americas and Europe Dec. 31, 2020 101398
Earn 4X LifeMiles on 1-4 day rentals; 6X Lifemiles on rentals of 5 or more days. Dec. 31, 2020 101142
Earn up to 2,500 LifeMiles on rentals of one day or longer in the Americas and Europe  Dec. 31, 2020 101396

Enterprise promotions and coupon codes



a car parked in front of a store: (Photo by Lou Armor/Getty Images)


© The Points Guy
(Photo by Lou Armor/Getty Images)

Enterprise is currently running the Plus Your Points promotion, which offers double points on qualifying rentals through Jan. 31, 2021. Be sure to register for this promotion before your next booking to earn more points.

At the moment, CAA members also get 10% off prepaid fuel along with a free car seat at airports, two free additional drivers and unlimited mileage.

While Enterprise isn’t waiving the young driver fee like competitors are, it is reducing the minimum age to 18 through Sept. 30, 2020.

Enterprise also partners with a few travel rewards programs, enabling you to earn points on car rentals:

Hertz promotions and coupon codes



a car parked in a parking lot: Hertz President’s Circle at Washington-Dulles airport (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)


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Hertz President’s Circle at Washington-Dulles airport (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Currently, Hertz is only offering rental discounts to travelers over 50, who get up to 20% off. That being said, Hertz Gold Plus members receive up to $250 in travel credits and earn double points this summer. Hertz is also jumping on the young driver bandwagon, waiving fees for drivers as young as 20.

Related: The complete guide to Hertz Gold Rewards

Hertz discounts and bonus points

Hertz’s $250 in travel credits work out great for long road trips and one-day rentals alike. Right now is not the time to be attending live events, so that portion of the credit won’t be particularly useful. However, the restaurant credit can come in handy if you’re hitting the road or even just supporting local restaurants during a staycation.

As for the double points promotion, keep in mind that it applies to Pay Later rates only.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Double points for Gold Plus Rewards members N/A Enter your Gold Plus Rewards member CDP
Receive up to $250 in travel credits toward hotels, dining and events 

  • Two $50 credit vouchers toward a live event ticket valid on Hertz.TheTixFix.com
  • $100 hotel credit valid on www.HertzPlusHotels.com
  • $50 restaurant credit valid at dine.restaurant.com
Sept. 22, 2020 2201740

 

Related: Is the Hertz Free-To-Go Pass worth $99 per year?

Hertz membership and demographic-based promotions

Hertz’s partnership with AAA doesn’t result in any discounts, unfortunately, but you may find value in the added perks. If you’re between the age of 20-24, you won’t have to pay young driver fees through Sept. 30. Those over the age of 50 get 20% off the base rate, which is the best discount Hertz offers.

Offer Valid through Promo code
Up to 20% off the base rate for travelers over 50. N/A 2007815
AAA members get the additional driver fee waived, plus a free child safety seat and 50% off Sirius XM satellite radio.  N/A AAA CDP
Young renter fee waived for drivers aged 20 and up. Sept. 30, 2020 N/A

Related: Loyalty programs can help save rental car companies — here’s how

National Car Rental



a person standing in front of a store: (Photo by Becker Bredel/ullstein bild via Getty Images)


© The Points Guy
(Photo by Becker Bredel/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

National isn’t very competitive with their current promotions. The company is offering $20 off weekend base rates on compact through full-size vehicles, minivans, SUV’s or convertibles. You must book a 3-day minimum to qualify for this deal.

Additionally, you can get $20 off the weekly base rate by booking a 5-day rental. This offer is valid on economy through full-size, premium and luxury vehicles, SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks. It’s not terribly exciting, but you should compare National’s rates with the other companies on this listing before writing them off completely.

Bottom line

Overall, Avis and Budget are offering some of the biggest rental car promotions and discounts. Regardless of how great these promotions seem, you should always shop around to find the best rate possible. While Budget offers 35% off on prepaid rentals this summer, their rates may be higher than Hertz, which isn’t offering any discount. So be sure to compare rates as well as discounts.

When you’re ready to book, be sure to go through a shopping portal and use a credit card that offers primary car rental coverage along with bonus points. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card are both great options since they earn 3x and 2x points per dollar spent, respectively.

Do your homework and check back on this page periodically for updated car rental discounts and promotions.

Featured photo by Getty Images

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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