You can find coupons and other savings by checking with associations you might already belong to and shopping portals that return cash on your purchases.
Use a Credit Card
The most expensive part of a vacation, after airfare and lodging, is often the rental car. But there are ways to save on car rentals, including coupon codes and perks built into credit card and frequent flyer programs.
Signing up for a car rental company’s rewards program is one of the easiest ways to get discounts. Many of these programs have unique portals or offer dedicated phone lines where members can book their cars.
Getting into these programs can also help you find promo codes and other deals.
Another way to save on car rentals is to use a credit card with no foreign exchange fees when traveling abroad.
Consider a credit card with complimentary membership in premium car rental programs.
A final way to save on car rentals is using the points or miles earned through your credit card program. Some credit cards allow you to redeem rewards directly with car rental companies, which is more convenient than searching for a discount code. But you’ll need to ensure your credit card has the right perks before booking.
Look for Abandoned Cart Emails
These are follow-up emails sent to customers who have added items to their cart but still need to complete their purchase. They are often offered a discount to entice them back to the site. The email features a personalized push notification that indicates the amount of money they stand to save, and the text reasserts the benefits of completing their purchase.
Most car rental companies make discount codes available on their websites or newsletters. These may be a percentage off a base price, such as before taxes and fees, or they could be specific to an age group, like seniors or students. These codes are easy to find, but you have to be patient and compare across companies.
Additionally, you can search for coupon codes on online storefronts that give you a percentage of your purchase back. To save money, these can be used with frequent flyer miles and hotel loyalty points. Visit https://www.retailmenot.com/view/expedia.com for further savings and coupon coupons for your auto rental.
Some car rental companies will also offer discounts to particular groups, such as nurses or military personnel. Generally, these codes are available only to members of those groups and will require proof that you qualify. These are easy to find by searching through the company’s website or checking with your favorite airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Check with Your Frequent Flyer or Credit Card
When looking for a car rental coupon code, it is only sometimes necessary to go hunting on general websites such as RetailMeNot. Many car rental companies have promotional codes, especially if you are a frequent customer or flyer program member. Those codes can appear on the company’s newsletters or discount websites. Using these codes may require proof that you are a member of the relevant club or an employee of the company, but it is an easy way to save.
Similarly, some credit cards offer car rental booking portals that return a percentage of the base rate as frequent flyer miles. These can be a helpful source of savings, especially when combined with car rental-specific promo codes. In addition, some cards offer a damage waiver when a particular type of vehicle is rented, which can reduce the risk of an out-of-pocket expense if something happens while you’re driving (such as a fender bender or theft).
Finally, prepaid rentals tend to be cheaper than those charged at the counter, and many agencies provide a “prepay and save” option that will lower the total price. Some will even throw in a free tank of gas or other benefits. The trick is to compare the rates offered by each company and find out which offers the best deal overall. Sometimes, this will be the easiest way to save money on a car rental without hunting for a coupon or other promotions. It may also be an effective way to ensure you get a good car in the desired location and when needed.
Look for Membership-Based Discounts
Many companies have specific discounts for certain groups of customers. For example, AARP members can save up to 30%, while veterans and active-duty military can use the Veterans Advantage program to lower costs. Similarly, memberships to wholesale clubs may also provide car rental discounts.
In addition to age-based discounts, some car rental companies have membership programs that offer exclusive perks like discounted rates and free upgrades. The easiest way to find these deals is to search the company’s website. Some display these offers, whereas others require digging deeper to find them.
Depending on your membership, you can save on additional services like GPS units or damage waivers. If traveling internationally, consider bringing your mobile hotspot or prepaid cell phone to avoid paying extra data roaming charges. Alternatively, a GPS app on your smartphone can work just as well as one from the rental car company.
Finally, if you’re planning a long trip and can rent the vehicle for more than a day or two, you can save on your rate by prepaying your booking. This option is typically available as you confirm the booking, and you can compare it to specials offered directly on the rental car company’s website.
As you explore car rental discount codes, remember that the savings can add up quickly. With just a few minutes of weekly research, you might be surprised at how much money you can save on your next trip. Remember to be flexible and always be ready to check other options because the best car rental deal might not be around the corner.
Look for Corporate or University Codes
Many businesses and associations negotiate deals with car rental companies to get discounts on their employees, members, or customers. These codes may include a discount on the base price before taxes, fees, and insurance are added to the total or a deal like free upgrades or extra mileage. They are often advertised on the car rental company’s website or email newsletters and can be stacked with other coupon codes.
There is a caveat when using corporate or university codes, though — be sure to check if you qualify before booking. If a car rental company finds out you are not an employee or associate, they can revoke your code and charge you the regular rate, so it’s important to double-check the rates before booking.
Another way to cut costs is to use a service that automatically searches for coupons and discounted rates on your behalf.
Whether looking for a quick weekend getaway or planning a long-term vacation, it doesn’t take much to slash your car rental costs. With some research and savvy leveraging of promo codes, you can save on your vehicle and focus on enjoying the sights.