can you get cheap car rentals through aarp

[DePatrick]

Yes, AARP members can get access to exclusive discounts on car rentals, typically ranging from 10% to 30% off standard rates. These deals are offered through partnerships with major rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Payless. The savings are significant, but the best price often comes from combining the AARP discount with other ongoing promotions.

The primary benefit is the member discount code, which you apply when booking online or mention at the counter. For example, Avis and Budget frequently offer up to 30% off for AARP members. It's also common to receive benefits like a free additional driver on the rental agreement, which can be a substantial value add, as this fee is usually $10-$15 per day.

However, it's not always the absolute cheapest option. To get the best deal, you should always compare the AARP rate with other discounts you might qualify for, such as those from your credit card, costco membership, or even employer. The key is to use the AARP discount as a starting point and then stack it with other available offers.

Here is a quick reference for typical AARP partner discounts:

Rental Company	Typical AARP Discount	Key Additional Benefit
Avis	Up to 30% off	Free additional driver
Budget	Up to 30% off	Free additional driver
Payless	5% - 15% off	Occasional coupon codes
Hertz	10% - 25% off (varies)	Waived underage fee in some states

Remember, these percentages are off the base rate, which doesn't include taxes and fees. The final price can also be heavily influenced by the rental location, time of year, and vehicle class. Always book in advance and read the terms and conditions to understand what's included.

[DeLydia]

Absolutely. I use my AARP card every time I rent a car for my grandkids' visits. I just type in the code on the Avis website, and the discount pops right up. It's saved me a good chunk of change, and I don't have to pay extra for my wife to drive the car, which is a nice perk. It's one of those memberships that pays for itself with just one or two rentals a year.

[Frieda]

From a value perspective, AARP discounts are legitimate but require comparison shopping. The advertised percentage is applied to the often-inflated "standard rate." The real value is in the ancillary benefits, like waived young driver fees or free added drivers. I always run a quote with the AARP code and then without it, using a corporate code. Sometimes the corporate rate is lower, but AARP adds more flexibility.

[Pamela]

Don't just assume the AARP rate is the winner. Here's my move: I search on a travel site like Kayak to find the lowest base price. Then, I go directly to that rental company's website, enter my travel dates, and then apply the AARP discount code. This way, you're stacking the discount on top of an already competitive rate. It takes two extra minutes but can double your savings.

[OscarFitz]

As a frequent business traveler, I've found AARP discounts surprisingly useful. While my corporate rate is usually my go-to, there have been times during peak season or in high-demand cities where the AARP rate with Budget was actually cheaper. It's a solid backup plan. The free additional driver benefit is also great for team trips, saving the company money. It's a tool in the toolbox, not the only one, but a good one to have.