Unlock Big Savings on Car Rentals with Your Costco Membership
Looking for a way to snag a fantastic deal on your next car rental? Believe it or not, your Costco membership—usually reserved for bulk shopping trips and stocking up on everyday essentials—can also be your ticket to significant rental car savings.
Here’s the inside scoop: If you’re not already a Costco member, you could be missing out on exclusive rental car discounts that often outperform standard market rates. These deals are particularly valuable for weekend getaways, business trips, or any journey where every dollar counts.
We put it to the test. Searching for an economy car rental for a weekend, we compared rates across popular providers. The initial price without any membership perks was already reasonable—but after entering the Costco discount code, the cost dropped dramatically. In this instance, we saved over $100 with just a few clicks, proving that membership perks can pay for themselves in a single booking. For an annual fee of around $60, the savings on even one rental can easily outweigh the membership cost.
Costco partners with major rental companies such as Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise, offering a variety of discounts and deals. However, it’s important to note that Costco does not work with providers like Hertz, Dollar, Payless, Thrifty, or certain luxury brands. Additionally, Costco typically doesn’t offer prepaid rates, which in some cases could be lower than the “pay later” options available through their booking system.
To ensure you’re getting the absolute best deal, a little comparison shopping can go a long way. Services like AutoSlash scan the web for the lowest rates, taking your Costco or other membership discounts into account and applying any relevant coupon codes automatically. This means you can maximize your savings without spending hours searching multiple sites.
Here’s what you need to know when booking through Costco:
- One-Way Rentals: Costco discounts usually do not apply to one-way rentals between off-airport locations. Plan accordingly if your itinerary requires a drop-off in a different city.
- Additional Driver Fees: With the Costco discount code, additional driver fees are typically waived for rentals from Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise—at least for domestic bookings.
- International Rentals: Traveling abroad? Costco still has you covered, with rental options in destinations like Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, the U.K., and Puerto Rico. For the best international rates, tools like AutoSlash can help identify top deals.
- Bring Your Membership Card: Don’t forget to present your Costco card when picking up your rental. Without it, you may forfeit your discount entirely.
Next time you’re planning a trip—whether for business or leisure—remember that your Costco membership isn’t just for bulk shopping. It can also unlock significant savings on rental cars, making your travels more affordable and stress-free. With a few clicks and the right strategy, your membership could pay for itself in no time.