How to pay less for a rental car

Where does your rental money actually go?

The daily rate is only one part of the bill. Taxes, airport charges, add-ons, fuel and tolls can add a large share on top. Knowing where the money goes shows you where to cut.

• Base rate: what you see when you search. Shaped by dates, car class and company.
• Taxes and airport fees: set by the state, city and airport. Picking up away from the airport can cut some of them.
• Add-ons: damage waivers, extra cover, GPS, child seats, extra drivers. This is where counters make money, and where you can say no.
• Fuel and tolls: controlled by how you return the car and how you pay tolls.

When should you book, and should you keep checking?

Book early, but don't book once and forget it. Rental prices move with demand, and unlike flights, many rentals can be cancelled for free if you pay at pickup.

• Book a free-cancellation rate as soon as your plans are firm.
• Check again every week or two, and a few days before pickup.
• If the price drops, book the new rate first, then cancel the old one.
• Prepaid rates can be cheaper but usually carry cancellation fees, so only prepay when your plans can't change.

Why can a longer rental cost less than a shorter one?

Weekly rates. Many companies price five, six or seven days at a weekly rate that's lower per day than the daily rate. In some cases, a seven-day rental costs less than a four- or five-day one. If your trip is close to a week, price a full week too. Returning early from a weekly rate can cost you, though: the rental may be re-priced at the daily rate. Ask before you drop off early.

Weekend rates work the other way. Downtown and neighborhood branches used by business renters during the week can be cheaper over weekends, while leisure airports can be busier then.

Which counter add-ons can you safely skip?

See every fee explained and toll fees by company before you get to the counter.

How do you avoid paying for extra drivers?

• Know your state's law. In California, a 2022 law stops companies charging an extra-driver fee for a spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or co-worker on a work trip. New York caps the fee for each additional driver.
• Use a membership. AAA at Hertz, AARP at Avis and Budget, and some loyalty programs include free extra drivers. See the membership table above.
• Check your booking channel. Some membership travel programs include a free extra driver in the rate.
• Only add who will really drive. Each extra driver usually costs per day.

Does picking up away from the airport really save money?

Often, on longer rentals. Airport locations add airport charges that neighborhood branches don't, and the gap can be meaningful over a week. Weigh it against the cost and time of getting to the branch, and its hours: many close evenings and Sundays. Our airport counter finder shows which companies sit at each airport, and our agents can price the nearest city branches for you.

Is booking the smallest car and hoping for an upgrade a good idea?

Sometimes it works: when a location runs out of small cars, you may be moved up a class at no charge. But it's a gamble, especially at busy times. If you genuinely need space for people and bags, book the right size. An upgrade bought at the counter is usually more expensive than booking the bigger car in the first place.

Why do prices jump around holidays and big events?

Rental fleets are fixed in the short term, so when demand jumps, prices follow. Holiday weeks, spring break, big conferences, college graduations and major sports events can all push prices up in a city. If your dates touch one of these, book early with free cancellation and keep checking. A nearby airport or a branch outside the event area can be much cheaper. See renting for holiday travel.

Are travel sites and membership travel programs cheaper?

Sometimes. Travel sites and membership travel programs can show lower rates or include extras such as a free extra driver. Compare the full total and the cancellation terms, and know who controls the booking: changes and refunds often go through the site, not the rental counter. Loyalty perks and skipping the counter may not apply to some third-party bookings. See Costco Travel bookings and loyalty programs.

What's the cheapest way to handle fuel?

For most trips, returning the car full on a full-to-full policy and buying fuel yourself is cheapest. Fill up a few miles from the return, not right next to the airport where prices are often higher, and keep the receipt. Prepaid fuel only saves money if you return the tank nearly empty, because you usually don't get money back for what's left. Letting the company refuel the car is almost always the most expensive choice. See fuel charges after filling up.

What's the smartest order to check for savings?

1. Memberships and work rates you already have: AAA, AARP, USAA, military, employer.
2. Your card's rental cover, so you know which counter add-ons to decline.
3. Airport versus nearby branches for your dates.
4. Trip length: price a full week if you're close to seven days.
5. Free cancellation, then keep checking and rebook if the price drops.
6. Fuel and tolls: plan the return and the route.