Rental car discount codes: what's safe to use
The short answer
The safe discounts are the public ones and the ones you're genuinely entitled to, such as a membership you hold. Codes found online for a company you don't work for can be removed at the counter, leaving you paying the full rate, and can cause bigger problems if something goes wrong. We can find the best discount you're entitled to and apply it for you.
Free call. We answer 24/7, every day of the year.
Or leave your number and we'll call you back.
If this is you right now
You've found a code on a forum that knocks a third off the price. It looks too good to pass up, but you're not sure what happens when the counter asks why you're using it.
What kinds of rental car discounts are there?
- Pay now discounts: cheaper if you pay upfront, but often with strict cancellation rules.
- Longer rentals: many companies discount rentals of five days or more, or a week.
- Memberships: warehouse clubs, motoring clubs and some senior organisations have negotiated rates, and some waive extras such as the young driver fee. You usually have to show the membership card at the counter.
- Upgrades and seasonal sales: a free class upgrade, flash sales and last-minute deals.
- Loyalty programs: free to join and sometimes worth a small discount.
Is it safe to use a corporate discount code?
Only if you're entitled to it. Corporate codes are negotiated for a specific employer's staff. If you can't show you're entitled to one, the counter can remove it and charge the full rate, and the rental company may restrict your account. If there's an accident, a rate you weren't entitled to can also complicate how the cover works. The saving rarely justifies the risk.
What catches people out with rental car deals?
- Expired offers that are still online. Several rental companies still have old offer pages live, some showing deals that ended years ago.
- Pay now refund rules. The discount is real, but the refund rules if your plans change are often stricter, and you may need to show the same card you paid with.
- Codes don't stack. Most can't be combined with any other offer.
- Base rate only. Discounts usually apply to the base rate, not to taxes, airport fees, young driver fees, one-way fees or fuel.
- Notice periods. Many offers need booking at least 24 hours ahead.
Want the best rate you're actually entitled to? Leave your number and we'll check it for your booking.
Questions people ask
Can I use a corporate code for a rental car if I don't work there?
It isn't safe. The counter can ask for proof, remove the code and charge the full rate, and it can cause problems with your account or your cover. Use public deals or codes for memberships you actually hold.
Do rental car discount codes apply to taxes and fees?
Usually not. Most discounts apply to the base rate only, so taxes, airport fees, young driver fees and extras are charged in full.
Is pay now cheaper for rental cars?
Often, yes, but pay now bookings usually have stricter cancellation and refund rules. Check them before you choose.
Can someone find me a rental car discount?
Yes. Leave your number and a OneCall agent checks the deals and memberships you're entitled to and applies the right one for your booking.
Related help
- Book a new rental with an agent
- How to rent a car at a US airport
- Under 25: refused or charged extra
- What you need to rent a car
OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.
What happens when you call
Leave your name and number
That's all we need to start.
A real person calls you back
During our hours, 24/7, every day of the year. They stay with you until it's sorted.
We find you a way forward
And explain it in plain words.
You see everything in writing before you pay a cent
Nothing is charged until you say yes.
Pickup, drop-off, and everything in between. You've always got someone.
Planning a rental? Talk it through first
Tell us where and when. Your agent compares your options, spots the fees most people miss, and tells you the real total before you book.
Free call. We answer 24/7, every day of the year.