One way to save money on big purchases is to see if the rental car agency you use offers military discounts. Rental cars often draw in customers by advertising a low “daily price” or by stating that they will lump in a “unlimited miles” agreement on a rental deal. These ideas may sound great on their own, you will often rent a car for $45 a day to find that your total bill for that one day is over $100. This is because rental car agencies make extra money by charging other service fees such as a young driver fee, a cleaning fee, and gasoline fee, an insurance fee, and of course taxes. To save yourself from being hit with a large, surprising check after you reserve your next rental, we want to teach you how to get military discounts on rental cars.

First, always ask whether or not your rental car company offers a military discount and if they can apply it to your bill. There may be different requirements at a business such as needing to see your military ID or getting another form of verification. Either way, asking about the discount is a number one way to find out if they offer one. 

Second, here is a list (VetsWhatsNext.com) of rental car agencies that do, for a fact, offer military discounts.

Veterans Advantage

Veterans Advantage is a nationwide benefits program for those who have served in the United States Military. Their Vet Rewards Exclusive benefits are available for all U.S. veterans and active military including National Guard and Reserves. Families of these service personnel are also eligible for the benefits.

USAA

USAA is another membership program that offers benefits to the military. USAA stands for the United Services Automobile Association (USAA). This financial services group currently serves more than 13 million military members.

Companies that Offer Military Discounts on Rental Cars

Budget

Budget offers up to a 25% military discount on rentals when you enroll in Veterans Advantage. To take advantage of the discount, you must enroll in the paid membership which costs 64.90/year. You can sign up here. You can also receive a military discount with Budget if you are a USAA member.

Avis

Avis also offers up to a 25% off military discount if you are enrolled in Veteran’s Advantage. You can redeem your discount online and by phone. You can also receive a military discount with Avis if you are a USAA member.

Enterprise

Enterprise has a 5% military discount and does not require you to have a membership to any military-related association. However, if you are a USAA member you will receive special benefits in addition to a discounted rate.

Hertz

Military discounts are available at Hertz. As a member of Veterans Advantage, you can receive up to 10% off Hertz base rates. USAA members also receive discounted rates.

Thrifty 

If you are a member of Veterans Advantage, you can receive a 5% military discount on car rentals at Thrifty. 

Thrifty also offers the following benefits on government and military car rentals:

  • For official and government travel, receive free one car-class upgrade
  • Join the Blue Chips Rewards Program without a fee
  • Enjoy convenient airport parking options at all locations nationwide

Alamo

Alamo offers up to a 20% military discount on rental cars. They offer this discount at over 550 car rental locations worldwide.

National

National offers a 20% military discount through Veteran’s Advantage. Members of the US military, veterans, and their families are eligible for this discount.

Dollar

Dollar offers a 5% military discount on their rental cars through the VetRewards program by Veterans Advantage. VetRewards members will receive additional benefits like no fees for addition and underage drivers.

Sixt

Sixt offers a 5% military discount on their extensive fleet of luxury car rentals. No code is needed to book the discount. Simply click on “Book Discount” on this page.