Save more with car rental discount codes and deals 2026
Car rentals are one of those things that always seem to cause stress and irritation, with fluctuating pricing, hidden extras and fees, the stress of driving in a foreign country and the list goes on. To help ease the pain, we’ve curated a list of car rental discount codes for travellers looking to reduce their costs while enjoying a great holiday (and hopefully not getting into a bingle).
Latest car rental discount codes and promotions
Benefits of using rental car discount codes
Cost Savings
Promo codes can involve a percentage discount off the total price, a fixed amount off, or a reduced daily rate.
Added Perks
Some promo codes include free upgrades, such as a larger car category, free GPS rental, or additional driver privileges at no extra cost.
Special Offers for Longer Rentals
Many promo codes are tailored for extended rentals, offering discounts for renting a vehicle for a week or more.
Seasonal Discounts
Promo codes may coincide with holiday or seasonal promotions, helping you save money during peak travel times when rental rates are usually higher.
Exclusive Deals for Members or Partners
Promo codes provided through memberships, credit cards, or partnerships (e.g., AAA, AARP, or airline loyalty programs) can include unique benefits or better deals than standard pricing.
Customizable Options
Some promo codes deliver a real cost savings, albeit not on your daily rate – these include reduced fees for insurance coverage, unlimited mileage, or flexible return times.
Ease of Comparison
Using promo codes lets you quickly compare final prices across different rental companies, ensuring you get the best deal.
Budget Planning
By reducing your rental costs upfront, promo codes can help you allocate more of your travel budget to other expenses, such as accommodations or activities.
Tips for Maximizing Promo Code Benefits:
- Combine a promo code with a loyalty programs to earn rewards points.
- Check terms and conditions for restrictions, such as blackout dates or eligibility requirements.
By applying these promo codes at checkout, travellers can secure better rates and additional benefits that enhance their overall experience. It’s essential to be mindful of the terms and conditions associated with each code, including expiration dates and eligibility requirements, to ensure a seamless booking process and make the most of available savings.
Rental car companies we cover
Avis
Almost everyone has heard of Avis. Positioned at all major airport and in every city, Avis has a reliable and quality fleet to choose from, which includes compact cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles, and trucks.
Consider using the Avis Preferred loyalty program, which offers benefits such as faster bookings, priority service, and exclusive offers.
Hertz
Hertz Australia is a major competitor to Avis and is also known for its extensive network and reliable service across Australia. It offers a range of vehicles, from SUVs, and compact cars to luxury and eco-friendly options
Hertz
Consider joining the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program which includes perks such as skipping the line with faster checkout and redeeming points for free rental days.
Europcar
Europcar is a another global car rental company, spanning 140 countries. Europcar offers a number of innovative mobility solutions such as long-term rentals, chauffeur services, and car-sharing options.
Europcar
Consider joining the loyalty program “Privilege For You” – you'll nearly always receive a discount on rentals.
Budget
Budget has competitive pricing and frequent promotions making it easy for customers to find deals that fit their travel plans. Budget is a subsidiary of Avis.
Budget
Consider joining Budget Fastbreak to skip the line, avoid the paperwork and get into the car.
We also include National Car Rental and Apex Car Rentals for completeness.
FAQ: Car rental discount codes
Can I use a car rental discount code on prepaid and pay-later bookings?
It will depend on the rental company. Many discount codes will only apply to prepaid bookings made online, while others also work with pay-later options. You must always check the terms before finalising your reservation.
Why isn’t my car rental discount code reducing the total price?
Discount codes may exclude taxes, airport surcharges, insurance add-ons, or premium vehicles. Ensure the code is correctly entered and that your booking meets the minimum spend, location, and travel date requirements.
Can I combine car rental discount codes with loyalty or membership discounts?
Usually not. Car rental companies usually allow only one promotion per booking, so you’ll need to choose between a discount code or a loyalty/member rate — whichever offers the better saving.
Other useful car rental links
The Car Rental Code of Practice is a good place to start if you have a dispute or are unsure of the obligations surrounding a rental car.