How to Save Money on Car Rentals: 8 Smart Tips for Travelers

Renting a car shouldn’t cost a fortune — but it often does if you don’t know where to look. Between confusing fees, inflated airport rates, and overpriced insurance add-ons, it’s easy to spend way more than you need to. But with a few simple strategies, you can still save a lot on your next rental — no loyalty status or secret membership required.

I’ve rented cars all over the world, and the savings add up fast when you know where to book, what to skip, and which offers are actually worth using. Whether you’re planning a road trip, need a car for the weekend, or looking to explore off the beaten path, these are the best ways I’ve found to save money on car rentals — without sacrificing comfort, safety, or flexibility.

1. Compare Rates Everywhere (Not Just the Usual Sites)

Start with comparison sites like Kayak, Expedia, and Hotwire, but don’t stop there. Some of the best deals show up in places you might overlook — like Hopper. I recently saved over $100 on a three-day rental by booking the exact same vehicle through Hopper instead of a major site.

All to say, it’s a good idea to check all your options every time.

Pro tip: Once you find the cheapest options, go directly to the rental company’s website to see if they offer a better rate. You can often add promo codes, loyalty discounts, or other perks that don’t apply on third-party sites.

2. Avoid Airport Rentals (Seriously)

Renting at the airport is convenient, but that convenience comes at a premium. Many airport rental locations charge extra taxes and fees that can add $50–$100+ to your total.

If you’re flying in, look for rental locations just a few miles away from the airport. I once saved over $150 by picking up a car three miles from Phoenix’s airport — and a quick Uber ride made it easy.

3. Stack Discount Codes and Membership Perks

You probably have access to more discounts than you realize. Once you’ve found a rate you like, check if any of the following apply:

  • Employer or corporate codes
  • Alumni association discounts
  • Credit card partnerships (like Visa or Amex)
  • Memberships (Costco, AAA, AARP, etc.)

You can often stack these with promo codes or public sales. Try searching “[Rental Company] promo code” or “[Company] + discount” to find seasonal offers.

4. Use a Credit Card That Offers Primary Rental Car Insurance

One of the best ways to save is by declining the rental company’s expensive insurance coverage — but only if you’re protected elsewhere.

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer primary rental car coverage, which acts as your main insurance policy if something goes wrong. This means you don’t have to file a claim with your personal auto insurance — and you can skip the overpriced add-ons at the counter.

To qualify, you’ll need to:

  • Pay for the rental with the eligible card
  • Decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW)

Check your card’s benefits guide for full coverage rules, especially if you’re renting internationally.

5. Use AutoSlash to Track Price Drops

AutoSlash is one of the most underrated rental car hacks out there. It’s a free tool that:

  • Tracks your existing booking for price drops
  • Automatically applies discounts based on loyalty programs, credit cards, and memberships
  • Notifies you when it finds a cheaper option

You just enter your rental details and AutoSlash does the rest. It’s not an instant booking engine, but it’s great for monitoring and rebooking if prices fall.

6. Book Early (Then Keep Checking)

Rental prices almost always go up closer to your travel dates — especially during peak season or in high-demand destinations. The best strategy? Book early to lock in a decent rate, then check back often.

Most rental companies let you cancel for free, so if you see a better deal later, just rebook. AutoSlash and other tools can help you monitor this automatically.

7. Avoid Prepaying for Gas

It’s tempting to choose the prepay option for fuel, but it almost always costs more unless you’re returning the tank bone-dry (which… no one ever does). You’ll typically pay a premium price per gallon/liter. Instead, fill up at a local gas station nearby right before drop-off — just don’t wait until you’re pulling into the lot.

8. Check for Card-Linked Rental Car Offers

Before you book, take a quick look at your Amex, Chase, or Capital One offers — these card-linked deals can give you cash back or statement credits just for using the right card at checkout.

For example:

  • Amex Offers regularly has $25–$75 back on brands like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise.
  • Chase Offers sometimes has 10–15% off participating rental car companies.
  • Capital One Shopping can show promo codes or partner deals, especially if you’re renting through third-party sites.

These offers change often and are usually limited-time, so add them to your card before you book. It’s one of the easiest “set it and forget it” ways to save.

Final Thoughts: Car Rental Savings Add Up

You don’t have to spend a fortune on car rentals — even with prices being higher than they used to be. By using just a few of these travel hacks, you can easily save $100–$300 on your next trip (and maybe put that toward a better hotel, a great meal, or your next flight instead).