Costco is one of the best places to score discounts on bulk grocery items. But did you know that a Costco membership can also help you save money on rental cars? The popular warehouse chain has a travel portal called Costco Travel that features members-only discounts on rental cars, cruises, hotels, and even vacation packages. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about the Costco car rental program.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Costco\u2019s car rental program is only available to members. You\u2019ll have to provide your membership number when you book your rental car, and you may be asked to show your Costco card when you pick up the vehicle. But the cost of a Costco membership is usually worth it considering the discounts it gives you access to.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The car rental program is only one section of the broader Costco Travel portal, which offers discounts on hotels, cruises, and vacation packages too. You can bundle your car rental with flights and hotels or choose to make a car rental only reservation. Costco allows you to book your rental car online in the travel portal or by calling customer service at 866-921-7925.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although you can book your rental car on the phone, we prefer to make our reservation online using Costco\u2019s convenient rental car finder. It automatically searches for the best deal based on the travel details you provide, such as the time, date, and pickup and dropoff locations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The tool applies all available coupons as well as your Costco membership discount to get you the lowest price. It also factors in taxes and fees, so the price you see is the price that you\u2019ll pay when you pick up your rental car.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you prefer a certain car rental brand, Costco\u2019s low price finder tool also allows you to specify which company you\u2019d like to go with. Costco partners with four different rental companies to give customers options\u2014Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re making a rental car only reservation that isn\u2019t part of a larger vacation package, you can enter your Avis, Budget, or Enterprise loyalty number during the booking process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Costco car rentals aren\u2019t just available in the United States. You can also book a vehicle if you\u2019re traveling in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, or the UK.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also be glad to know that drivers under the age of 25 can still use Costco\u2019s car rental booking platform. However, you may have to pay an underage driver fee depending on the location and rental company you choose.<\/p>\n
In addition to exclusive members-only savings, Costco\u2019s rental car program provides other perks like waiving the fee for an additional driver at US locations. You can also make your reservation in advance and pay later at the counter. And if you happen to change your mind about your reservation, you won\u2019t be charged any cancellation fees (unless you booked your rental car via phone at a prepay rate).\u00a0<\/p>\n
Executive Members get even more perks, such as an annual 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases, including rental car reservations. Plus, if you pay for your booking with your Costco Anywhere Visa, you can earn an additional 3% cash back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Have you ever booked a rental car or vacation through Costco Travel before? Do you have any other tips for saving money on travel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!\u00a0<\/p>\n