Tips and Tricks to Save Money at Hertz

With locations in 145 countries, Hertz has a big presence and the incentive to offer savings that will lure in experienced and infrequent travelers alike. Take advantage of these deals — you just need to know where to find them. We make the search easy with these 10 ways to making sure you're paying the least amount when you rent your next car at Hertz.

Tips for Getting the Best Deals at Hertz

• Sign up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. This program is free to join and allows you to earn points every time you rent a car through Hertz. A free weekend day starts at just 550 points, and you can also use points towards services like fuel purchases, SiriusXM and more.

• Claim frequent traveler points with other travel companies. Hertz partners with a huge number of airlines and hotels that will give you bonus points in their loyalty programs when you rent through Hertz. For example, Delta SkyMiles members will receive 500 miles per car rental (and even more for Silver through Diamond Medallion members). Marriott rewards members receive the same bonus points.

• Try the Manager’s Special. Go for something different and sign up for the Manager’s Special. For an economy-priced vehicle, you’re guaranteed at least that class of car, if not better, depending on what is available at your pick-up location during the time of rental. You’ll always get a car with room for 4 people and 2 pieces of luggage, but you might be surprised with a bigger car at a cheaper price.

• Make sure you price match. Though perhaps not a formal policy, most Hertz locations will price match their competitors, so make sure you do some research before driving off the lot.

• Ask for free upgrades. Use this trick on the day of your rental. Simply ask for a free upgrade – if there is a better, unreserved car available, chances are you might get it.

• Don’t be afraid to complain. Of course, be nice about it, but some say that Hertz is so customer service-oriented that they will give you discounts or coupons if something was not satisfactory with your rental. Whether the car drove a little funny or somehow didn’t meet your standards, let them know when you return. Just like asking for upgrades, it can’t hurt to offer your feedback and hope for something in exchange.

• Use your AAA discount. AAA members can take advantage of a number of promotions, such as an additional 15% off your rental or $15 off a weekend rental.

• Search for online promo codes. Hertz offers multiple codes at the same time but you can only use one; it’s up to you to find them and decide which one will give you the best deal, depending on your rental situation. Would you be better off saving $5 a day or $20 for a 3-day weekend? Find the deal that best applies to your rental to guarantee the best savings.

• Prepay your rental. If your travel plans are firm, pay for your entire rental in advance and save approximately 20% off your booking. This deal counts as a coupon code, however, so make sure it will get you the biggest savings compared to any other deals and promotions you may be eligible for.

• Be careful which credit card you use to pay. Infrequent travelers tend to forget that one, if not all, of their credit cards offer rental car insurance and they end up paying twice for protecting themselves from the costs of a potential accident. Take a look at the policies of your credit cards for rental car insurance before laying the plastic down.

2/2/2023 Update: Hertz is no longer available on CreditDonkey. This offer may have been discontinued or may no longer be available to new customers.