If you’re a Costco member, you likely already know about the great savings on groceries and household essentials. But what many don’t realize is that your membership also unlocks exclusive travel deals—especially when it comes to renting a car. Costco Car Rental is part of Costco Travel, a hidden gem that allows members to reserve rental cars at discounted rates from some of the most trusted rental companies. Whether you’re planning a road trip, flying into another city, or just need a car for a few days, this service can help you save both time and money—without the hassle.
In this guide, we’ll break down how Costco Car Rental works, who it’s for, how much you can save, and why it’s often one of the smartest ways to rent a vehicle in 2025. If you’ve ever rented a car before and felt overwhelmed by confusing fees, restrictions, or unclear pricing, you’ll appreciate how straightforward this program is. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Quick Bio Information
| Service Name | Costco Car Rental |
|---|---|
| Powered By | Costco Travel |
| Rental Partners | Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise |
| Member Requirement | Costco Membership (Gold Star or Executive) |
| Minimum Age | 25 and older |
| Booking Method | Online at CostcoTravel.com or by phone |
| Included Perks | Free extra driver, no booking fees |
| Payment Due | At pickup, not at reservation |
| Cancellation Fees | None |
| Main Benefit | Discounted rental car prices |
What Costco Car Rental Is And Why It’s Unique
Costco Car Rental is not a rental company itself—it’s a booking platform offered through Costco Travel, which partners with major rental car brands to offer members exclusive pricing. The program includes rentals from Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, four of the most recognized and widely available companies in the U.S. and abroad.
What sets Costco apart is its ability to use its large member base as leverage to negotiate lower rates. Instead of shopping around on multiple websites, Costco members can compare options all in one place—and often find lower prices than booking directly. This convenience, combined with no hidden fees and generous rental perks, makes Costco Car Rental stand out from typical travel booking sites.
Who Can Use Costco Car Rental And What You Need
To access Costco’s car rental discounts, you must be a Costco member—either a Gold Star or Executive member. In addition, all renters using the Costco Travel car rental platform must be at least 25 years old, regardless of which rental agency they choose. While some car rental companies do allow younger drivers (typically with a surcharge), this restriction applies across the board for all Costco bookings.
You’ll also need a valid driver’s license and, in most cases, a major credit card to complete your rental at pickup. A few rental locations may accept debit cards, but those policies vary and may include additional requirements or security holds.
Rental Companies That Partner With Costco
Costco works with four of the most reliable names in the rental car business:
Alamo: Known for family-friendly service and great airport availability.
Avis: Offers a wide range of vehicles and a solid loyalty program.
Budget: A popular option for affordable rates on economy and compact cars.
Enterprise: Often praised for its customer service and flexible return policies.
You can compare pricing and availability from all four companies side-by-side on the Costco Travel website. Depending on your location and travel dates, some companies may offer better deals or more vehicle options than others.
How To Book A Rental Car Through Costco Travel
Booking a car through Costco is simple and straightforward. You can either visit CostcoTravel.com or call 1-866-921-7925. Once on the site, click on the “Rental Cars” tab. You’ll be prompted to enter:
Your pick-up and drop-off locations
Dates and times for rental
Whether you want to return the car to a different location
Once you enter your information and confirm you’re over 25, the site will show you available options. You can even compare up to four rental locations at once, helping you spot the best price without opening multiple tabs or making extra calls.
Comparing Vehicles And Finding The Best Price
One of the best features of the Costco car rental booking platform is its comparison grid. After you select your preferred locations, you’ll see a clear list of available vehicle categories—like compact, midsize, SUV, or minivan—along with the lowest price available for each.
The grid highlights the most affordable price in each category and shows you which brand is offering it. You’ll also see an example vehicle (like a Ford Edge or Toyota Corolla), though the final model may vary. This comparison tool makes it easy to choose the right car based on your budget and needs—without any guessing.
What’s Included With Costco Car Rentals
When you book a car rental through Costco, you’re getting more than just a discounted rate. Most bookings also come with helpful built-in perks like:
Unlimited mileage: So you can drive without worrying about extra charges
Free additional driver: No extra fee to add a spouse or partner to the rental
No booking fees: You pay nothing upfront when reserving your vehicle
Easy cancellations: Plans changed? Cancel anytime without penalty
These benefits can add up quickly. Many rental companies charge $10–$15 per day for an extra driver alone, so this perk alone can save you quite a bit.
Optional Add-Ons And Extra Features
Depending on the rental agency and vehicle type, you may have the option to add features like:
GPS navigation systems
Satellite radio
Wi-Fi hotspots
Child safety seats
While these extras are not included in the base price, they will be clearly displayed on the booking page. You can choose whether to add them and see the updated total cost before finalizing your reservation.
Payment, Pickup, And What To Expect
Another great thing about Costco Car Rental is that you don’t have to pay upfront. Unlike many booking sites that require full payment in advance, Costco allows you to reserve now and pay at the rental counter when you pick up your car.
Just remember: You’ll need a valid Costco membership number when reserving online, and you’ll likely need a credit card to complete the pickup process. While some locations may allow debit cards, this varies, so it’s best to check ahead of time if that’s your only option.
How Much Money Can You Actually Save
Savings will vary depending on the rental company, travel dates, and car class, but many members report saving up to 25% compared to booking directly. Costco often includes additional drivers and removes hidden fees, which adds even more value.
For example, if the base rate for a midsize SUV is $70 per day directly through a rental agency, you might find it on Costco Travel for $60—with unlimited miles and a second driver included. Over the course of a weeklong trip, that adds up to real savings.
Is Costco Car Rental Better Than Other Booking Sites
Compared to platforms like Expedia, Kayak, or Priceline, Costco’s car rental program stands out for three key reasons:
Transparency: No prepayment or hidden fees
Built-in perks: Free driver, no cancellation fees
Exclusive rates: Only available to Costco members
While some third-party travel sites might occasionally offer lower base rates, they often charge extra for things like cancellation or vehicle upgrades. Costco’s flat-rate pricing makes it easier to compare real costs.
Final Thoughts On Costco Car Rental In 2025
Costco Car Rental is one of the best-kept secrets in travel savings. If you’re already a Costco member, there’s no reason not to take advantage of this service when booking your next rental. From the ease of comparing multiple brands to the built-in perks and zero booking fees, the value is clear.
In 2025, with travel demand high and rental car prices fluctuating, this program gives members a simple, trusted way to book cars at lower prices—without the usual confusion or fine print. Whether you’re heading out for vacation, business, or just a weekend getaway, booking your rental through Costco is a smart move that can save you money and stress.
FAQs About Costco Car Rental
How Do I Book A Rental Through Costco?
You can book a car online at CostcoTravel.com or call 1-866-921-7925. You must be logged in with your Costco membership account.
Is Costco Car Rental Cheaper Than Booking Directly?
Yes, in many cases. Costco negotiates lower rates and includes perks like free extra drivers and no cancellation fees.
Can I Use Costco Car Rental Internationally?
Yes, but availability depends on your destination. Check the Costco Travel website to see if rentals are offered at your international location.
Do I Need To Pay Upfront For My Rental?
No. You only pay at the rental counter when you pick up your car. No credit card is required to reserve online.
Can I Cancel My Costco Car Rental?
Yes, you can cancel at any time with no penalty or fees.
Is Insurance Included With Costco Car Rental?
Insurance is not included by default. You can purchase coverage from the rental agency or use coverage provided by your credit card.
Can I Rent A Car If I’m Under 25?
No. Costco Travel only allows members aged 25 and over to reserve rental cars through the platform.
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