Boosting your savings rate isn’t just about belt-tightening or resisting impulse purchases. Whether through payroll direct deposit or automatic transfers from checking into your high-yield savings account, you can make saving easier and stick to your goals. Here are some ways to get started:
Look for Discount Codes
There are several different ways to score car rental discounts, from memberships in organizations to the programs offered by credit cards. In addition, car rental companies often offer coupons through their online booking portals. These can be especially useful for repeat customers. For additional savings, explore the potential of Budget Car Rental coupons.
Supply and demand determine how much a car rental costs, so keeping an eye out for sales is always a good idea. Checking the websites of the various rental car companies and following them on social media are easy ways to stay on top of the best prices.
Also, consider booking through a travel shopping portal to earn cashback or frequent flyer rewards. These are a great way to save on car rentals, and they can add up quickly when used regularly for a more hands-free approach, which compares prices and discounts for various vehicles at multiple locations for you. It even alerts you if the rate drops, allowing you to cancel your initial reservation and rebook for a better price.
Check with Your Employer or Organization
Whether you’re in the market to rent a car for a business trip or you’re on a road trip, there are ways to cut costs. These insider tips include using coupon codes and using perks built into a frequent flyer or credit card program.
Some employers and organizations offer discounts through partnerships with rental car companies, so check if you have an affiliation before booking your vehicle. Memberships also often provide discount rates for their members, as do many credit cards.
It’s common for rental car agencies to add extra fees to your bill, so beware of hidden charges and be careful with the online reservation process. Rental agents may also try to sell you services like roadside assistance, satellite radio, and GPS navigation systems. Unless you need the extra protection of a GPS or are concerned about getting lost, resist their pitch. These extra costs might mount up rapidly and throw off your vacation schedule. And don’t remember to prepay for fuel to avoid overpaying at the gas station.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Planning when making your reservation is a good idea because car rental costs can change based on demand and the time of year. For example, peak travel times like spring break or the summer vacation season will be more expensive than other times of the year. Also, weekday rentals tend to be cheaper than weekend rates. Additionally, adjusting your pickup or drop-off times may also lower the price.
Finally, consider signing up for a loyalty program to enjoy special perks and benefits. Many rental car companies offer discounts to loyalty program members, including free rentals.
A car rental coupon is an excellent way to save money on your next vacation. It is imperative, though, to be adaptable when choosing your trip dates and to take advantage of sales that might result in significant discounts. Furthermore, taking advantage of online comparison websites and leveraging credit card benefits can make the difference between paying the total price and saving big! You can find great deals and snag amazing discounts on your next trip with time and persistence.
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Check the Fine Print
Renting a car can be more expensive than expected, especially with all the extra fees and insurance considerations. To help you avoid these costly surprises, USA TODAY spoke with experts to learn their top tips for saving on rental cars.
One of the best ways to save is by checking for promo codes before making a reservation. Many car rental companies offer exclusive coupon codes on their websites or email newsletters. You can also sign up for special deals from a travel rewards credit card that can provide additional discounts on rentals.
It’s also important to check the fine print when deciding whether or not to prepay for your rental car. If you do, consider your schedule carefully, and if you need to cancel, be aware that most rental companies have strict cancellation policies that can result in high fees.
It’s also worth searching for alternative drop-off and pickup locations when possible. For example, it can often be cheaper to return the car at a different time than when you picked it up. Some companies have grace periods that let you avoid paying for an additional day, but if they don’t, you can still find lower hourly rates by searching for a different return location.
Book Early
Many rental car companies have rewards programs that offer perks, such as free upgrades. However, the number of perks available depends on how often you rent, your status in the program, and how much you spend on each reservation.
Whether or not you have a coupon, booking your rental in advance can save you money. As you can imagine, demand increases as the time of your trip draws closer. Consequently, prices increase as well.
By booking early, you can lock in a rate that won’t change for your entire rental period. A recent study showed that booking six months in advance is cheaper if you’re traveling during peak times.
Having your booking in place can also help you avoid the dreaded “prepay for gas” scam. This is one of the worst car rental traps and can leave you with a sour taste, literally and figuratively. To avoid it, use a site like AutoSlash to monitor your booking and search for coupons and price drops up to the day of your pickup.
