If you’re planning a trip and want to cut down on car rental costs, one of the best-kept secrets is Costco Travel Car Rental. Costco is well-known for its warehouse discounts and bulk grocery sales, but few people know that their membership can also give them access to special travel discounts, especially when it comes to car rentals.
Costco Travel helps you find great automobile rentals at competitive prices, whether you’re traveling for business, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. Everything you need to know about Costco Travel Car Rental is covered in this detailed 2025 guide, including how it works, its benefits, insider tips, and how Costco is able to offer its members such great discounts.
What Is Costco Travel Car Rental?
Costco Travel Car Rental is a benefit offered by Costco Travel, a division of Costco Wholesale, which gives members access to exclusive travel deals. The website offers exclusive member discounts and perks, such as a free additional driver and no hidden fees, partnering with well-known rental companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.
Costco Travel deals directly with rental providers and passes the savings on to you, unlike many third-party websites that charge commissions or fees.
Why Choose Costco Travel for Your Car Rental?
Beyond price, Costco’s travel services are unique for several practical reasons. Here’s why travelers always love it:
1. Exclusive member discounts
When you’re a Costco member, you can rent a car for less than retail, something the general public can’t do. Compared to other booking services, these discounts can save you anywhere from 10% to 25%.
2. Free additional driver
The cost of hiring a second driver is usually higher, ranging from $10 to $15 per day. However, with most reservations, Costco Travel offers a free additional driver.
3. Clear pricing
There are no unpleasant surprises. Before you pick up the car, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay because all taxes, fees, and prices are disclosed up front.
4. Adaptive Cancellation
Costco knows that plans change sometimes. Before pickup, you can change or cancel your reservation at any time without penalty.
5. Easy Comparison
Using the platform to quickly compare prices from several major rental businesses, you can choose the best price and automobile category in minutes.
6. Trusted Partners
Each rental partner under Costco Travel is a reputable, well-known business with thousands of locations worldwide, ensuring exceptional service, safety, and convenience no matter where you go.
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How to Book a Costco Travel Car Rental
Booking your car with Costco Travel is quick and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- From the main menu, select “Rental Cars.”
- Enter your pickup and drop-off times, dates, and locations.
- Decide whether you want a premium, SUV, compact, or economy car.
- Check out deals offered by Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.
- Select the option that best fits your needs and budget.
- Enter your Costco membership information to log in.
- Confirm your reservation; an email with pickup information will be sent to you.
Most rentals do not require a down payment. Payment is made directly to the rental business at the time of collection.
Top Rental Partners with Costco Travel
Four leading rental car companies partner with Costco Travel to offer a variety of car types, prices, and amenities.
1. Alamo Rent a Car
Great for leisure and family travel. Known for its extensive inventory of SUVs and minivans, self-service kiosks, and welcoming staff.
2. Avis Rental Cars
Favored by upscale and business travelers. Offers fast airport check-in service and newer, more luxurious models.
3. Low-Cost Vehicle Rentals
A popular option for budget-conscious travelers who still want reliability. Offers discounted weekly rates and frequent promotions.
4. Enterprise Car Rentals
Recognized for providing easy local pickup service and exceptional customer service. A great option for both short-term and long-term leases.
Types of Cars Available Through Costco Travel
Costco Travel has cars available for a variety of trips:
| Type of Car | Perfect For | Model Examples |
| Economy | Solo trips or short drives | Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio |
| Compact | Couples, light luggage | Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra |
| Midsize | Small families | Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord |
| SUV | Family vacations | Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 |
| Minivan | Large groups | Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Caravan |
| Luxury | Business travel or special occasions | BMW 3 Series, Cadillac XT5 |
Some rentals may include free upgrades, depending on partner offerings and available vehicles.
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How Costco Negotiates the Best Car Rental Deals for Members
How Costco Travel is able to get such amazing deals is one of their most interesting features. Contrary to popular belief, Costco is much more strategic than just listing third-party prices.
Here’s how the backend works:
1. Power in Bulk Negotiation
With over 125 million members worldwide, Costco uses its vast membership base to pressure car rental companies to lower their rates. Rental brands are willing to offer special discounted rates that the average customer rarely sees because they know Costco can bring them large booking volumes.
2. Guaranteed Reservations for Partners
Costco provides a consistent flow of reservations to its rental partners in exchange for lower prices. For Costco members, this mutual connection guarantees stable availability and reasonable costs.
3. Lower marketing costs for rental businesses
Instead of spending a lot of money on advertising or commissions through OTAs (online travel agencies), rental companies like Alamo or Enterprise save money by marketing directly to Costco members. You, the end consumer, pay less as a result of these savings.
4. Increased collaboration
With Costco’s long-term agreements, members can count on consistently low prices year-round, not just during flash sales, as opposed to the temporary bargains found on travel websites.
5. Member-focused terms
Costco makes sure that every partner agreement includes transparent, customer-friendly terms, such as free cancellation and a free additional driver, as it cultivates its reputation for fairness.
In short, Costco can act as a travel wholesaler by cutting out the middleman and passing the savings on to its members because of its reputation for scale and reliability. This is the main reason why Costco Travel Car Rental continues to offer lower prices compared to other online booking platforms.
Tips to Save Even More on Costco Travel Car Rental
While Costco already sells great deals, there are some clever ways to save even more:
- Book early: Book your tickets at a lower price before demand peaks.
- Avoid airport rentals; they’re often cheaper outside the airport.
- Check prices again: There are no cancellation fees if the price changes, making it easy to rebook.
- Use a rewards card: The Costco Anywhere Visa® offers 3% cash back on travel.
- Check and take a picture: Always make sure the car is in good condition before leaving the lot.
- Participate in loyalty programs: Enter your Alamo, Avis, or Enterprise membership number to receive incentives.
Pros and Cons of Using Costco Travel Car Rental
Pros
- Special fares for members only
- Free additional driver
- No advance payment required.
- Clear and comprehensive pricing
- Cooperation with reputable rental companies
- Free cancellation anytime before pickup
Cons
- Costco members only.
- Only four rental partners.
- Several regional or smaller rental brands not listed.
For most tourists, especially those who already have a Costco membership, the benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
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Is Costco Travel Car Rental Available Worldwide?
Of course! Depending on partner availability, Costco Travel Car Rental offers services in the United States as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, and Australia.
Please note that not all brands are available everywhere and discounts may vary slightly by country. However, the procedures and benefits for members are the same everywhere.
Common Myths About Costco Travel Car Rental
Like any well-known service, Costco Travel Car Rental has a few common misconceptions that can confuse new customers. Let’s break them down:
Misconception 1: Payment is required in advance
Not true. Most Costco Travel car rentals do not require prepayment. You usually have to pay at the counter when you pick up your rental car.
Misconception 2: The savings aren’t real
Not true. Costco Travel negotiates directly with rental businesses to offer exclusive member rates. Several independent comparisons have revealed savings of 10% to 25% compared to alternative platforms.
Misconception 3: Loyalty points are not earned
Not true. You can still earn rewards and benefits by adding your rental business’s loyalty number (such as Alamo Insiders, Budget Fastbreak, or Enterprise Plus) when you make your reservation through Costco.
Misconception 4: Only regular cars are available
Not true. Depending on availability and location, Costco Travel offers a wide variety of cars, from affordable models to high-end vehicles.
Misconception 5: Cancellations are difficult
Again, false. A major advantage of Costco over other travel websites is the ability to cancel online at any time before pickup, with no fees.
Members can book with confidence and take full advantage of Costco’s travel platform by being aware of this information.
Final Thoughts: Is Costco Travel Car Rental Worth It in 2025?
If you’re a Costco member, Costco Travel Car Rental is one of the best ways to book your next rental car. Unbeatable savings, flexible schedules, no hidden fees, and the ease of comparing top brands all in one place are yours.
Costco Travel guarantees you’ll always get value, reliability, and peace of mind, whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just need a car for the weekend.
Check out Costco Travel before you book your next rental; you might be surprised by the savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a Costco membership required to rent a car through Costco Travel?
Yes, to enjoy the Costco Travel discounts and benefits, you must have an active membership.
2. Is payment required at the time of booking?
No. You can pay at the rental counter when you pick up the car.
3. Can I include insurance with my reservation?
Yes, you can use the rental coverage on your credit card or the supplemental insurance that rental businesses offer at the time of pickup.
4. Is it possible to rent abroad?
Yes, depending on your final location and the availability of partner companies.
5. Is it true that Costco Travel offers lower prices?
Yes, users generally find cheaper prices than other trip booking websites.
6. Does Costco Travel show all costs upfront?
Yes. A detailed list of all taxes, fees, and surcharges is provided before booking confirmation.