Car rental prices continue to drop, bucking the trend of steep year-over-year price increases across many travel sectors.
A NerdWallet study conducted in April 2026 analyzed over 200 car rental prices across 20 U.S. cities and nine rental companies to better understand pricing trends. Whereas the overall cost of travel is up almost 11% since last 2025, car rental prices are down around 6% over the same period.
We used this data-driven analysis to identify 10 tricks that will help you keep even more money in your pocket during your next car rental.
1. Skip the airport
Renting at the airport is convenient when you’re flying into a new city. But that convenience can come at a premium, thanks to general price increases due to demand, and other costs like airport surcharges.
These surcharges often come as fixed dollar figures, typically presented as a “Customer Facility Charge.” You might also find them as a percentage of your overall rental amount — and sometimes, you’ll owe both. These charges are typically several dollars a day, but can amount to a three-figure charge depending on the length of your trip.
Our analysis compared car rental prices for a seven-day rental booked both seven days and 91 days in advance at airport outposts versus the cost to rent at their nearby downtown counterparts for nine major rental companies.
NerdWallet found that downtown locations were, on average, $126 cheaper than airport locations.
Price out rental locations in the city and compare to what you can get at the airport. Make sure you factor in the cost of a taxi or rideshare to and from your rental location if you rent at a location away from the airport.
2. Shop around online
Look at sites like Kayak, Priceline and AutoSlash to compare your options and narrow in on the best deal.
Then go directly to the car rental company’s site. You might find an even steeper discount that way, particularly with “Pay Now” options. Just keep in mind that rentals paid in advance are typically nonrefundable.
Even after you book, keep shopping. If you didn’t book a nonrefundable rental, you can cancel your reservation if you find a better price.
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3. Comparison shop between brands
Despite names like Dollar and Budget, those bands aren't necessarily the cheapest.
NerdWallet's 2026 rental car study found that Budget, Avis and Sixt ranked among the cheapest rental car companies. The average price for a seven-night rental from Budget was $333. By comparison, a similar rental from National was over double the price at $679.
4. Leverage memberships
Member-only car rental rates are available from a variety of brands, including AAA, Costco and even frequent-flyer programs.
For example, a AAA membership can save you over 20% off the base rate of a rental with Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty. That membership also allows you to add an extra driver for free.
Similar benefits are available through Costco Travel, and Costco executive members can earn 2% back, paid out annually.
Frequent-flyer programs also offer discounts on rental cars. American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members up to 35% off Budget and Avis.
5. Opt for economy cars
Economy cars are typically the cheapest, and therefore the most likely to be booked. You can use this to your advantage, says Brett Graff, a family finance expert and author of a syndicated column called The Home Economist.
“When renting a car, I reserve the smallest, most affordable vehicle possible, knowing there's a chance it won't be on the lot and I'll get an upgrade,” Graff says.
Just don’t book something that’s too small for your party, or you could be stuck cramming five people plus luggage into a two-door coupe.
6. Stick to one driver
Most rental car companies will charge you a fee to add an extra driver, often more than $10 per day.
There are ways to dodge the fee, though. Some companies, such as Enterprise, waive the additional driver fee for a spouse or domestic partner, but you both need to have the same address on your driver’s licenses. Others, including National, waive the fee for spouses, partners and immediate family members if you enroll in their membership program.
You can also leverage other memberships, such as USAA, AARP, AAA or Costco to get a free additional driver with select rental car companies.
7. Use your own insurance
If you have a car, your primary insurance likely covers you when you rent a car. Carless millennials: Have your parents add you as a driver to their insurance. If you have a good driving record, it likely won’t cost any extra.
Many credit cards also include basic insurance coverage if you use the card to pay for your rental. So you can skip it and save about $30 a day on your rental. Some cards even offer more comprehensive coverage.
Renting overseas? You might be required to purchase insurance, even if you have coverage via your primary car insurance and/or your credit card. Build this into your budget.
8. Price out prepaid gas
Use a site like GasBuddy to scope out nearby gas stations and current fuel prices so you can compare against the prepaid price offered by the rental car company.
Factor in how likely it is you will have a near-empty tank upon your return. On a short day or weekend trip, you may just need to top off your tank before returning the car. Longer trips may allow you to roll in on fumes and save a few dollars as you do so.
9. Try alternative car rentals
You might also consider a nontraditional rental car company like Turo. Some operate like the Airbnb of cars, where people rent out their personal cars. Others are operated by related players in the automobile space, like car dealerships. But many of them turn out cheaper than your standard rental car, and many let you book by the hour, which can allow you to avoid paying for hours you’re not actually driving.
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