FAQs from Avis Rent a Car
Does Avis offer a student discount?
Avis doesn't currently advertise a dedicated student discount on its main site. However, students can still find savings by checking the Offers section on Avis.com, signing up to the Avis email list for exclusive deals, and browsing the latest codes on VoucherCloud. The Pay Now option is also a reliable way to reduce costs, saving up to 35% off base rates regardless of whether you're a student.
What is an Avis AWD code and how do I use it?
An AWD (Avis Worldwide Discount) code is a unique identifier that unlocks specific discounted rates when you book a rental. You enter it in the designated AWD field during the booking process on Avis.com, usually found in the "Special Offers" section before you select your car. It's best to enter it at the start of your search so the discounted rates are shown from the outset. AWD codes can be used alongside some coupon codes, as they occupy separate fields in the booking form.
How does the Avis Best Price Pledge work?
If you find a lower qualifying Avis rate on a third-party website within 24 hours of making your booking, Avis will match that base rate and apply an additional discount on top. To be eligible, your reservation must have been made directly on Avis.com at least 72 hours before your pick-up time, and the comparison rental must have identical details: same location, dates, car group, and terms.
What is Avis Preferred and is it free to join?
Yes, Avis Preferred is completely free to join. It's Avis's loyalty programme, and members earn points on every qualifying dollar spent: 1 point per $1 on rentals and 2 points per $1 on accessories. Points can be redeemed for free rental days (starting from 700 points) and accessories. Members also benefit from expedited service, the ability to go straight to their vehicle at most locations, and exclusive monthly email offers.
Can I save money by booking through the Avis app?
Yes. The Avis mobile app offers exclusive discount codes and early access to promotions that aren't available on the main website. Booking through the app also means your rentals count towards your Avis Preferred tier progression, so it's a good habit to get into if you rent regularly.
What discounts are available for AARP or military members?
Both groups can access significant savings with Avis:
- AARP members can save up to 35% off base rates in the US and Canada, and also benefit from one free additional driver and reduced GPS rental rates.
- Military members, veterans, and their families can save up to 35% off Pay Now rates when verified through WeSalute.
Make sure to enter your membership details before completing your booking to ensure the discount is applied correctly.
Does Avis charge extra for young drivers?
Yes, an additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under the age of 25. The minimum rental age can also vary depending on the location, so it's worth checking the specific terms for your pick-up point before you book.
What is the Avis flash sale and which locations does it cover?
The Avis flash sale offers up to 30% off already discounted rates at a wide range of US airports and cities. Participating locations include Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Phoenix (PHX), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami, Boston, Denver, Detroit, and Orlando, among many others. Bookings must be made before 30 June 2026, with rentals starting no later than 31 August 2026. The discount applies to time and mileage charges only.
Are there savings available for renting a car for a week or longer?
Yes. Renting for five days or more often unlocks better daily rates with Avis. There's a 10% discount available on rentals of five days or more at neighbourhood locations, and weekly rates carry their own dedicated savings. Weekly rates require a minimum five-day rental period, and weekend rates are available from Thursday noon, with the car returned by Monday at 11:59pm.
Can I cancel an Avis booking if my plans change?
The cancellation terms depend on the type of booking you made:
- Non-prepaid reservations: these can generally be cancelled without a fee.
- Prepaid (Pay Now) bookings cancelled 24 hours or more before pick-up: a $50 cancellation fee applies.
- Prepaid (Pay Now) bookings cancelled within 24 hours of pick-up: a $150 cancellation fee applies.
- No-shows on prepaid bookings: no refund is given.
It's always worth reviewing the specific terms on your booking confirmation before cancelling.
How to Save Money on Every Avis Car Hire
Avis offers a solid range of ways to bring down the cost of your car rental, from upfront payment discounts and loyalty rewards to flash sales and membership perks. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer road trip, there's usually a saving available if you know where to look. This guide covers everything you need to make the most of what's on offer.
How to Use an Avis Discount Code
Applying a discount or promo code when booking with Avis is straightforward. Here's how to do it:
- Head to Avis.com and enter your pick-up location, dates, and times.
- Click through to the car selection page and choose your vehicle.
- On the reservation details page, look for the AWD or coupon code field, usually found in the "Special Offers" or "Discounts" section.
- Enter your valid code and click "Apply" to see the updated rate.
- Complete your booking details and confirm your reservation.
It's worth entering your AWD discount code or coupon at the start of the booking process, as some codes affect which rates and car groups are displayed. If you're unsure which code to use, check the latest offers on VoucherCloud before you start.
Pay Now and Save Up to 35%
One of the most reliable ways to reduce your Avis hire cost is to choose the Pay Now option at the time of booking. By paying upfront rather than at the counter, you can save up to 35% off base rates at participating locations. This applies to time and mileage charges and is available to both UK and international customers booking through Avis.com.
Pay Now bookings are also covered by the Avis Best Price Pledge. If you find a lower qualifying Avis rate on a third-party site within 24 hours of booking, Avis will match it and apply an additional discount on top. Your reservation needs to be made at least 72 hours before pick-up for this to apply.
Flash Sales: Up to 30% Off at Select Airports
Avis runs limited-time flash sales that stack extra savings on top of already reduced rates. The current flash sale offers up to 30% off at a wide range of US airports and city locations, including Los Angeles (LAX), New York JFK, Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and many more. Bookings need to be made before 30 June 2026, with rentals starting no later than 31 August 2026.
The discount applies to time and mileage charges only. Taxes, fees, and surcharges are calculated separately. Check the full list of participating locations on Avis.com to see if your preferred airport is included.
Save More on Longer Rentals
If your trip allows for a little flexibility, booking for longer can unlock better daily rates. Avis offers 10% off rentals of five days or more at neighbourhood locations, and weekly rates come with their own dedicated discounts. Renting for a full week means you're often paying significantly less per day than on a shorter hire.
One-way rentals are also available from $20.99 per day on selected routes, particularly useful if you're travelling from Florida to the northeast US and don't want to double back.
Avis Preferred: Free Loyalty Programme with Real Rewards
Signing up to Avis Preferred is free and gives you access to a range of perks that add up over time.
How You Earn Points
Members earn points on every qualifying dollar spent: 1 point per $1 on qualifying rentals and 2 points per $1 on accessories. You'll also receive 100 bonus points when you complete your first rental within three months of joining. As you rent more, you move through membership tiers, each offering accelerated point earning and additional benefits.
What You Can Do with Your Points
- Free rental days from 700 points, with no blackout periods
- Accessory rewards from 250 points per day
- Expedited service and the ability to go straight to your vehicle at most locations
- Exclusive monthly email offers and early access to promotions
It's a genuinely useful programme if you rent cars regularly, whether for business or leisure.
App-Only Discounts and Early Access to Deals
Downloading the Avis mobile app gives you access to exclusive discount codes and promotions that aren't available on the main website. App users also get early access to sales before they go live more broadly, which can make a real difference during busy travel periods. Points earned through app bookings count towards your Avis Preferred tier, so it's worth making the app your default booking method if you rent frequently.
Member and Group Discounts Worth Knowing About
Avis offers reduced rates for a number of specific groups and membership schemes. While availability and terms vary, the following are worth checking if they apply to you.
AARP Members
AARP members can save up to 35% off base rates in the US and Canada, plus benefit from one free additional driver and discounted GPS rates.
Military and Veterans
Active duty personnel, National Guard members, veterans, and their families can save up to 35% off Pay Now rates when verified through WeSalute.
AAA Members
AAA members can save up to 25% off Pay Later base rates at participating locations.
Avis for Business Members
Business members can save up to 30% off base rates and earn free rental days as part of the programme.
If you're a member of any of these organisations, log in or enter your membership details before completing a booking to make sure the discount is applied correctly.
Free Vehicle Upgrade Offer
Avis occasionally offers a complimentary one-class vehicle upgrade, moving you from an intermediate car up to a full-size four-door, with a maximum upgrade to a Prestige vehicle. This is subject to availability at pick-up and requires a 24-hour advance reservation. It's a handy perk if you'd like a little extra comfort without paying for a higher category upfront.
Try Before You Commit: Test Drive Offer
Avis offers a no-risk test drive option. You can take a vehicle for a 2-hour test drive free of charge, or rent for up to three days at a reduced rate. This is particularly useful if you're considering purchasing a vehicle and want to get a feel for it first.