Renting a car shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Many travelers unknowingly pay more than they should simply because they don’t realize how much money they can save with a few insider tips and tricks. The reality is, the listed price isn’t set in stone. Smart planning and a little resourcefulness can go a long way in helping you cut costs. If you really want to save money ways you can save on your next car rental. These tips put the power back in your hands, helping you hold onto your cash and keep travel affordable.

1. Bypass Airport Rentals

Booking a car directly at the airport is like paying extra for convenience that isn’t always worth it. Airport rentals often tack on additional surcharges, including high taxes and location fees, which can add 20-30% or more to your total. Instead of heading straight to the airport counter, look for rental agencies located off-site. Many urban areas or nearby towns have rental offices with significantly lower rates. A quick ride-share or shuttle to an off-site location can save you a substantial amount on your rental, even after the transportation cost is factored in. Taking ten extra minutes to pick up your rental car elsewhere can mean $50 or more in savings.

2. Check Out Local Agencies

Popular rental brands dominate the market, but the lesser-known local companies can be treasure troves for savings. Smaller companies often have lower overhead costs and provide competitive pricing to carve out a niche in the market. They also tend to waive many of the hidden fees you might find with the big players. To avoid surprises, check company reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google. You might get a better deal and a more personalized experience, especially if they don’t charge for extras like mileage. Local businesses often feel the need to go the extra mile to compete, which can mean better service and lower costs for you.

3. Look for Hidden Discounts

Discount codes and partnerships with rental companies are more common than you think. Travel memberships, credit card benefits, and even warehouse clubs like Costco often feature reduced rates or exclusive partnerships with rental agencies. Searching for discount codes from sites like RetailMeNot or Honey can shave as much as 15-30% off your reservation. AAA members frequently get discounted rates with Hertz or Avis. This type of discount stacking is an easy, once-and-done option to bring down the price, especially when paired with other money-saving tips on this list.

4. Don't Get Rental Insurance

Insurance packages offered at rental counters are some of the most profitable upsells for agencies. Customer research tells a different story for whether or not additional insurance coverage is truly needed. Your personal auto insurance plan or credit card likely provides many of the same protections. Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred give travel benefits that often include collision waivers. A quick call to your car insurance provider or card customer service line can verify your coverage, so you avoid unnecessary daily fees that could total upwards of $70 to $100 for just a few days.

5. Play with Rental Periods

Rental rates are not as straightforward as you’d think. One of the lesser-known tricks is that booking a car for longer than you need can lead to a more significant price reduction. A seven-day booking could cost the same or even less than a four-day rental, thanks to special weekly discounts. Some agencies even allow early returns without additional fees, so you aren’t locked into keeping the car longer than you need. Use the booking calculators on rental websites to test different time lengths and spot where those lower weekly rates kick in.

6. Skip the Prepaid Gas

Rental companies love promoting prepaid gas options, pitching them as hassle-free and convenient. The reality is, you’re often paying a premium for the added convenience, especially since agencies charge you for a full tank, even if you return the car half-empty. Instead, plan for one final stop at a local gas station before returning the car. Avoid gas stations near rental lots or airports, though, as they often inflate gas prices knowing tourists are in a rush. Filling up a few miles away is usually far cheaper and involves minimal effort.

7. Use Tools That Monitor Prices

Car rental rates often change, sometimes multiple times a day, depending on supply and demand. Platforms like Auto-Slash are designed to help travelers track these price fluctuations. Enter your current booking details into one of these trackers, and they’ll automatically search for discounts, promo codes, or cheaper last-minute rates. If the system finds a better deal, you’ll receive notifications, letting you adjust your reservation for free with no penalty. This small step helps you always snag the lowest price.

8. Choose the Cheapest Vehicle Class

Bigger doesn’t mean better when you’re trying to save. Compact and economy cars are usually the most affordable in the fleet, and choosing one can save you in two ways. First, the upfront rental cost is lower. Second, these cars consume less gas, making them the most fuel-efficient choice. Some companies overbook compact cars since they’re in high demand, meaning you could even get a free upgrade to a larger vehicle if none are available when you arrive. Either way, this choice gets you behind the wheel for less.

9. Use Credit Card Rewards

Many travel-focused credit cards can save you money on car rentals without you even realizing it. Cards like Capital One Venture or American Express Gold provide perks such as added cashback or bonus travel points specifically for car rentals. Booking directly through your credit card’s travel portal often unlocks exclusive discounted rates. On top of that, using your card to pay can rack up valuable rewards points or miles that can be redeemed for discounts on future trips. With rewards stacking, you can trim costs on multiple bookings over time.