Is Renting A Car Through Costco Travel Worth It For Your Next Road Trip?

Costco is of the largest wholesale corporations globally, with millions of shoppers signing up for memberships to access bulk buys and uber low prices. Deals range and apply to everything from olive oil to gasoline. The store appeals to those looking to stretch their dollars, and they return for reliable deals — prices shift frequently, which turns shopping into somewhat of a game for bargain hunters. This dynamic has built a dedicated community where fans swap tips and celebrate deals on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Despite requiring an annual membership (starting at $65), many shoppers view it as a worthwhile investment thanks to the consistent deals. 

Beyond the warehouse aisles and over-sized shopping carts, one underrated membership perk is Costco Travel, which includes deals on hotels, cruises, vacation packages, and car rentals. The rental car option provides a straightforward way to book vehicles for trips.. Members can simply log in, search for availability in specific locations, and reserve. It's designed for ease, letting members skip some common hassles and focus on the road instead. But does this make it the go-to choice for your next road trip or vacation? For existing members, it's a handy feature, but it doesn't guarantee the lowest rates or the ideal fit for every situation. It could be a great solution for those renting a car for the first time.

Costco Travel leverages its massive scale to negotiate exclusive rates with a handful of established rental car companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. This setup allows members to access vehicles at reduced prices in places like the United States (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Spain, and Germany. The process aims to be super user friendly: If you are over 25 with a valid driver's license and an active membership, you can use Costco's online tool to compare car options side by side. All the taxes and fees and baked into the quoted price for transparency and efficiency. 

Among the standout advantages are waived fees for adding a second driver for all U.S. rentals, and in Canada for bookings with Alamo and Enterprise. This could save travelers $13 to $15 per day, and additional drivers beyond the first two can still be added for a fee. Another benefit is that there is no penalty for canceling a booking any time before pick up, adding flexibility to your travel plans. You can also bundle your insurance coverage with your rental.

That said, drawbacks exist. The selection of cars is narrower than what some other booking comparison sites provide, and rates aren't always as competitive, especially when comparing it to budget companies like Dollar or Thrifty. For those who prioritize rock-bottom prices or need a specific vehicle type, shopping around on platforms like Discover Cars or Booking.com might offer better results. Ultimately, while it is a solid, member-focused service that is easy to organize, it might not outshine other options if cost is your top concern, you have time to hunt for the best bargain, or you aren't a member already.

When looking to rent a car, many strategies can help you cut costs. Start by exploring pickup locations, as rates vary. For example, rates tend to be more expensive at airport pickups than at inner city locations due to demand and extra taxes. If you can arrange a ride to an off-airport site through a friend or a ride-share, the savings could cover a tank of gas or more. Prior to booking a car, review your credit card benefits. Many points-based, travel-focused credit cards include built-in insurance for car rentals, letting you skip the counter upsell and keep more in your wallet. 

Don't lock into assumptions about vehicle sizes either. Economy models aren't always the cheapest just because they are the smallest; pricing typically hinges on local supply. A midsize or an SUV could cost less if that's what is plentiful in the lot inventory. Inquire about upgrades when picking up your car, because sometimes the staff will offer them without additional charge. When browsing for rental car deals, try tapping into airline perks. Some programs, like Delta Air Lines' partnership with Hertz let you earn miles on rentals, turning expenses into future rewards, and who doesn't want that? For shorter needs, try peer-to-peer services like Turo or Getaround, where owners list their cars — it's like Airbnb but for cars. Membership-based short-term car bookings can also do the trick in some cases, like Zipcar or Free2Move.

In regions outside of North America, try looking for a manual (if you can drive one) which can seriously slash costs, as automatics come at a premium. If you're not booking with Costco Travel, stick to one driver to avoid the added fees altogether. To make sure your trip goes smoothly, follow Rick Steves' advice on how to protect your rental car from theft.