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Car Rentals: Save with Credit Card Discounts

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Car Rentals: Save with Credit Card Discounts
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Some credit cards go far beyond simply accumulating reward points to save money by offering specific benefits and discounts for car rentals, often with elite status. These benefits can include car rental insurance, significant discounts, and even premium services, such as free upgrades through higher status with rental agencies, or priority access while others wait to pick up their vehicle.

Indeed, these cards are particularly advantageous for frequent travelers or those looking to improve their car rental experience without paying additional fees. With a high status, you can enjoy services such as higher-end vehicles, expedited rental management, and preferential rates.

Here is an overview of the most popular credit cards offering these benefits.

Credit cards offering benefits or discounts on car rentals

American Express Credit Cards

American Express Platinum Card (Personal and Business)

The American Express Platinum Card®, both the personal version and the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, is one of the most prestigious cards on the market for travelers. It does not just offer reward points to save money; it also gives you privileged access to the most renowned car rental loyalty programs:

  • Avis Preferred: This status level allows you to benefit from expedited rental management, exclusive discounts, and even car upgrades based on availability. Avis Preferred status guarantees premium service, with priority lines and quick vehicle pickup.
  • Hertz Gold Rewards Five Star: Hertz Five Star status is the highest level in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program. As a Five Star member, you benefit from numerous advantages, such as free upgrades, quick pickup without paperwork, and special discounts on rentals. This status places you at the top of the Hertz rental experience.

Additionally, the American Express Platinum Card® includes comprehensive car rental insurance, covering collision, theft, and civil liability. This can save you considerably on the insurance fees offered by rental agencies.

American Express: How to activate the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card? - Platinum Advantage Auto

American Express® Gold Rewards Card

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card, which is more affordable than its big sister, the American Express Platinum Card®, still offers an interesting benefit: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status. This status gives you access to discounts, car upgrades when availability permits, and simplified rental management with expedited service. Gold Plus Rewards status is ideal for people looking for a great rental experience at a lower cost.

Scotiabank Credit Cards

Scotiabank credit cards offer solid benefits for vehicle rentals through their partnerships with Avis and Budget. These cards not only allow for significant savings but also provide dedicated customer service and access to prestigious loyalty programs.

Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card

With the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card, saving on car rentals becomes simple and efficient. With this card, you can enjoy a discount of up to 25% off the base rate at participating Avis and Budget rental locations in Canada and the United States. Here is how to proceed:

To rent with Avis:

  • Book online via avis.com/scotiabanksceneplus or by phone at 1-800-TRY AVIS (879-2847).
  • Don’t forget to use the promotional code C030303, valid worldwide, to benefit from the discount.

To rent with Budget:

Scotia Passport Visa Infinite+* Card

With the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite*+ Card, you can join the Avis Preferred Plus program for free and enjoy a range of prestigious benefits, such as:

  • Free upgrades: Access a higher car category, subject to availability, for increased comfort during your travels.
  • Dedicated customer service: Enjoy exclusive access to a reserved phone line for your reservations and any assistance related to the Avis® Preferred Plus service.
  • Advantageous discounts: Benefit from discounts ranging from 5% to 25% on the lowest eligible retail rates in Canada and the United States.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you also benefit from interesting discounts on vehicle rentals. Indeed, you can save up to 25% on base rates at participating Avis and Budget locations in Canada and the United States by using your card to pay.

For reservations with Avis:

  • Make your reservations online at avis.com/scotiabankgoldAMEX or by phone at 1-800-TRY AVIS (879-2847).
  • Mention the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number C231401 to enjoy the discount.

For reservations with Budget:

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite* Card

With the Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card, you also enjoy attractive discounts on car rentals. You can get up to 25% off base rates at participating Avis and Budget locations in Canada and the United States. The Scotiabank Momentum® VISA* Card version and the Scotia Momentum® No-Fee VISA* Card also offer discounts.

For your reservations with Avis:

  • Book easily online at avis.com/scotiabankmomentuminfinite or call 1-800-TRY AVIS (879-2847).
  • Don’t forget to mention the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number C030400 to benefit from the savings.

For your reservations with Budget:

These various privileges allow you to enhance your rental experience while optimizing your travel budget. Whether through a direct discount on the base rate or through benefits linked to loyalty programs, Scotiabank’s offers stand out for their richness and flexibility.

CIBC Credit Cards

CIBC credit cards allow you to maximize your rental experience with Budget through several benefits:

  • Discount of up to 35% on base rates by choosing the « Pay Now » option at participating locations in Canada and the United States.
  • Possibility to add an additional driver at no extra cost.
  • Multiple discount coupons and free enrollment in Fastbreak, ensuring expedited access to the vehicle.

Certain CIBC cards also offer complementary services, such as a Garmin GPS, extended roadside assistance, or options for fuel and child safety seats.

All information can be found here.

BMO Credit Cards

​BMO credit cards offer significant benefits for vehicle rentals with National, Enterprise, and Alamo. In addition to a discount of up to 25% on the base rental rate, some cards offer additional benefits such as more points on this purchase category.

To book, you must use the vehicle rental tool at partners.rentalcar.com/bmo

Here are some examples of cards that offer car rental benefits:

Aeroplan Credit Cards

Aeroplan-affiliated credit card holders can access Avis Preferred or Avis President’s Club status, depending on the type of card they hold. These statuses offer the possibility of obtaining a free upgrade when renting a car in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, subject to availability.

In addition, you earn one Aeroplan point for every dollar spent with Avis. For full details regarding the partnership between Aeroplan and Avis, consult this page.

TD Credit Cards

The TD program works in a specific way by offering a minimum saving:

  • A minimum discount of 10% on the base rate for rentals made in Canada and the United States, with both Avis and Budget.

It should be noted that TD does not directly provide discount codes on its site. To take advantage of these offers, it is necessary to consult the specific benefits guide for each card. Recommended TD cards include:

These cards also include complementary benefits, such as travel insurance and popular loyalty programs, which is very interesting for travelers.

MBNA Credit Cards

MBNA offers a simplified approach similar to TD for car rentals with the following benefits:

  • Minimum 10% discount on the base rate for rentals in Canada and the United States.
  • 5% discount on the base rate for international rentals.

The originality of the MBNA offer lies in the use of a link with a unique code applicable to all their cards, thus simplifying its activation for partner agencies. Click on the following links to go there and benefit from the discounts: Avis and Budget.

RBC Credit Cards

Eligible RBC cardholders benefit from attractive advantages for vehicle rentals with Avis, Budget, and Hertz. With your RBC card, you can get up to 20% off car rentals in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean (domestic rentals excluded). To take advantage of this offer, simply book online:

In addition, RBC Avion Rewards Premium members benefit from exclusive advantages at Hertz, which enhance this international offer. Indeed, as a premium member, you can also enjoy a 10% discount on the price of fuel per liter.

Desjardins Credit Cards

With Desjardins credit cards like the Desjardins Odyssey Gold Visa Card in hand, renting a car becomes much more affordable and pleasant.

Here are the benefits you can enjoy at Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar:

At Hertz:

  • Up to 25% discount on rental rates, which is perfect for saving on your trips.
  • Young drivers do not have to worry about additional fees.
  • Possibility to add a driver at no extra cost.
  • You are automatically enrolled in Five Star status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program.
  • The Prestige Collection is discounted by 20% in the United States and Europe.
  • 25% discount on GPS.

To take advantage of these offers, contact Hertz at 1-800-263-0678, or visit their website for more details.

At Thrifty and Dollar:

  • Up to 10% discount on rates, a good boost for your travel budget.
  • No additional fees for young drivers.
  • You can add a driver at no extra cost.

To organize your rental, call Thrifty at 1-800-847-4389 and Dollar at 1-800-800-4000, or take a look at their websites for more info.

Summary of credit card benefits or discounts on car rentals

BankAgencyDiscounts/Benefits
American ExpressAvis, HertzAccess to Avis Preferred and Hertz Gold Rewards — Five Star statuses (upgrades, expedited service, comprehensive insurance)
ScotiabankAvis, BudgetUp to 25% discount on the base rate (specific promotional codes and access to the Avis® Preferred Plus program, upgrades, dedicated service)
CIBCBudgetUp to 35% discount on the base rate with the « Pay Now » option, FastBreak
BMONational, Enterprise, AlamoUp to 25% discount on the base rate
AeroplanReviewAccess to Avis Preferred or Avis President’s Club statuses
TDAvis, BudgetMinimum 10% discount on the base rate in Canada and the United States
MBNAAvis, Budget10% discount on the base rate in Canada and the United States, 5% elsewhere, with a simplified unique code
RBCAvis, Budget, HertzUp to 20% discount on the base rate and 10% discount on fuel price per liter
DesjardinsHertz, Thrifty, DollarUp to 25% discount at Hertz and up to 10% at Thrifty and Dollar

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card can make all the difference when it comes to renting a vehicle; the cards presented in this guide allow you to benefit from price discounts and premium advantages in addition to being able to use your points to reduce the bill even further. From complementary insurance to free upgrades and preferential rates, each card offers assets tailored to different profiles. Before finalizing your reservation, take the time to consult the specific offers linked to your card to maximize your benefits. A small gesture that can greatly improve your comfort on long roads and lighten your budget on your next trips.

American Express Platinum Card®

American ExpressAmex Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Terms of the offer

  • Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service
  • Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
  • Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels & Resorts.
  • Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
  • Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz® and Avis®
  • As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges
  American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply
Legal

*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
  • Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
  • 100,000 Avios
  • 100,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • An annual meal credit of $200
  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Our featured card

Featured

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

American ExpressMarriott Bonvoy
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.