Travelers looking to save money on rental cars may find value in using Costco Travel, a service available to members of the warehouse club Costco. Through this platform, members can compare rates from major rental car companies like Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget. Eligible discounts and coupons are automatically applied, and the process is streamlined for convenience. While the booking is done through Costco, the actual payment, reservation, and additional services like insurance and toll transponders are handled directly by the rental company. One key advantage is that an extra driver can be added at no extra cost with some participating companies, potentially saving travelers money on daily fees that would otherwise be charged for a second driver. The Costco rental car benefit has been around since the launch of Costco Travel in 2000, but it has recently gained popularity on social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok, as travelers look for ways to cut costs. For instance, a Costco Executive member named RV Mendoza reported finding a compact SUV for $573, including taxes and fees, for a 10-day trip to Los Angeles — about $88 less than booking directly with Alamo. The Costco rate also included a second driver, saving an additional $12 to $15 per day. Mendoza noted that the rental was eligible for Costco's 2 percent annual reward for Executive members, making the $130 annual membership fee worthwhile in this case. However, the savings are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the location, dates, and type of vehicle. Travelers should compare the total price, including taxes, fees, and other charges, rather than just the advertised daily rate. According to travel expert Clint Henderson, Costco rental cars are typically 10 to 25 percent cheaper on average, with potential savings of up to 40 percent. However, NerdWallet’s Sally French cautioned that travelers may still find better deals elsewhere, especially when using credit card perks or promotions. “You’re getting a great deal every time, but maybe not necessarily the best deal,” she said. Members of other wholesale clubs, such as Sam’s Club and BJ’s, often find that Costco offers the best rental car rates. According to French, Costco Travel is a fully owned, in-house division of Costco, with its own travel team that negotiates directly with cruise lines, hotels, and rental car companies to offer competitive deals. In contrast, other clubs use third-party agencies, such as Entertainment Benefits Group for Sam’s Club and World Travel Holdings for BJ’s, which may not offer the same level of negotiated rates.