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The many travel benefits of being a AAA member

By AAA staff

December 15, 2023

AAA Travel is one of the largest full-service leisure travel agencies in the U.S. and works with over 100 well-known partners worldwide, but you may not realize how many travel benefits are included with a AAA membership.

AAA Travel offers discounts on rental cars, hotels, vacation packages, passport photos, other exclusive offers, as well as access to AAA Travel Advisors. We look at the many travel benefits of a AAA membership and how you can save on your next vacation by becoming a member.

AAA hotel discounts

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute hotel or searching for deals on a future stay, AAA offers members exclusive discounts with hundreds of hotel brands such as Hilton , Hyatt , Marriott , and MGM Resorts .

Members can save 5% or more 1 by booking the exclusive AAA rate and still earn loyalty points at most hotels. Join AAA to unlock savings on everything from a budget hotel stay to suites at all-inclusive resorts in popular destinations such as Mexico  and Las Vegas .

AAA rental car discounts

If your vacation includes a rental car , a AAA membership can save you 10% or more on the base rate 2 from Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty. Members also receive exclusive access to limited-time sales and offers from these major rental car companies to save even more.

On top of those savings, AAA members also receive:

• 10% off fuel purchase options 3
• Free use of a child seat, which could save parents traveling with young children $13.99 a day 3
• Free addition of qualified AAA drivers, a savings of $13.50 daily 3
• No rental fee for young drivers ages 20-24, which is a savings of $29 each day 3

Members can also join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards to earn points and perks like a free rental day. 4

Vacation planning with AAA Travel Advisors

With personalized travel services from a AAA Travel Advisor, a AAA membership makes it easy to plan your dream vacation and save. Travel advisors can help you find member deals that may not be available anywhere else; help you book accommodations, flights, and must-do activities; as well as provide you with invaluable travel insight into a destination. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history and culture, find the perfect beach to relax on, or want to travel like a local, AAA Travel Advisors can customize a vacation just for you.

Working with a AAA Travel Advisor also gives you the added peace of mind of knowing they’ll be there to help before, during, and after your vacation. Members can  schedule a phone, virtual, or in-person appointment online by selecting their branch .

AAA travel deals for members

Whether your idea of a perfect vacation  includes a cruise , a guided tour, flexible independent travel, a private or small-group tour, or something else, AAA members get deals and discounts on a wide variety of vacation packages , including cruises and tours.

Travel discounts on cruise packages

Join AAA to access year-round discounts; limited-time sales; and perks like onboard credits, in-room gifts, and more on cruise vacations to top destinations like Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. Save on packages from well-known cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises , Viking , and AmaWaterways River Cruises . 

Travel discounts on tour packages

AAA members can get discounts and offers on guided tours from AAA Member Choice Vacations , Alexander + Roberts, Brendan Vacations, Abercrombie & Kent, Insight Vacations, and other top-rated tour providers. With tour packages on every continent, your AAA membership can help you completely immerse yourself in any destination with local guides who can show you authentic experiences.

Discover all the travel benefits of a AAA membership

Join AAA today

Passport photos

If you need to apply for or renew your passport before your vacation, AAA travel benefits include member discounts on passport photos . One of the most common reasons a passport application is denied is because the submitted photo fails to meet the strict government specifications on size, pose, background, and more.

Eliminate the guesswork and help ensure your passport application is approved by getting your passport photos from AAA. Members save at least 30% on a set of 2 passport photos taken at a AAA branch . 5

RushMyPassport

AAA memberships can help you get a visa or passport quickly and save with a 10% discount on expedited passport and visa services from RushMyPassport . 6 Avoid long delays and a trip to the passport office and get your passport application processed in as little as 5 business days once your documents are received. And with a personalized passport application review from RushMyPassport professionals, you can help prevent common mistakes.

AAA Travel resources & services

AAA memberships make travel planning easy with services, discounts, and amenities. Plus, members get peace of mind of knowing AAA is with them every step of the way.

International Driving Permit

Want to drive on your international trip? Requirements vary by destination. Some international countries recognize U.S. driver's licenses, but others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or even rent a car. Before driving overseas, members can conveniently get an IDP by mail or by visiting a AAA branch .

Travel insurance

A vacation can be a huge expense and Allianz Travel Insurance plans 7 from AAA can help protect you, your loved ones, and your investment. Travel with confidence knowing you have award-winning 24/7 support and protection from Allianz to help you manage any unforeseen issues that may occur before or during your trip. Get coverage for things such as trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical care, lost luggage, and more.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck helps travelers save time and hassle at airport checkpoints. AAA partners with IDEMIA, the authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider, to offer members convenient TSA PreCheck enrollment events at AAA branches .

AAA Travel resources

AAA can help you get inspiration for your next adventure or spark your curiosity with insightful travel articles and the Traveling With AAA podcast . Plus, with road trip planning guides and maps , travel discounts , and a wealth of other travel resources , a AAA membership makes it easy to discover the world, wherever you want to go.

Become a AAA member to enjoy all the travel benefits and value a membership can provide.

1 Standard AAA rate discounts are not a lowest price guarantee. Actual discounts may vary, are available at participating hotels around the world and do not apply to all room types. Must present valid AAA/CAA membership card at check-in. Subject to availability and other terms and conditions. Offers subject to change without notice. If you don’t check-in to the hotel on the first day of your reservation and do not alert the hotel in advance, the hotel reserves the right to cancel your reservation and may charge you a penalty. Your credit card will be used to guarantee the reservation. The hotel will charge you directly for room and tax. If you decide not to use your hotel reservation you must cancel it according to the cancellation policy listed or you may be subject to a no-show penalty charged by the hotel. The hotel may require a deposit on confirmed reservations. Deposit amounts can vary from one night to all nights of the stay or another amount required by the hotel. If your hotel requires a deposit, they will charge the credit card provided at time of booking. In the event they are unable to charge the applicable deposit to the credit card provided, your reservation may be canceled.

2 Discounts applies to pay later base rate. Discount will vary depending on date, location, length of rental, car class & other factors. Taxes, fees, and options excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation. Benefits available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S;, Canada and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required.

3 AAA Club Discount Code (CDP) must be included in reservation. Benefits available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S;, Canada and Puerto Rico. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Additional Driver and Young renter must be a AAA member, have a credit card in their own name and meet standard rental qualifications. Child safety seat is subject to availability. Gas savings is only valid when prepaid fuel option is purchased at pickup.

4 HGPR enrollment offer is for AAA members who enroll at AAA.com/Hertzgold or Premier members at AAA.com/Hertzpremier. Valid for new Hertz Gold Plus Rewards (HGPR) members only. Points will be added to HGPR members after first paid Gold rental. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card.

5 Passport photo fee is subject to change without notice and at any time.

6 Savings applied to RushMyPassport™ service fees only. Government processing fees and shipping fees are paid separately and are not discounted. U.S. Passport and Global Travel Visa services are available online only at AAA .com/RushMyPassport. Some applications may require adjudication at a passport acceptance facility. Terms and conditions apply.

7 Must be 17 and under on plan purchase date and traveling with their parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) or its affiliates. AGA compensates their suppliers or agencies for allowing AGA to market or offer products to customers of the supplier or agency. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or  customerservice@allianzassistance.com .

AAA Travel Information:

Aaa triptik travel planner - more than maps & directions.

Everything You Need to Make Trip Planning Simpler

Plan a road trip online with AAA TripTik Travel Planner, and save your trips for use with the AAA Mobile app . Along with trip planning maps and traveling directions, you can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated places to stay and dine . Use the booking feature to make hotel reservations. Find nearby gas stations and get updated fuel prices . Locate electric vehicle charging stations. Calculate your driving distance and save your trips for use with the AAA Mobile app. Learn More

Accompanying Maps You Can Print

Complete your AAA travel package with printable maps from AAA Map Gallery on AAA.com. Map Gallery has full-color maps of more than 400 popular destination areas across North America from Miami Beach to British Columbia. If you're a member, stop by your local AAA office. AAA's team of knowledgeable travel professionals will create a TripTik Travel Planner routing for you, provide information on vacation packages, help you find the best travel deals and even help you rent a car for the trip.

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5 Things to Know About the AAA Credit Cards

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The AAA credit card portfolio requires a little history lesson.

After Bread Financial formally partnered with AAA in 2022, the companies launched two co-branded credit cards: the AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature Credit Card and the AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature Credit Card. Both are issued by Comenity Bank , a subsidiary of Bread Financial, and offer solid rewards rates, although earnings are capped.

A third co-branded card, the AAA Cashback credit card, is issued by U.S. Bank .

The Travel Advantage and Daily Advantage credit cards have similar features, but they differ from their Cashback cousin when it comes to eligibility requirements, rewards and sign-up bonus.

Here’s what you need to know about the three AAA credit cards to help you decide the best fit for your lifestyle.

» MORE: Best credit cards for car repairs

1. There are 3 AAA credit cards

Before applying for one of the AAA credit cards, make sure you’re filling out an application for the card you really want. The three AAA credit cards have different rewards structures:

AAA Daily Advantage credit card.

AAA Travel Advantage credit card.

AAA Cashback credit card.

AAA Daily Advantage credit card

AAA Daily Advantage is billed as a card for everyday spending . And for many cardholders, the rewards categories do represent common spending categories. The Daily Advantage card earns:

5% cash back at grocery stores.

3% cash back on gas and EV charging, wholesale clubs, streaming services, pharmacy and AAA purchases.

1% cash back on all other purchases.

There’s a $500 annual cash-back cap on rewards earned at grocery stores, wholesale clubs and gas stations combined. After hitting the cap, purchases in those categories earn 1% back for the rest of the year. A $500 rewards limit may seem high, but some families will easily exceed it. If you spend $10,000 annually at grocery stores alone, you’d hit the $500 cash-back cap.

» MORE: Best credit cards for grocery stores

AAA Travel Advantage credit card

As the name suggests, AAA Travel Advantage is a travel-centric card, and its rewards categories bear that out. The Travel Advantage card earns:

5% cash back on gas and EV charging.

3% cash back on travel, restaurants, grocery stores and AAA purchases.

Rewards earned on gas and EV charging are capped at $350 per calendar year. The rewards rate drops to 1% once you’ve hit the limit. Given the 5% rate, cardholders would need to spend $7,000 a year (or about $583.30 per month) on gas and EV charging to reach the $350 rewards cap.

» MORE: Best gas credit cards

AAA Cashback credit card

The rewards rates are less impressive on the AAA Cashback card compared to the other two cards; however, there’s no cap on rewards. This card earns:

3% cash back at grocery stores, gas stations and dining.

2% cash back on AAA memberships, travel and insurance.

1% on everything else.

Bread Financial doesn’t allow consumers to have both the Daily Advantage and Travel Advantage cards.

» MORE: Best credit cards for electric vehicle owners

2. You may need AAA membership to get one of the cards

AAA membership is required to get the AAA Cashback credit card. Pricing depends on where you live, but in general, a membership can cost from $38-$164 a year for one person.

However, you don't have to be a member of AAA to apply for the Daily Advantage or the Travel Advantage credit cards.

» MORE: Is AAA worth it?

3. Reward redemption options vary slightly by card

If you have the AAA Cashback Visa, rewards may be redeemed for the following:

AAA gift cards.

Merchandise.

Statement credit ($25 minimum to redeem).

Direct deposit ($25 minimum to redeem).

Gift cards. 

The redemption options for the Daily Advantage and Travel Advantage cards include everything listed above plus Apple products and AAA merchandise, services and travel. Cardholders must have at least $5 to redeem if they opt for cash back or a statement credit.

For all three AAA cards, rewards expire after five years.

» LEARN: How to redeem credit card rewards

4. Sign-up bonuses vary by card, too

Currently, the Travel Advantage and Daily Advantage credit cards have the same sign-up bonus: a $100 statement credit for new cardholders who spend $1,000 on their AAA Visa Signature card in the first 90 days of account opening.

As of this writing, the welcome offer for the AAA Cashback card is potentially more valuable, depending on your spending. Instead of the standard 2% rate, new AAA Cashback cardholders will earn 4% on AAA memberships, travel and insurance for the first six months, up to $6,000. Were you to hit the $6,000 spending cap, you’d get $240 cash back.

5. Fees are minimal 

None of the AAA credit cards charges annual or foreign transaction fees .

For the Daily Advantage and Travel Advantage cards, the combination of a $0 annual fee and a fixed 5% rewards category is especially notable. Other credit cards that feature a 5% rate often come with an annual fee or require you to actively track and opt in to bonus categories that rotate every quarter.

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