Thrifty Car Rental gives Veterans Advantage members 5% off car rentals, 365 days a year — a standing military saving for veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. The offer is published on Thrifty’s own website, and it is accessed through Veterans Advantage, the membership program for those who serve. Enroll in a 30-day trial of Veterans Advantage and the 5% Thrifty discount is available to you right away, online and by phone.
One honest point up front: this discount runs through Veterans Advantage membership rather than directly through Thrifty, so you do need to be a Veterans Advantage member (a 30-day trial enrollment is offered on Thrifty’s page). In return, members get more than the 5% rental discount — including coupons for free upgrades and a free day of GPS rental, plus $55,000 in travel and accident insurance. Below is everything you need to know: who qualifies, what the 5% covers, and how to claim it step by step.
Who is Eligible for the Thrifty Military Discount?
Thrifty states on its Veterans Advantage page that the 5% discount is for Veterans Advantage members — veterans, active-duty military, National Guard & Reserve members, and their families. Veterans Advantage describes itself as a card program for veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members and their families, and says you are eligible to enroll if you have served in any branch of service or during any period of service.
Family members can enroll at half price through the member’s account. Thrifty also runs a separate U.S. Government Frequent Renter Program for government employees traveling on official business, which is a different program with its own registration — the 5% military discount described here is the Veterans Advantage offer.
How Much Military Discount Does Thrifty Provide?
Veterans Advantage members get 5% off Thrifty car rentals, available 365 days a year, online and by phone. On top of the 5% rental discount, Veterans Advantage members get:
- Coupons for free upgrades on Thrifty rentals, available through the Veterans Advantage member website
- A coupon for a free day of GPS unit rental
- $55,000 in travel and accident insurance for members
- Family members enroll at half price in Veterans Advantage
Five percent is a modest discount on its own, so be realistic about the value: on a $300 rental it saves $15. The bigger value is the package — the free-upgrade coupons, the free GPS day, and the insurance — plus the fact that the discount applies all year, not just on holidays.
How to Claim the Thrifty Military Discount
- Go to Thrifty’s Veterans Advantage page at thrifty.com/programs/government/veteransadvantage.aspx to confirm the current offer.
- Enroll in Veterans Advantage. Thrifty offers a 30-day trial enrollment in Veterans Advantage — sign up and your member access, including the Thrifty discount, is available immediately online and by phone.
- Book your Thrifty rental online or by phone as a Veterans Advantage member to receive the 5% discount. Your member benefits, including the free-upgrade and free-GPS-day coupons, are available through the Veterans Advantage member website.
- Enroll family members at half price if they will also be renting, so they can use the same 5% discount and member benefits.
FAQs About the Thrifty Military Discount
Who qualifies for the Thrifty military discount?
Veterans Advantage members — veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. You are eligible to enroll in Veterans Advantage if you have served in any branch of service or during any period of service.
How much is the Thrifty military discount?
5% off Thrifty car rentals, available 365 days a year. Members also get coupons for free upgrades and a free day of GPS rental, plus $55,000 in travel and accident insurance.
Do I need a Veterans Advantage membership to get the Thrifty discount?
Yes. The 5% discount is provided to Veterans Advantage members. Thrifty offers a 30-day trial enrollment in Veterans Advantage, and member access is available immediately online and by phone.
Can my family use the Thrifty military discount?
Yes. Family members can enroll in Veterans Advantage at half price and receive the same member benefits, including the 5% Thrifty rental discount.
Does Thrifty have a separate government rate?
Yes. Thrifty also runs a U.S. Government Frequent Renter Program for government employees traveling on official business, with its own registration and a discount code embedded at enrollment. It is separate from the Veterans Advantage 5% military discount.
