Zipcar pitches a simple idea. You can get a car on demand with gas, secondary insurance, and 200 daily miles already baked into the hourly price. Based on what we've seen on Trustpilot and Reddit this year, customers frequently complain about Zipcar's overall service.
Skipping the rental counter is great in theory. However, recent reviews highlight frustrating app glitches when unlocking cars, delays from previous drivers, and unhelpful support if accounts are suddenly blocked.
If the short-term savings make sense for your quick errands, our team recommends always having a backup plan. Should you run into issues on the road, skip the web search. Just tap "Account" then "Call Zipcar" in the mobile app, or dial their US customer service directly at 866-494-7227.
Experience the convenience of on-demand transportation with your initial thirty days completely free when registering for a new car sharing membership plan. Hourly driving rates and standard application fees still apply, and all changes are up to Zipcar's discretion regarding background check approvals or regional vehicle availability. This introductory subscription waiver cannot be combined with university student discounts or corporate account promotions. The offer is valid strictly for new applicants meeting all standard driving requirements within supported urban locations. We checked in August 2026 and confirmed that a free month of service was still available.
University of Chicago students save up to $90 with student verification and campus eligibility. Discount varies by plan, location, and account status. One offer per student, nontransferable. Valid in participating US areas where Zipcar operates.
Share the ride and save with your membership: enjoy 50% off one extra driver with a membership plan at Zipcar. This offer applies to qualifying membership add-ons for additional authorized drivers. Zipcar members must use the provided code at checkout to receive the discount on qualifying purchases. The offer may not be combined with other promotions or applied to taxes, fees, or excluded items, and availability is subject to plan selection, inventory, and promotional terms. Zipcar may modify or end this promotion at its discretion.
Receive $25 off through the friend referral program once requirements are met. May be limited to new members or eligible plans and credits. Account creation and referral tracking required. Availability varies by US location.
Save 50% on 2 Extra Drivers when you subscribe to the Plus Membership Plan. The discount applies to eligible Plus members only, and additional driver eligibility and membership requirements may apply. Membership terms, pricing, and all promotional details are at Zipcar's discretion and may change or end without notice.
Get an Annual Car Rental Membership Plan for $90 and access membership features designed to enhance your rental experience throughout the year. The annual fee applies to eligible customers who complete the registration process through the website.
Add up to two extra drivers to your account and receive 50% off the applicable fee with a Plus Membership plan. The discount is available to eligible members enrolled in the qualifying plan and is subject to the program's terms. Membership requirements apply. This promotion may change or end without notice, and all changes are at Zipcar's discretion.
When a friend joins through your referral link and gets approved, you both receive a $25 driving credit. Based on what we've seen, standard Zipcar rates often range from $16 to $18+ per hour, depending on your city. A single $25 credit essentially covers an hour and a half of free driving, perfect for a quick grocery run.
Before you start sharing your link, there are a few crucial terms to watch. You can only earn this bonus for up to 10 friends, maxing your potential earnings at $250, and the credits do not roll over indefinitely. Always check your expiration dates by tapping "Account" > "Wallet" in the app. Keep in mind the credit is valid for daily or hourly rates only and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Zipcar has two different types of discounts: Booking Promotions (applied to a specific trip) and Driving Credit (a dollar amount added to your account balance). Here are the exact steps to redeem both this year:
Applying a promo code at checkout (app & desktop)
Log in to the Zipcar app or website and choose your vehicle.
On the booking checkout screen, select "Add promo code."
Input your code or select from the available promotions in your inventory to apply the discount to your trip.
Redeeming driving credit to your wallet
If you received a referral bonus or customer service credit, you must add it to your wallet first:
On the mobile app: Tap "Account" in the bottom menu > select "Wallet" > tap "Driving credit" > tap the "+" icon in the top right to enter and redeem your code.
On desktop: Click "Account settings" in the top right > select "Wallet" > click "Add credit" > enter your code and click "Redeem."
Based on our experience, Zipcar does not allow coupon stacking. You can typically only use one promo code per reservation.
You can write a review for your approved transactions.