National Car Rental vs Enterprise (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of corporate codes, discounts, status match programs, and loyalty benefits.
Both owned by Enterprise Holdings but serve different markets. National = business airport rentals (Emerald Aisle). Enterprise = budget neighborhood rentals (15-30% cheaper). If you rent at airports for work, National. If you rent from home for leisure, Enterprise.
Corporate codes compared
National Car Rental
| Code | Org | Discount |
|---|---|---|
5028252 | AAA | Up to 20% |
5225314 | AARP (50+) | Up to 20% |
Enterprise
| Code | Org | Discount |
|---|---|---|
XZ24A35 | AARP (50+) | Up to 5% |
XZ24A70 | AAA | Varies |
Key differences
- National: Emerald Aisle (pick any car, skip counter) for Executive members. Enterprise: no equivalent.
- Enterprise: 15-30% cheaper base rates, especially at neighborhood locations.
- National: status match available (from Hertz/Avis). Enterprise: no status match.
- Both owned by Enterprise Holdings but operate independently — different loyalty programs, different codes.
Frequently asked questions
Are National and Enterprise the same company?
Both are owned by Enterprise Holdings but operate as separate brands with different loyalty programs, discount codes, and target markets. National focuses on business airport travelers; Enterprise focuses on budget-conscious neighborhood renters.
Which is cheaper: National or Enterprise?
Enterprise at base rates (15-30% cheaper). National's AAA/AARP codes (20% off) narrow the gap at airports. For non-airport rentals, Enterprise is almost always cheaper.
Is the Emerald Aisle worth choosing National over Enterprise?
For frequent airport renters (10+ times/year), absolutely. The Emerald Aisle saves 10-20 minutes per rental and eliminates upsell pressure. For occasional leisure renters, the savings at Enterprise outweigh the convenience.
Can I use National codes at Enterprise?
No. Despite shared ownership, discount codes are brand-specific. National contract IDs and Enterprise discount codes are separate systems.
Which has better status benefits?
National. Executive status gives Emerald Aisle access — the best perk in the rental industry. Enterprise Plus tiers (Silver/Gold/Platinum) offer counter bypass and upgrades but nothing comparable to the Emerald Aisle experience.