How to use corporate codes when booking (2026)
Step-by-step guide to finding, entering, and verifying corporate discount codes at hotel and rental car booking pages.
What are corporate codes?
Corporate codes (also called corporate discount codes, negotiated rates, or CDP/BCD numbers) are special rate agreements between hotel chains or rental car companies and specific organizations — employers like 3M or Deloitte, associations like AAA or AARP, or government agencies. They typically save 5-25% off the public rate, and in some markets (especially Asia for hotels), they can save 35-48%.
The codes are designed for business travelers whose employers have negotiated rates. But many codes — especially those for large associations (AAA, AARP, USAA) — are effectively public and don't require affiliation verification.
Step 1: Find the right code
Start with the brand pages on TravelCode — each page lists verified corporate codes with approximate discount ranges and ID-check risk:
- Marriott Bonvoy corporate codes — 3-character strings (EDS, DTC, MMM)
- Hilton Honors corporate codes — 5-7 digit numbers (00017500, N0001542)
- IHG One Rewards corporate codes — numeric codes (1000107790, 786043004)
- World of Hyatt corporate codes — text or numeric (30840, 23090)
- Hertz CDP numbers (2031294, 205055)
- Avis AWD numbers (K817700, A119400)
Step 2: Enter the code at booking
Hotels
- Marriott: On marriott.com, click "Special Rates" → "Corporate/Promo/SET#" → enter 3-character code.
- Hilton: On hilton.com, click "Add Special Rates" → "Corporate or Group Code" → enter numeric code.
- IHG: On ihg.com, expand "Rate Preferences" → "Corporate ID Number" → enter code.
- Hyatt: On hyatt.com, click "Special Rates" → "Corporate or Group Code" → enter code.
Pro tip: Use the mobile app for hotels. Most apps let you compare 3-5 codes side by side against the member rate, which is the fastest way to find the cheapest option.
Rental cars
- Hertz: Enter CDP number in the "CDP Number" field. Save to your Gold Plus Rewards profile for auto-apply.
- Avis: Enter AWD number in the "Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD)" field.
- National/Enterprise: Enter Contract ID in the "Contract ID" field.
- Budget: Enter BCD number in the "Budget Customer Discount (BCD)" field.
- Sixt: Enter promo code in the "Promo Code" field, or log in with Sixt Card for automatic benefits.
Step 3: Verify the discount
After entering the code, compare the displayed rate against:
- The standard public rate (no code entered)
- The member rate (logged in, no code)
- Any advance-purchase or prepaid rate
Corporate codes are not always the cheapest option. They shine for last-minute bookings (corporate rates don't surge as aggressively as public rates) and flexible bookings (corporate rates usually offer free cancellation until 12 PM on arrival day, while prepaid rates are non-refundable).
Step 4: Understand ID verification risk
Some corporate codes require proof of affiliation at check-in or pickup. The risk varies by code type:
| Code type | ID check risk | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Public association (AAA, AARP) | Very low (~5%) | Hilton 00017500, Hertz 2031294 |
| Large employer (3M, Deloitte) | Medium (~20-50%) | Marriott MMM, DTC |
| Government/Military | High (~80-100%) | Marriott GOV, Hertz 1241077 |
| Employee rate | Very high (~95%) | Marriott MMP |
If asked for ID and you can't provide it, the hotel will re-rate your stay at the walk-in price. This is not a penalty — you simply pay the standard rate. You won't be banned or fined.
Step 5: Combine with loyalty benefits
Corporate codes stack with loyalty program benefits. If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, sign in before entering the corporate code — you'll earn Bonvoy points on the corporate rate AND get any active member promotions (like bonus points or stay credits). The same applies to Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and World of Hyatt.
For rental cars, save the CDP/AWD/BCD number to your loyalty profile (Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred, National Emerald Club). The code auto-applies on every future booking, and you earn points automatically.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using only one code: Test 3-5 codes. Discounts vary wildly by property, dates, and room type. The code that works best at one Marriott might give nothing at another.
- Ignoring the app: Hotel mobile apps show side-by-side rate comparisons that the website doesn't. Use the app for multi-code comparison.
- Booking prepaid when flexible: Corporate rates usually include free cancellation. Prepaid "Member Prepay" rates save 5-10% but lock you in. If your plans might change, the corporate rate is worth the slight premium.
- Forgetting to sign in: Loyalty member promotions stack on top of corporate codes. Always sign in to your free loyalty account before entering the code.
Frequently asked questions
Do corporate codes always give the cheapest rate?
No. Corporate codes typically save 5-25% off the public rate, but member rates, advance-purchase rates, and seasonal promotions can sometimes beat them. Always compare 3-5 codes against the member rate using the hotel's mobile app "Compare Rates" feature before booking.
Will the hotel check my ID for a corporate code?
It depends on the code and the brand. Public codes (AAA, AARP, government) are rarely verified. Employer-specific codes (like Marriott's EDS for HPE) are checked 20-50% of the time, more often at luxury brands and international properties. If caught without affiliation, you'll be re-rated at the walk-in price.
Do corporate codes earn loyalty points?
Yes, at all major hotel chains. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and World of Hyatt all award points and elite night credit on corporate code bookings. The only exception is third-party OTA bookings (Expedia, Hotels.com) — direct bookings on the chain's website always earn points.
Can I stack a corporate code with a member rate?
No — you pick one rate type at booking. But you CAN stack corporate codes with loyalty member promotions (like Hilton's "Points & Money" or Marriott's "Stay 5, Pay 4"). Sign in to your loyalty account first, then enter the corporate code to get both the code discount and the member promotion.
What's the difference between a corporate code and a promo code?
Corporate codes are negotiated rates between a chain and an employer or organization (like 3M, Deloitte, or AAA). Promo codes are time-limited marketing campaigns (like "SUMMER25"). Corporate codes are available year-round; promo codes expire. Corporate codes are tied to an organization; promo codes are available to anyone.
How do I enter a corporate code for car rentals?
Each rental company has a different field name: Hertz uses "CDP Number" (Customer Discount Program), Avis uses "AWD Number" (Avis Worldwide Discount), National/Enterprise use "Contract ID", Budget uses "BCD Number" (Budget Customer Discount). Enter the code in the designated field on the booking page. For Hertz, save the CDP to your Gold Plus Rewards profile to auto-apply on future bookings.