Finding a travel hack that actually saves money and works 100% of the time isn’t all that hard—if you know where to look. Groupon Coupons teamed up with the travel experts at Avis and Budget Car Rental for the best way to save money on a rental car.

Their advice: prepay. Travelers can save serious money with the Pay Now option. The Pay Now option means paying for the rental car when you make the reservation instead of at pick-up or drop-off. 

Groupon Deal: save up to 30% off Avis PAY NOW rates with code A433300

Avis & Budget Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy is important to consider when prepaying for a rental car. Both Avis and Budget allow for cancellations at any time before the reservation, but there’s a small fee. If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, the fee is $50. If you cancel in the 24 hours before the reservation, the fee is $150. Make sure to check the cancellation policy terms when you make the reservation.

Pay Now Savings

Here’s a preview of the kind of savings you can expect with Pay Now:

Tampa Car Rental

For a four-day standard sedan in Tampa over the 4th of July weekend

• • $363.96 for Pay Later
  • $291.17 for Pay Now
  • $72.79 Pay Now savings
    • 20% savings

Denver Car Rental

For a week-long SUV rental in Denver in August

• • $899.99 for Pay Later
  • $764.99 for Pay Now
  • $135 Pay Now savings
    • 15% savings

Orlando Car Rental

For a week-long sedan rental in Orlando in October

• • $651.99 for Pay Later
  • $554.19 for Pay Now
  • $97.80 Pay Now savings
    • 15% savings