Bargain Moose

If you have an American Express credit card, there are a few exclusive deals and offers available, in various locations across Canada. To get each of these offers, you will need to pay with your AMEX card. Some are in-store only so I have linked to the appropriate printable coupons.

Iyashi Spa Coupon (Toronto)
www. iyashibedrockspa.com
Discount: 15% off
Coupon Code: AMROCK
Expires: 31st December 2009

The Fairmont Palliser coupon (Calgary)
www.fairmont.com
Deal: Various hotel deals
Expires: 24th September 2009

Kerrisdale Cameras coupon
www.kerrisdalecameras.com
Discount: Free shipping on a $50 spend
How: Email orders to orders@kerrisdalecameras.com and a representative will contact you, or order by phone at (604) 263-3221 or 1-866-310-3245.
Expires: 30th September 2009

Best Western coupon (Calgary)
www.bestwesternsuitescalgary.com
Discount: 15% off
Coupon Code: BWAX
How: Print this coupon
Expires: 1st May 2010

FutureShop Coupon
www.futureshop.ca
Discount: 10% off select appliances
How: Print this coupon
Expires: 7th August 2009

Jacques coupon
www.jacqueshome.com
Discount: 15% off
Coupon Code: JHMAY2009
How: Print this free coupon
Expires: 31st October 2009

Thrifty Car Rental coupon
www.thrifty.com
Discount: 15% off
Coupon Code: AXCN
Expires: 31st December 2009

Ruth Chris Steak House coupon (Toronto & Mississauga)
www.ruthschris.com
Discount: $40 free gift cards when you spend $250
How: Print this discount coupon
Expires: 31st August 2009

Relais & Chateaux coupon
www.relaischateaux.com
Discount: Complimentary Night + VIP Welcome
Coupon Code: Romantic Escapes
Expires: 31st December 2009

Budget Car Rental coupon
www.budget.ca
Discount: 5% off
Coupon Code: BCD #A672200
Expires: 31st December 2009

Ste Anne’s Country Inn & Spa coupon (Toronto)
www.steannes.com
Discount: Complimentary room upgrade
How: mention this offer when booking
Expires: 30th November 2009

Canadian Snowmobile coupon
www.canadiansnowmobile.com
Discount: 20% off any tour
Mention: “Amex Discount”
Expires: 30th November 2009

Spud coupon (Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Calgary)
www.spud.ca
Discount: 15% off $35+ (new accounts)
Coupon Code: AMEX8
Expires: 1st December 2009

London Drugs coupon
www.londondrugs.com
Discount: Buy 2 identical London Drugs Deluxe Photo Books & you get 2nd photo book for half price.
How: Print this coupon
Expires: 9th August 2009

Do you need to hire a car sometime soon? Thrifty is a great car rental company , and worth checking out for your vehicular needs! I’ve put together a list of current coupon codes, which get you extra discount when you make your booking online @ Thrifty.com.

I have just tested these on Thriftys website and they all work, as of today. To get the cheap car rental discounts, enter the appropriate coupon code in where it says “Promotion#”. Just make sure you use whichever one applies to you, in case they ask for ID or your AMEX card or something when you get to the store.

On to the nitty gritty:

__________

• Discount: 5% off car hire
• Promotional Code: AU11
• Expiry: 31/12/2008

__________

• Discount: 10% for Amex cardholders
• Coupon Code: AX10
• Expiry: Unknown

__________

• Discount: 5% off rental cars for senior citizens
• Voucher Code: CSNRS
• Expiry: 31/12/2008

__________

• Discount: 15% for Amex cardholders
• Promo Code: AXCN
• Expiry: 31/12/2008

__________

• Discount: 10% off for Canadians
• Discount Code: CAN8
• Expiry: 16/12/2008

__________

Insurance?

It’s great that the rental car rates are so low… but it’s a shame that the insurance can be very high comparatively.

A friend of mine gets round this by cunning and smarts – no, I’m joking, he just has a credit card which covers the rental car insurance when he is renting a car. Although, you have to think carefully about things like that – I read a bit of a horror story over at World Of Waterfalls!

My Car Rental Tips

Well, thinking on it, and reading around a few internet forums, here are my tips for a hassle-free car rental:

1. Always make a reservation (as far in advance as you can)
2. Always check for extra discounts, coupon codes, membership deals for cheap car rentals
3. Think carefully about how large a rentacar you may need (number of people, luggage etc)
4. If you have kids, bring your own car seats – don’t pay extra to rent those too
5. Make sure you read everything before signing your life away!
6. Check the fuel gauge before you leave the rental lot to make sure it is full
7. Check the car body carefully for damage (so it cannot be later blamed on you)
8. Make sure you know exactly where and when you need to return the car to make sure you are not penalized
9. Don’t crash!
10. When you return your rent a car, make sure you check it for personal belongings!

Here’s a thought – if you’re picking up the car and just driving to your hotel for the night – why not just get a taxi or a shuttle bus and save yourself a days rental? Plus, sometimes the downtown rates are more competitive than the airport rental rates, so make sure you price compare.

Cashback!

On a final money-saving note, make sure you check and see if you can get free cashback on your vehicle rental.

- Anna