Finding a parking spot in a busy city is frustrating. However, two apps for cheaper parking can help reduce some of that stress by showing available spaces and allowing reservations.
Insiderbits will explore how SpotHero (iOS/Android) and ParkWhiz (iOS/Android) make this process easier, giving drivers a convenient way to find parking and pay less than the standard drive-up rate.
What are the best apps for cheaper parking?
When you’re trying to spend less on parking, SpotHero (iOS/Android) and ParkWhiz (iOS/Android) are two of the most useful apps to compare before heading to a busy area.
Both apps let you search for parking by destination and time, compare available spaces, and reserve in advance, making them known apps for cheaper parking.
Firstly, SpotHero is useful for comparing garages and lots in major US cities.
Within the app, you can enter your destination, choose your arrival and departure times, compare locations and prices, and book directly through the app.
This app operates in more than 400 cities across the US and Canada, with options for daily, monthly, airport, and event parking.
Alongside, ParkWhiz follows a similar model, allowing drivers to search thousands of parking locations, compare prices, and reserve a space using a mobile parking pass.
The platform says advance reservations can save up to 50% compared with standard rates, although actual savings vary.
For the best deal, it’s worth checking both apps before booking.
You probably know that parking prices can change depending on the date, duration, location, and demand, so the cheapest option isn’t the same across every trip.
SpotHero: compare rates and reserve spots in major cities
Let’s begin with SpotHero (iOS/Android), an app that lets you search for parking near your destination, compare available rates, and reserve a space before you arrive.
To begin with, enter your destination and parking times in the app to see nearby garages and lots, then compare prices and details.
SpotHero currently operates in more than 400 cities across the US and Canada, making this app widely available across the whole country.
After selecting a space, you can pay in advance and access your parking pass through the app, email, or text.
The pass contains the instructions you need to enter the facility, which includes scanning a QR code or showing the reservation to an attendant.
Since it operates in many locations, SpotHero can be useful in major cities, where comparing several garages before booking helps you find a lower rate.
The platform also offers hourly, daily, airport, event, and monthly parking options, so you can use the same app for different types of trips.
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ParkWhiz: book discount parking spaces
ParkWhiz (iOS/Android) is another useful option when it comes to apps for cheaper parking.
To begin your search, enter an address, venue, or event in the app and choose your date and parking period to compare nearby garages and lots on the map.
The main advantage of ParkWhiz is the ability to reserve and pay in advance.
As we mentioned, advanced bookings on this app can save up to 50% compared with standard rates, although the discount varies by location and demand.
After booking, your mobile parking pass is stored in your account and can also be accessed through the confirmation email.
Depending on the facility, you may need to show or scan the pass when entering.
For the best savings, compare ParkWhiz with SpotHero since they are both famous apps for cheaper parking.
That’s important because prices can change according to demand, duration, and special events, so checking multiple options helps you find a better deal.
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Essential tips to find daily discounts on car spots
Finding a cheaper parking space comes down to comparing prices, and that’s exactly what SpotHero (iOS/Android) and ParkWhiz (iOS/Android) do.
SpotHero (iOS/Android) notes that its displayed rate generally applies to the entire reservation period, while ParkWhiz (iOS/Android) lets users compare the total cost before booking.
Another useful strategy is to book ahead whenever possible.
SpotHero (iOS/Android) says its rates can be discounted compared with drive-up prices at many locations, although the online rate requires a reservation.
Similarly, ParkWhiz (iOS/Android) advertises savings of up to 50% off standard rates, though the actual discount depends on the location and availability.
It’s also worth checking for promo codes and loyalty offers before completing a purchase.
ParkWhiz (iOS/Android) allows promotional codes to be entered during checkout, while available account credits automatically reduce the total when you’re logged into the correct account.
Finally, consider whether you actually need to park for the entire day.
If you’re parking for several days, some facilities offer multi-day discounts through SpotHero, so adjusting the reservation duration may reduce the effective daily cost.
Required validation steps to scan your mobile reservation
Before arriving at the parking facility, open your reservation and read the redemption instructions.
The validation method varies by location: some facilities use a QR code or barcode, while others verify your license plate or require you to show the pass to an attendant.
Still, both apps for cheaper parking, SpotHero (iOS/Android) and ParkWhiz (iOS/Android), display the instructions and requirements associated with each reservation.
If your reservation uses a QR code, open the mobile parking pass on your phone when you reach the entrance and scan it at the designated reader.
With SpotHero (iOS/Android), you need to hold the phone about two inches from the scanner and increase the screen brightness.
Also, if you’re entering an underground garage, open the pass before losing your mobile signal.
For ParkWhiz (iOS/Android), the pass may also display a scan code or require your license plate instead.
If a license plate is the validation method, make sure the plate number entered in your reservation matches the vehicle you’re driving.
Then, if a QR code is required, follow the instructions under the pass’s ‘When You Arrive’ section.
In addition, some locations use merchant validation instead of an entrance scanner.
With ParkWhiz (iOS/Android), for example, certain participating locations allow you to tap ‘Apply Validation’ on your pass and scan a merchant’s QR code.
Finally, keep the reservation accessible until you leave the facility.
A mobile pass may be required again at the exit, and some reservations are tied to specific start and end times.
Parking outside the reserved period can result in additional charges or other problems, so always follow the instructions shown on your pass.
Save every time you park
As you can see, these apps for cheaper parking make a noticeable difference when you’re parking in busy cities or visiting areas where drive-up rates are expensive.
Insiderbits reaffirms that the best way to save is to compare the available options, check for discounts or promotional codes, and pay attention to the total reservation cost.
Before driving away, make sure you understand how your mobile reservation needs to be validated.
Whether you scan a QR code, use your license plate, or show the pass to an attendant, following the instructions avoids charges and makes your parking experience much smoother.
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