Like many savvy travelers, you might have previously opted for the cheapest car rental available, overlooking the potential benefits of Car Rental Loyalty Programs. However, if you anticipate renting a car soon, enrolling in a car rental rewards program is a smart move. These programs are not only free to join but also unlock a world of valuable perks, from complimentary car upgrades to accumulating points redeemable for free rentals.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the leading car rental rewards programs, equipping you with essential knowledge to make informed decisions and maximize your car rental experience.
Decoding the Best Car Rental Loyalty Programs
Navigating the landscape of car rental loyalty programs can seem daunting. We’ve broken down the most popular programs to highlight their unique features and benefits:
Alamo Insiders
Alamo Insiders stands out for its simplicity. Unlike many programs that feature tiered elite statuses, Alamo Insiders focuses on providing immediate value. Members enjoy a guaranteed 5% discount on base rates for rentals in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
While Alamo Insiders doesn’t have its own points system, members can still benefit from their partnerships with major airlines and hotels. By linking your Alamo Insiders account, you can earn points or miles with partners like American AAdvantage, Hilton Honors, and Southwest Rapid Rewards, further enhancing your travel rewards strategy. For a comprehensive list of partners, visit Alamo’s partner page.
Related Reading: Credit Cards That Offer Elite Status for Car Rentals
Avis Preferred
With a vast network of over 5,000 locations spanning more than 170 countries, Avis offers an extensive global reach. Joining Avis Preferred is a worthwhile consideration for frequent renters.
Avis Preferred features a tiered elite status structure, progressing from Preferred to Preferred Plus and finally to President’s Club, each offering increasingly valuable benefits.
Avis Preferred
As a base-level Avis Preferred member, you’ll begin earning rewards immediately. The program awards 1 point for every dollar spent on car rentals and 2 points per dollar on accessories. These points can be redeemed for free car rentals starting at just 700 points per day, with the added flexibility of no blackout dates.
Image showing the Avis Preferred app interface, highlighting the ease of booking and managing car rentals for loyalty members.
The most immediate advantage of Avis Preferred is the ability to bypass the often lengthy lines at the rental counter. This time-saving perk is available at most Avis locations worldwide, making your rental experience smoother and more efficient.
Avis Preferred Plus
Reaching Avis Preferred Plus status is achieved by renting at least 10 times or spending $4,000 within a calendar year. This elevated tier boosts your earning potential to 1.25 points per dollar on rental costs and 2.5 points per dollar on optional add-ons.
In addition to all the benefits of Preferred membership, Preferred Plus members receive complimentary one-class upgrades when reserving a midsize car or larger, subject to availability. This can mean enjoying a more comfortable or spacious vehicle at no extra cost.
Path to Status: Fast track your way to Preferred Plus through airline elite status. United MileagePlus Premier Silver or Gold elites can link their accounts to elevate their Avis status. Furthermore, The Platinum Card® from American Express holders receive complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status upon enrollment, adding another layer of value to this premium credit card.
Avis President’s Club
The pinnacle of Avis loyalty, President’s Club status, is attained after 20 rentals or $6,000 in annual spending. President’s Club members earn at an accelerated rate of 1.5 points per dollar on car rentals and 3 points per dollar on accessories.
President’s Club unlocks a suite of premium benefits, including:
- Generous Upgrades: Enjoy a guaranteed two-class upgrade when reserving a midsize car or above (excluding large SUVs and Signature Fleet, subject to availability).
- Guaranteed Car Availability: Receive a guaranteed car up to a full-size when making a reservation with at least 24-hour notice.
- Dedicated Customer Service: Access a dedicated Avis Preferred Plus customer service and reservation line for prioritized support.
Path to Status: Several United cobranded credit cards offer automatic Avis President’s Club status as a valuable perk. These include the United ClubSM Infinite Card and the United ClubSM Business Card. MileagePlus Premier Platinum elite status holders and higher also receive this top-tier rental car status.
Disclaimer: Information regarding the United Club Business card has been independently collected by The Points Guy and not reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Further Reading: How to Never Pay Full Price for a Rental Car
Budget Fastbreak
Budget’s Fastbreak program is designed for efficiency and ease. Joining Fastbreak is free and streamlines both the pick-up and drop-off processes for your rental car.
Similar to Alamo Insiders, Budget Fastbreak does not feature elite status tiers. Instead, Budget focuses on offering periodic, attractive promotions to its members. These promotions can include valuable incentives like “Budget Bucks,” which can be used towards future rentals, providing direct savings.
Related Reading: Save Money on Your Next Trip: Tips to Never Pay Full Price for a Rental Car
Dollar Express Rewards
The Dollar Express Rewards program allows members to accrue points towards free rental days. Members also gain access to valuable benefits such as priority service at the counter, expedited rental returns, and a complimentary authorized additional driver (for a spouse or domestic partner).
While Dollar Rewards lacks elite status tiers, it offers a straightforward earning structure: 1 point earned for every dollar spent on qualifying rentals within the U.S. and Canada. Free rental redemptions start at 500 points for weekend days and 625 points for weekdays (excluding taxes and mandatory fees).
Related Reading: How to Redeem Points and Miles for Car Rentals
Enterprise Plus
Image showcasing the Enterprise Plus mobile app, emphasizing the ease of managing rewards and rentals on the go for program members.
Enterprise Plus features a four-tiered elite status program, starting with Plus (basic membership) and progressing through Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Enterprise’s elite status benefits are centered around bonus points accrual and complimentary vehicle upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of each tier:
Enterprise Plus
Basic Plus status is attained simply by signing up for the program and is maintained through your first five rentals. Members earn a solid 1 point per dollar spent on qualifying rentals from the start.
Enterprise Silver
Enterprise Silver status is reached after completing six qualifying rentals. Silver members receive a 10% bonus on points earned for qualifying rental dollars, accelerating their rewards accumulation, and one complimentary car upgrade per year.
Enterprise Gold
To achieve Enterprise Gold status, you need either 12 qualifying rentals or 40 rental days within a calendar year. Gold members enjoy a 15% bonus on points earned and two complimentary car upgrades annually, further enhancing the value of their rentals.
Enterprise Platinum
Enterprise’s top-tier Platinum status requires 24 qualifying rentals or 85 rental days in a calendar year. Platinum members are rewarded with a 20% bonus on earned points and a generous four complimentary car upgrades per year, maximizing their potential for enhanced rental experiences.
Enterprise points can be redeemed for free rental days with no blackout dates, offering ultimate flexibility. While the points required for a free rental day vary based on rental specifics, redemptions start from a reasonable 400 points.
For travelers looking to expedite their path to Enterprise elite status, the program offers a valuable status match opportunity with over 40 other travel loyalty programs. If you hold elite status with an airline, hotel, or another car rental program, it’s worth checking Enterprise’s status match website to see if you can leverage your existing status.
Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Rental Car Elite Status
Fox Rewards
The Fox Rewards loyalty program is known for its simplicity and direct rewards structure. Members earn 4 points for every dollar spent (excluding taxes and fees). Points can be redeemed in two convenient ways: gift cards or FoxBucks.
Fox partners with Tango Card, allowing members to redeem points for gift cards from a wide range of popular retailers like Amazon, Apple, and Starbucks. Gift card redemptions start at 2,500 points for a $25 certificate and scale up to 12,500 points for a $125 certificate.
Alternatively, members can opt for FoxBucks, which allows you to redeem rental car rewards points directly towards the cost of future car rentals. FoxBucks redemptions begin at 1,600 points for $20 in FoxBucks and go up to 8,000 points for $100 in FoxBucks.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Image showcasing a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member bypassing the rental counter and heading directly to car selection, highlighting the program’s convenience.
Hertz’s loyalty program, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, is free to join and focuses on speed and rewards. Members can bypass the rental counter and proceed directly to vehicle pickup, saving valuable time. The program also allows members to earn redeemable reward points towards complimentary rentals.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards features a three-tiered elite structure: Gold (basic membership), Five Star, and President’s Circle, each offering progressively enhanced benefits.
Hertz Gold
Becoming a Hertz Gold member is as simple as signing up. While the base tier offers fewer perks compared to elite levels, it still provides valuable benefits:
- Earning Rewards: Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on rentals.
- Hertz Ultimate Choice Access: Gain access to Hertz Ultimate Choice at participating locations, allowing you to select your preferred car from a designated lot.
- Free Additional Driver: Enjoy a complimentary additional driver for a spouse or domestic partner within the U.S.
Hertz Five Star
Five Star status is achieved after completing 10 Hertz rentals or spending $2,000 on rental cars within a year. Key benefits of Five Star status include:
- Accelerated Earning: Earn 1.25 points per dollar spent, accumulating rewards faster.
- Upgrade Potential: Receive upgrades based on car availability at the time of rental.
- Enhanced Ultimate Choice Selection: When renting from a Hertz location with an Ultimate Choice lot, Five Star members gain access to a wider selection of vehicles compared to Gold members.
Path to Status: Delta Medallion Silver or Gold status holders can leverage their airline elite status to match to Hertz Five Star status, providing reciprocal benefits across travel programs.
Hertz President’s Circle
President’s Circle status, the highest tier in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, is earned after 15 Hertz rentals or $3,000 in annual rental spending. President’s Circle members enjoy all the benefits of lower tiers, plus:
- Maximum Earning: Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent, maximizing reward accumulation.
- Guaranteed Upgrades: Receive guaranteed car upgrades, ensuring an enhanced vehicle experience.
- Premier Ultimate Choice Access: When renting from Ultimate Choice locations, President’s Circle members have access to the widest and most premium vehicle selection.
- Dedicated Support Line: Access an exclusive Hertz phone number dedicated to President’s Circle members for prioritized service.
Path to Status: Several premium credit cards offer complimentary Hertz President’s Circle benefits. These include the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*, The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required), and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (enrollment required). Delta Platinum or Diamond Medallion status holders can also enroll in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and receive complimentary President’s Circle status.
*Enrollment through the Capital One website or mobile app is required to activate Hertz President’s Circle status for eligible cardholders. Enrollment through the standard Hertz Gold Plus Rewards process will not automatically grant the complimentary status upgrade. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Related Reading: Stacking Rental Car Perks with Hertz and the Venture X
National Emerald Club
Image showcasing the National Emerald Club mobile app, emphasizing the program’s features for quick reservations and access to member benefits.
National’s loyalty program, Emerald Club, is structured into three tiers: Emerald Club (basic), Executive, and Executive Elite. Each tier offers a progressive set of benefits.
Emerald Club
Emerald Club membership grants members the ability to bypass the rental counter and directly select any car from the Emerald Aisle when renting a midsize vehicle or larger. Members can choose to earn either free rental days or points/miles with National’s extensive network of partner programs (listed on National’s partner page). Additional Emerald Club perks include:
- Expedited International Service: Streamlined rental processes in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- Free Rental Days: Earn a free rental day after accumulating seven rental credits.
- No Second-Driver Fees: Waived second-driver fees, adding value for couples or families traveling together.
- International Upgrades: Complimentary one-class upgrades at participating locations in the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, and Germany (subject to availability).
Emerald Club Executive
Emerald Club Executive status is achieved after 12 paid rentals or 40 paid rental days within a calendar year. Alternatively, holders of premium travel rewards cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (enrollment required) receive automatic Executive status.
Executive members retain all base member benefits and gain access to enhanced perks:
- Faster Free Rental Days: Earn a free rental day after just six rental credits.
- Executive Area Access: Pay the midsize rate but select any car (including full-size and above) from the designated Executive Area in the U.S., offering greater vehicle choice at a lower price point.
- Guaranteed Upgrades: Guaranteed upgrades when reserving a midsize car or larger in the U.S. and Canada.
- Premier Selection Pricing: Access exclusive pricing when upgrading to Premier Selection vehicles at rental locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Emerald Club Executive Elite
The highest tier, Emerald Club Executive Elite status, is earned after 25 rentals or 85 rental days per calendar year. Executive Elite members enjoy the most premium benefits:
- Fastest Free Rental Days: Earn free rental days after only five rental credits (valid for any car class excluding exotic vehicles and trucks).
- Guaranteed Car Availability: Guaranteed vehicle availability (up to full-size) with 24 hours’ notice.
- Private Airport Delivery: Exclusive private airport delivery service for arrivals via private aircraft at smaller airports in the U.S. or Canada (within 50 miles of a National branch).
National Emerald Club also offers a valuable status match program, matching elite status from over 40 other loyalty programs. Many travelers have successfully matched hotel elite status, such as Hilton Honors Gold, to Emerald Club Executive, and airline elite status like United Airlines Premier 1K to Executive Elite. Checking the Emerald Club status match page is highly recommended to potentially leverage your existing loyalty status.
Related Reading: Credit Cards That Offer Elite Status for Car Rentals
Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards
Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards focuses on providing straightforward discounts rather than a points-based system. The program does not feature elite status tiers and has moved away from earning points. Instead, Thrifty Blue Chip members benefit from receiving up to a 15% discount on all rentals.
Blue Chip membership also includes practical perks such as a complimentary authorized additional driver (spouse or domestic partner), and expedited pickup and return processes, making the rental experience more convenient and cost-effective.
Leveraging Credit Cards for Car Rental Rewards
Choosing the right credit card when renting a car can significantly amplify your rewards earning potential. Certain credit cards offer bonus points specifically for car rentals purchased directly from rental agencies.
Furthermore, some premium credit cards provide primary car rental coverage. This valuable benefit covers damage, theft, or loss to the rental vehicle without requiring you to file a claim with your personal auto insurance provider. To activate primary coverage, simply decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver and pay for the rental using a card that offers this coverage.
Final Thoughts: Unlock the Value of Car Rental Loyalty
While car rentals may not be the most glamorous aspect of travel compared to flights or hotels, they are often essential, especially when exploring destinations beyond major cities.
If your existing credit card or airline loyalty program provides complimentary elite status with car rental agencies, enroll immediately to take advantage of those benefits. Even without automatic elite status, joining car rental loyalty programs is highly recommended. These programs offer a range of valuable perks, from earning points towards free rentals and securing exclusive discounts to streamlining the rental process and skipping counter lines. The benefits and potential savings make joining car rental loyalty programs a smart strategy for any traveler who rents cars, even occasionally.
