Dollar Rent A Car is a well-known name in the car rental industry, appealing to travelers who are looking for value and affordability. Like many of its competitors, Dollar offers a loyalty program, known as Dollar Express Rewards, designed to enhance the rental experience for its customers. This program allows you to earn points towards future rentals and enjoy certain perks. While Dollar is part of the Hertz Corporation, it’s important to note that the Dollar Express Rewards program operates independently from Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, meaning benefits are not reciprocated between the two. Let’s delve into the details of the Dollar Car Rental Rewards Program and see if it’s the right fit for your travel needs.
Understanding the Dollar Express Rewards Program
Dollar Rent A Car caters to the budget-conscious traveler, providing car rental services across more than 600 locations in around 65 countries globally. While Dollar and Thrifty Car Rental are sister companies under the Hertz umbrella since 2012, each maintains its distinct rewards program.
The Dollar Express Rewards program is designed to reward customer loyalty with points redeemable for free rentals. Beyond earning points, members can also benefit from time-saving perks such as skipping the rental counter and accessing priority service at select locations. Additionally, Dollar Express Rewards extends a valuable benefit by allowing members to add a spouse or domestic partner as a free additional driver. Similar to other car rental rewards programs, joining Dollar Express Rewards is completely free.
However, a key aspect that differentiates Dollar Express Rewards from many competitors is the absence of elite status tiers. This means that unlike programs that offer escalating benefits with increased rental frequency, Dollar Express Rewards provides a flat set of benefits to all members. The primary exception to this is for U.S. military personnel and government employees, who are eligible for complimentary upgrades on both business and leisure rentals.
Dollar Express Partner Programs
If you aren’t a frequent Dollar renter, or if you prefer airline miles or hotel points, Dollar Express Rewards offers partnerships with various travel programs. Instead of earning Dollar Rewards points, you have the option to accrue points or miles with these partners:
- Alaska Airlines: 50 miles per qualifying rental day.
- All Nippon Airways (ANA): 300 miles per qualifying rental.
- American Airlines: 50 miles per qualifying rental day.
- Avianca Airlines: 50 miles per qualifying rental day.
- Delta Air Lines: 500 miles per qualifying rental.
- Emirates Skywards: 500 miles per rental (29 days or less), 1,000 miles per rental (30+ days).
- Frontier Airlines: 50 miles per day (rentals up to 4 days), 500 miles per rental (5+ days).
- IHG Rewards Club: 125 points per qualifying rental day.
- Japan Airlines (JAL): 300 miles per qualifying rental.
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: 600 miles per qualifying rental.
- Spirit Airlines: 50 miles per day (rentals up to 4 days), 500 miles per rental (5+ days).
- United Airlines MileagePlus: 50 miles per day (rentals up to 4 days), 500 miles per rental (5+ days).
If you opt to earn frequent flyer miles with a U.S.-based airline, be aware that a surcharge ranging from $0.75 to $1.50 per day will be applied, depending on the airline program. Choosing to earn partner points or miles does not affect your Dollar Express membership perks; you can still enjoy benefits like skipping the counter.
Earning Rewards with Dollar Express
The earning structure of the dollar car rental rewards program is refreshingly simple. Since Dollar Express Rewards doesn’t have elite status tiers, there are no bonus earning opportunities to consider – it’s a straightforward system for all members.
You’ll earn a flat rate of 1 Dollar Rewards point for every dollar spent on eligible Dollar rentals. According to Dollar’s FAQ page, a qualifying rental is defined as any “Dollar rental in the U.S. or Canada that is not prepaid.” To ensure you receive points for your rentals, it’s essential to include your Dollar Express Rewards member ID when making your reservation.
Despite the shared ownership with Thrifty and Hertz, it’s important to remember that the Dollar Express Rewards program is distinct. You cannot earn or redeem points within the Thrifty or Hertz rewards programs, highlighting the importance of focusing your loyalty within the Dollar ecosystem to maximize your rewards.
Redeeming Dollar Express Points
Dollar Express Rewards points can be redeemed for free rental days on a range of vehicle classes, including compact, midsize, standard, and full-size cars. Redemption options include daily, weekly, and weekend rentals.
Point redemptions start at 500 points, with weekend rentals offering a slightly better value per point compared to weekday rentals. However, weekly rentals generally provide the most advantageous redemption rates. Here’s a breakdown of the points required for various rewards:
| Reward | Points Required |
|---|---|
| One Free Weekend Rental Day | 500 |
| Two Free Weekend Rental Days | 1,000 |
| Three Free Weekend Rental Days | 1,500 |
| Four Free Weekend Rental Days | 2,000 |
| One Free Weekday Rental Day | 625 |
| Two Free Weekday Rental Days | 1,250 |
| Three Free Weekday Rental Days | 1,875 |
| Four Free Weekday Rental Days | 2,500 |
| One Free Weekly Rental | 2,550 |
| Two Free Weekly Rentals (14 days max) | 5,000 |
It’s important to note that blackout dates may apply to reward rentals, and redemptions are currently limited to rentals within the U.S. and Canada.
Points within the Dollar Express Rewards program remain valid as long as you maintain account activity (earning or redeeming points) at least once every 24 months. This generous expiration policy makes it easier to accumulate points and redeem them at your convenience.
Maximizing Your Dollar Rental Experience
To get the most out of your Dollar car rentals, consider these strategies to enhance your savings and protection.
Strategic Credit Card Use
Choosing the right credit card for your Dollar rental can provide valuable benefits, including primary car rental insurance and bonus rewards on your spending. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are excellent options.
Both Chase Sapphire cards offer primary rental car coverage, allowing you to decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver and still be protected against damage or theft. Since car rentals are typically categorized as travel purchases, you’ll also earn bonus points: 3 points per dollar with the Chase Sapphire Reserve (representing a 6% return based on valuations) and 2 points per dollar with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (a 4% return).
When it comes to refueling your rental car, using a credit card that offers bonus points on gas purchases is a smart move. Consider cards like the Citi Premier® Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card for maximizing rewards on gas spending.
Smart Saving Strategies
Beyond rewards programs and credit cards, several other methods can help you save money on Dollar rentals.
Deals and Discount Codes
Dollar Rent A Car frequently advertises deals and discount codes on its dedicated specials page. This page allows you to search for location-specific deals and also lists various association discounts, such as for members of AAA and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
In addition to the Dollar website, it’s always a good idea to perform a quick online search for discount codes before finalizing your booking, as there may be unadvertised codes available.
AutoSlash
AutoSlash is a valuable online tool designed to find the lowest possible rates for rental cars. It automatically applies the best available discounts to your search and continues to track your reservation for price drops, potentially saving you even more money. AutoSlash also features a coupons page, which lists discount codes that can be used when booking directly with Dollar.
Dollar 4Business
For small business owners who frequently rent cars for work-related travel, the Dollar 4Business program offers attractive benefits. This free program provides members with a 7% discount on the base rate of all business rentals, waived young renter fees, complimentary additional drivers, unlimited mileage, and waived change fees. Crucially, Dollar 4Business members still earn points through the standard Dollar Express Rewards program, combining savings with rewards.
Bottom Line
The dollar car rental rewards program, Dollar Express Rewards, is tailored for travelers who prioritize value and simplicity. It provides a straightforward way to earn rewards and unlock some convenient benefits like skipping the counter. However, the absence of elite status benefits may make it less appealing to very frequent renters seeking recognition for their loyalty through upgrades and more enhanced perks. For the average traveler who rents cars occasionally and appreciates straightforward rewards, the Dollar Express Rewards program can certainly add value to the rental experience.
