Get Your Free Guide to Hertz Membership Programs

Overview of Hertz Membership Programs

Hertz offers several membership programs designed to provide rewards and benefits to frequent car renters. Understanding what these programs entail can help you make informed decisions about which one might work for you. The main membership options include Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Hertz President's Circle, and various partnerships with airline frequent flyer programs and credit card companies.

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Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is the company's primary membership program, available to anyone who rents from Hertz. This program operates on a point-based system where members earn points for each rental. The program has existed for many years and has gone through various iterations as the company has evolved. Members can track their account activity online and through the Hertz mobile app.

The President's Circle is Hertz's elite tier membership, designed for members who rent frequently throughout the year. This tier offers additional perks beyond what standard Gold Plus members receive. Requirements for this tier are based on rental frequency and spending during a membership year.

Beyond direct Hertz programs, the company maintains partnerships with major airlines including United, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest. These partnerships allow you to earn airline miles in addition to Hertz points when you rent vehicles. Credit card companies also partner with Hertz to offer branded cards that provide rental discounts and accelerated point earning.

Practical Takeaway: Before exploring membership details, identify your rental patterns. If you rent fewer than three times per year, basic membership may be sufficient. If you rent regularly for business or travel, exploring higher tiers or partnership options may provide more value.

How Points Work in Hertz Rewards Programs

The point system is fundamental to understanding Hertz membership benefits. Members earn points based on the rental rate paid, not the vehicle type or rental duration. Generally, you earn one point per dollar spent on your rental, though this structure can vary based on your membership tier and current promotions.

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Points accumulate in your member account and can be redeemed for future rentals. The redemption process involves selecting a point redemption option when making a reservation or applying points to an existing reservation. According to Hertz's structure, points typically require a minimum threshold before they can be used—often around 2,500 to 3,500 points, which might represent roughly $2,500 to $3,500 in spending depending on promotions.

The point value varies based on how you choose to redeem them. For example, using points toward a full rental redemption may provide different value than using them for discount certificates or upgrades. Some members find that saving points for complete rental redemptions provides better value than smaller redemptions.

Promotional offers frequently boost point earning. Hertz regularly runs campaigns where members can earn double, triple, or even higher point multipliers on rentals during specific periods. These promotions typically align with travel seasons or partnership anniversaries. The company also offers bonus points for signing up for the membership program itself, though the amount varies by promotion.

Points have an expiration policy. Generally, Hertz points expire after a period of inactivity—often 18 to 24 months from the last rental or account activity. This means maintaining regular rentals or occasional account activity helps preserve accumulated points. Some membership tiers may offer extended expiration periods.

Practical Takeaway: Track your point balance regularly through your online account or the mobile app. Set a calendar reminder for rental activity if you're accumulating points but not renting frequently, as this helps prevent point expiration. Plan larger redemptions strategically when you have sufficient points, rather than using points for small discounts.

Benefits and Perks of Gold Plus Rewards Membership

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members receive various conveniences designed to streamline the rental experience. One primary benefit is the Gold Plus lane access at participating locations, which allows members to skip the standard counter line and process their rental more quickly. This feature is particularly valuable at busy airport locations where rental queues can be substantial.

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Members receive personalized rental offers through email and the mobile app. These offers target individual preferences based on rental history and may include discounts on specific vehicle classes or rental locations. For example, a member who frequently rents midsize sedans in New York might receive offers for discounted midsize rentals in that region.

The program includes free upgrades on a space-available basis. When you make a reservation with a specific vehicle class, Hertz may provide an upgrade to a higher class at no additional charge if inventory allows. The upgrade availability depends on factors like demand, location, and reservation timing, so upgrades are not guaranteed but represent potential added value.

Gold Plus members receive discounted daily rates compared to non-member rates. The discount percentage varies by location, season, and current promotions, but members consistently see lower quoted rates than walk-up customers. Some locations offer member rates that are 10-30 percent lower than standard rates during peak seasons.

Additional perks include: emergency roadside assistance coverage at certain membership tiers, complimentary additional driver coverage at many locations, and accelerated earning during promotional periods. Members also receive special rates on optional coverages like additional insurance protection and equipment rentals.

The mobile app provides tools for members to modify reservations, access e-receipts, view rental history, and manage account information. Some locations allow members to use the app to unlock rental vehicles, though this feature varies by location and vehicle type.

Practical Takeaway: Sign up for Gold Plus Rewards before your next rental to immediately benefit from member rates, even if you don't anticipate renting frequently. Review personalized offers in your email and app, as these often contain deeper discounts than standard member pricing. Use the fast-lane counter when available to save time at your next airport rental.

President's Circle Elite Membership Tier

Hertz President's Circle represents the company's elite membership tier, offering enhanced benefits for frequent renters. To reach this status, members typically need to complete a minimum number of annual rentals—generally between 10 and 15 rentals per year, though the exact requirement fluctuates. The membership year typically runs from January through December or may align with your membership anniversary date.

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President's Circle members receive all Gold Plus benefits plus additional exclusive advantages. These additional benefits generally include guaranteed car class upgrades (rather than space-available), priority reservation confirmations ensuring your desired vehicle is held, and dedicated phone support through a President's Circle line with shorter wait times.

Members at this tier often receive invitation-only travel packages and special event access. Hertz periodically offers exclusive deals to President's Circle members, such as rental promotions during holidays or partnerships with hotel chains and airlines. These members typically receive higher point multipliers on promotional campaigns than Gold Plus members.

Elite members receive complimentary insurance products at many rental locations, which can provide significant savings. Coverage such as collision damage waiver or theft protection may be included rather than offered as an optional purchase. The specific coverage included varies by location and jurisdiction due to insurance regulations.

President's Circle members maintain their status as long as they continue meeting the annual rental threshold. If annual rentals fall below the requirement, members revert to Gold Plus status the following membership year. Some members who have maintained elite status for extended periods may receive status extensions or special retention offers.

The status provides recognition through a special member card and online designation, which can offer prestige value. Some rental locations display President's Circle member status differently, sometimes providing priority check-in or special recognition at the counter.

Practical Takeaway: If you currently rent 8-10 times annually, calculate whether reaching 10-15 rentals yearly is feasible. If you can achieve elite status, the guaranteed upgrades and insurance inclusion often offset the cost of additional rentals. Track your annual rental count in the membership portal to understand your progress toward elite qualification.

Partnership Programs and Co-Branded Opportunities

Hertz maintains partnerships with major airline frequent flyer programs, allowing members to earn airline miles in addition to Hertz points during rentals. These partnerships include United Airlines MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, and Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards. When you link your airline account to your Hertz membership, miles post automatically after each rental.

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The earning rate for airline miles typically ranges from 5 to 10 miles per dollar spent, depending on the specific partnership and your airline elite status. Some airlines offer promotions that provide bonus