National Car Rental’s Emerald Club program stands out as a popular choice for frequent car renters. But how does the National rewards program truly work, especially when it comes to cars and earning those valuable rewards? This guide will delve into the intricacies of the Emerald Club, providing a comprehensive overview for both newcomers and seasoned members looking to maximize their benefits.
Understanding the Basics of National’s Emerald Club
The Emerald Club is National Car Rental’s loyalty program designed to reward frequent renters. Unlike some programs that are purely transactional, Emerald Club offers a blend of convenience and rewards, aiming to make the rental experience smoother and more beneficial. The core concept revolves around earning credits for rentals, which can then be redeemed for free rental days and other perks.
Enrollment and Membership Levels
Joining the Emerald Club is free and straightforward. You can enroll online through National Car Rental’s website. Once enrolled, you automatically become a member and can start earning rewards immediately. The program features different membership tiers, offering increasingly valuable benefits as you rent more frequently:
- Emerald Club: This is the entry-level membership, offering expedited service and reward earning capabilities.
- Emerald Club Executive: Reached after 12 paid rentals or 40 paid rental days in a calendar year, Executive status unlocks benefits like guaranteed upgrades and greater reward earning potential.
- Emerald Club Executive Elite: The highest publicly available tier, requiring 25 paid rentals or 85 paid rental days annually. Executive Elite members receive the highest level of benefits, including vehicle delivery and waived fees for a second driver.
Earning Rewards: How to Accumulate Credits
The primary way to earn rewards in the Emerald Club program is through qualifying rentals. Here’s a breakdown of how you accumulate credits:
- Rental Credits: Members earn one rental credit for each qualified car rental. A qualified rental is typically defined as a paid rental of a certain duration, usually one or more days, at participating locations.
- Bonus Credits: National frequently offers bonus credit promotions. These can be tied to specific rental periods, locations, or car classes. Keeping an eye on these promotions can significantly accelerate your rewards earning.
- Partner Earnings: In some cases, you might be able to earn Emerald Club credits through partnerships with airlines or hotels. Always check the terms and conditions of such partnerships to understand earning eligibility.
Redeeming Rewards: Free Days and Beyond
Accumulated rental credits are the key to unlocking rewards. The most common redemption is for Free Rental Days. The number of credits required for a Free Rental Day can vary based on the rental car class and location. It’s important to check the current redemption chart within your Emerald Club account for the most up-to-date information.
Beyond free days, Emerald Club points can sometimes be redeemed for:
- Upgrades: While Executive members receive guaranteed upgrades, all members might have opportunities to use points for confirmed upgrades, depending on availability.
- Partner Rewards: Occasionally, points can be transferred to partner loyalty programs or redeemed for partner offers, adding flexibility to your rewards usage.
Maximizing Your Emerald Club Benefits for Car Rentals
To truly get the most out of the National rewards program for cars, consider these strategies:
- Concentrate Your Rentals: Loyalty programs reward consistency. Whenever possible, choose National for your car rental needs to consolidate your rentals within the Emerald Club ecosystem.
- Target Promotions: Pay close attention to bonus credit promotions. Strategically planning your rentals to coincide with these offers can drastically increase your credit earnings.
- Achieve Higher Status: Aim for Executive or Executive Elite status. The guaranteed upgrades and bonus earnings at these levels significantly enhance the value of the program.
- Utilize the Emerald Aisle: One of the most lauded benefits of Emerald Club is the Emerald Aisle. Members can bypass the counter at many airports and choose any car from the Emerald Aisle for their reserved car class (or upgrade if eligible). This saves time and provides more vehicle selection control.
Emerald Aisle and Car Selection: A Key Perk
The Emerald Aisle deserves special mention when discussing how the National rewards program works for cars. It’s a dedicated section at many airport locations where Emerald Club members can bypass the rental counter. Here’s how it enhances your car rental experience:
- Skip the Counter: Go directly to the Emerald Aisle, bypassing potentially long lines at the rental counter.
- Choose Your Car: Select any car from the Emerald Aisle that is classified as mid-size or larger (depending on your reservation and status). This gives you the flexibility to choose a vehicle that suits your preferences and needs from the available inventory within the aisle’s designated car class range.
- Expedited Exit: Once you’ve chosen your car, simply drive to the exit gate, show your driver’s license, and you are on your way.
This feature is particularly valuable for travelers who appreciate efficiency and control over their car selection.
Is National’s Emerald Club Worth It?
For frequent car renters, especially those who value convenience and a streamlined rental process, National’s Emerald Club offers significant advantages. The free enrollment, combined with the potential for free rental days, upgrades, and the time-saving Emerald Aisle, makes it a compelling program. By understanding how the “nationals rewards program works cars,” and strategically utilizing its features, you can significantly enhance your car rental experience and reap valuable rewards.
Conclusion
National Car Rental’s Emerald Club program provides a robust rewards system for loyal customers. By understanding the mechanics of earning and redeeming credits, leveraging membership tiers, and maximizing benefits like the Emerald Aisle, renters can unlock substantial value. If you frequently rent cars, taking advantage of the Emerald Club is a smart move to make your travels more rewarding and efficient.
