Is the Thrifty Car Membership Program Any Good? A Detailed Review

For travelers seeking budget-friendly car rentals, Thrifty Car Rental has long been a familiar name. Positioned as a value brand within the Hertz Corporation family (along with Dollar Rent A Car), Thrifty caters to those looking to save on their transportation costs. However, like many travel companies, Thrifty has navigated some turbulent times, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2020. Emerging from bankruptcy in early 2021, the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program also underwent significant changes. If you’re wondering whether the Thrifty car membership program is any good in its current form, you’ve come to the right place. This review dives into the details of the Thrifty Blue Chip program, exploring its benefits, how it works, and ultimately, whether it offers real value to today’s traveler.

Understanding the Thrifty Blue Chip Program: No More Points

One of the most significant shifts in the Thrifty Blue Chip program is the elimination of its points-based system. Historically, Thrifty members earned points for every dollar spent, which could then be redeemed for free rental days. However, this system was discontinued in late 2020. Unlike programs from competitors that often involve complex points accumulation and redemption structures, the Thrifty Blue Chip program now operates on a simpler model.

Previously, members earned 1 point per dollar and needed 500 points for a free rental day. Today, the program offers a fixed set of benefits to all members, regardless of their rental frequency. This straightforward approach means whether you rent a car once a year or multiple times, the core benefits remain consistent. This simplicity can be a major draw for travelers who prefer uncomplicated loyalty programs.

Thrifty Blue Chip Benefits: What Do You Get?

The Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program prides itself on its simplicity, offering a concise list of benefits that are easy to understand and utilize. It forgoes elite tiers or status levels, ensuring every member receives the same core advantages. For travelers seeking practical savings and convenience without navigating complicated status qualifications, this can be quite appealing. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits offered to all Thrifty Blue Chip members:

Free Additional Driver: This is a valuable perk, especially for road trips or when traveling with companions who may share driving responsibilities. Adding an additional driver is typically associated with extra fees, but Blue Chip members can avoid this cost.
15% Discount on Base Rates: A straightforward discount on the rental car’s base rate translates to direct savings on every rental. This percentage-based discount can accumulate to significant savings over time, making Thrifty a more budget-friendly option.
Quick Reservations: Blue Chip membership streamlines the reservation process, saving time and effort. Pre-filled information and preferences can expedite booking, especially useful for frequent renters or those who value efficiency.
E-Returns: The E-Returns service offers a hassle-free return experience. Members can simply drop off their keys and go, bypassing counter queues and paperwork. This can be a significant time-saver, particularly at airports or busy rental locations.

Related: How To Get Rental Car Elite Status for Free

Signing Up for Thrifty Blue Chip: A Step-by-Step Guide

Joining the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program is designed to be a quick and easy process. You can enroll directly through the Thrifty website. Simply navigate to Thrifty’s website and look for the “Join” or “Blue Chip Rewards” section, typically found in the navigation menu.

Credit: Thrifty
The signup process involves filling out an online form. While the form’s design may appear somewhat dated, reminiscent of ’90s web design, the process is functional. You’ll be asked to provide personal information, including your name, contact details, and address.

To facilitate faster bookings and returns, Thrifty will also request your driver’s license and credit card information during sign-up. This information is securely stored to streamline future transactions and vehicle pickups.

Crediting Airline Miles and Hotel Points

A notable feature of the Thrifty Blue Chip program is the ability to earn miles or points with various airline and hotel loyalty programs on qualifying rentals. During the signup process, you have the option to enter your membership details for up to six partner programs. This allows you to automatically accrue rewards in your preferred travel loyalty accounts when you rent with Thrifty.

Currently, Thrifty partners with a range of programs, including:

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Earn 50 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations (up to 30 days).
American Airlines AAdvantage®: Receive 50 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations (up to 28 days).
Avianca LifeMiles: Accrue 50 miles per rental day on all qualifying rentals.
COPA ConnectMiles: Get 200 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations.
Delta SkyMiles: Earn 500 miles per qualifying rental at participating locations.
Emirates Skywards: Collect 500 Miles per qualifying rental at worldwide locations (excluding UAE).
Frontier Miles: Earn 50 miles per day for rentals of 1-4 days, and 500 miles per transaction for rentals of 5+ days.
Gulf Air Falcon Miles: Receive 200 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations.
IHG One Rewards: Earn 125 points per rental day for qualifying rentals worldwide.
Kuwait Oasis Club: Get 500 miles per rental day for qualifying rentals worldwide.
Marriott Bonvoy: Accumulate 250 points per rental day for qualifying rentals worldwide.
Spirit Airlines Free Spirit: Earn 50 points per day for rentals of 1-4 days, and 500 points per transaction for rentals of 5+ days.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: Receive 600 points per qualifying rental transaction at participating locations.

It’s important to note that certain discounted rates, such as industry discounts, tour rates, and complimentary rentals, may not be eligible for earning partner miles or points.

The final step in the signup process is to create and confirm a password for your account. Once completed, you’ll receive an email to verify your membership, officially making you a Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards member.

Credit: Thrifty

Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards FAQ

Do Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards Expire?

Since the Thrifty Blue Chip program no longer uses a points system, points expiration is not a concern. You might find outdated information online referencing points expiration policies, but these are no longer relevant as they pertain to the pre-2020 program. The current benefits of the Blue Chip program do not expire as long as your membership remains active.

Who Owns Thrifty Car Rental?

Thrifty Car Rental is a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings. This explains why Thrifty rental counters are often located near Hertz counters, particularly at airport rental facilities. Hertz acquired Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, the parent company of both Dollar and Thrifty, in 2012 and continues to operate both brands independently.

Cover Your Thrifty Rental With the Right Credit Card for Insurance Purposes

Rental car insurance can significantly inflate the total cost of your rental, often adding between $10 to $50 per day. A smart way to avoid these extra expenses is to utilize a credit card that offers car rental insurance as a benefit.

Using a credit card with car rental insurance can provide primary coverage, meaning it pays out before your personal auto insurance policy. However, it’s crucial to understand that credit card rental car insurance often provides collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage, which covers damage to the rental vehicle itself in case of theft or accidents. It typically does not include liability insurance, which covers damages to other vehicles or property and injuries to other people if you are at fault in an accident. For liability coverage, you may need to arrange separate liability coverage.

Several personal credit cards offer primary car rental insurance, including:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $395
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months

The Capital One Venture X is a premium travel card with benefits like lounge access, travel credits, and high rewards earning on travel and everyday spending. It offers primary car rental insurance when you decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW.

Certain business credit cards also provide primary car rental insurance when renting for business purposes, such as:

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in 3 months

The Ink Business Preferred is a top-rated small business card known for its valuable Ultimate Rewards points, bonus categories, and primary car rental insurance when used for business rentals.

It’s worth noting that American Express cards generally do not offer primary car rental insurance as a standard benefit. However, American Express does provide the option to purchase separate premium car rental protection for a per-rental fee, which can still be more cost-effective than buying insurance directly from the rental company.

Related: Best Credit Cards for Car Rental Insurance

Final Verdict: Is Thrifty Blue Chip Worth It?

So, Is The Thrifty Car Membership Program Any Good? For travelers prioritizing simplicity and straightforward savings, the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program is definitely worth considering. It eliminates the complexities of points systems and status tiers, offering immediate benefits like discounts and a free additional driver. The ease of use, coupled with the ability to earn airline miles or hotel points, adds further value.

The program’s biggest strengths are its simplicity and accessibility. If you’re looking for a no-frills car rental loyalty program that provides consistent discounts and streamlined rentals without needing to track points or status, Thrifty Blue Chip is a solid option. It’s particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate clear-cut benefits and a hassle-free rental experience. While it may not offer the high-end perks of some premium rental programs, the Thrifty Blue Chip program delivers on its promise of providing value and savings for everyday car rentals.