Choosing the right rental car company can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially when loyalty programs are considered. For frequent travelers, understanding “What Rental Car Is Best Rewards Program” is crucial to maximizing benefits like free upgrades, discounted rentals, and faster service. Several major rental car companies offer compelling rewards programs, each with unique advantages. Let’s explore some of the top contenders to help you decide which program best fits your needs.
Evaluating Top Rental Car Rewards Programs
When determining the best rental car rewards program, several factors come into play. These include the ease of earning points, the value of redemption options, elite status benefits, and overall program flexibility. Here are some of the leading programs in the rental car industry:
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is often praised for its straightforward point system and valuable redemption options. Members earn points for every dollar spent on rentals, and these points can be redeemed for free rental days. One of the standout features of Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is the “Five Star” and “President’s Circle” elite statuses, offering perks like bonus points, vehicle upgrades, and guaranteed car availability. Hertz also frequently offers promotions and bonus point opportunities, making it easier to accrue rewards quickly.
Avis Preferred
Avis Preferred provides a streamlined rental experience along with its rewards program. Members earn Avis Preferred Points for every qualifying dollar spent, which can be used towards future rentals, upgrades, and accessories. Avis also features elite tiers like Avis Preferred Plus, offering accelerated earnings, complimentary upgrades when available, and dedicated customer service. Avis is known for its wide network and often partners with airlines and hotels, providing additional earning and redemption possibilities for travelers.
Enterprise Plus
Enterprise Plus stands out with its simple rewards structure and broad accessibility. Members earn points on qualifying rentals at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car brands. The program uses a points-per-dollar system, and free rental days start at relatively low point levels, making it easy for occasional renters to benefit. Elite status within Enterprise Plus, achieved through rental frequency, unlocks bonus points and priority service, enhancing the overall rental experience.
National Emerald Club
National Emerald Club is particularly favored by business travelers due to its focus on speed and convenience. Emerald Club members can bypass the rental counter and choose any car in the Emerald Aisle (midsize car price), offering significant time savings. Rewards are earned through rental credits, with free days awarded after a certain number of credits are accumulated. Executive and Executive Elite statuses provide guaranteed upgrades and greater car selection, making National a strong choice for those who value efficiency and premium service.
Choosing the Right Program for You
The “best” rental car rewards program ultimately depends on individual travel habits and preferences.
- For frequent renters seeking premium benefits: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Emerald Club offer robust elite status perks and valuable redemption options.
- For travelers valuing simplicity and ease of earning: Enterprise Plus provides a straightforward program with accessible reward levels across multiple brands.
- For those looking for a balance of rewards and network: Avis Preferred offers a solid program with a wide reach and partnership opportunities.
Before deciding, consider your typical rental frequency, preferred car types, and travel destinations. Comparing the earning rates, redemption values, and elite status benefits of each program will help you determine “what rental car is best rewards program” for your specific travel profile. Exploring each program’s website and reading recent reviews can also provide valuable insights before you commit to a loyalty program.
