Page Contents<\/p>
- Hertz Car Rental Basics<\/a>
- Booking with Hertz<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- What Is Hertz Gold Plus Rewards?<\/a><\/li>
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Elite Status Tiers<\/a>
- Gold (base tier)<\/a><\/li>
- Five Star<\/a><\/li>
- President's Circle<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Fast Track to Hertz Elite Status<\/a>
- Status match from competitors<\/a><\/li>
- Via credit cards<\/a><\/li>
- Via airline or hotel elite status<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Earning Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Points<\/a>
- Earning points for rewards with Hertz<\/a><\/li>
- Earning points and miles with Hertz airline and hotel partners<\/a><\/li>
- Buying Hertz points<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Redeeming Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Points<\/a>
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards award chart (for rentals in the U.S.)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Maximizing the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program<\/a>
- Using the right credit card for Hertz rentals<\/a><\/li>
- Choose your rewards strategy wisely<\/a><\/li>
- Take advantage of airline and hotel promotions<\/a><\/li>
- Leverage Hertz Ultimate Choice<\/a><\/li>
- Watch out for points expiration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n
Hertz Car Rental Basics<\/span><\/h2>\n
Hertz is one of the world's largest car rental companies, with around 11,000 locations in 160 countries. According to Hertz, it's the largest airport car rental company, with 2,900 locations worldwide. Its reach is impressive, with locations found throughout all six permanently inhabited continents. You'll be able to pick up your rental from Hertz in the United States and Canada, as well as in countries such as Botswana, Estonia, and Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n
With such a far-reaching footprint, the types of cars you'll find at a Hertz location vary widely. In some U.S. cities, you'll have the option to upgrade to luxury cars, including the Maserati Grecale. In the United Kingdom, Hertz even offers the Land Rover Velar. But in smaller markets like Riga, Latvia, luxury options are harder to come by, with Peugeots and Volkswagens taking up most of the lot.<\/p>\n
Booking with Hertz<\/span><\/h3>\n
Booking your rental car with Hertz is a simple process similar to booking a flight or a hotel. Unless you're trying to secure a special rate or have a unique request, you shouldn't need to call the Hertz reservation hotline. All reservations can be made and managed on the Hertz website or in the mobile app. Some Hertz locations also let you check in for your rental in the app for an even quicker pickup.<\/p>\n
Even if you have a special rate (like a corporate contract), you should still be able to use the Hertz website to book and manage your rental. Customers can enter multiple discount codes, including CDPs and convention codes.<\/p>\n
![\"Screenshot](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\")
Screenshot of Hertz homepage<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n To rent a car, select your preferred pickup location, pickup and drop-off dates, and age. Hertz also offers one-way rentals, but, as with nearly all rental car companies, it typically charges a one-way rental fee. If you want to book a one-way rental, you can select this option during the booking process.<\/p>\n
Once you click submit, the next page will display all available vehicle types at your preferred pick-up location. On this screen, you'll also see the daily rate and total rate for your rental period. If you have a promo or discount code, this page will already show you the discounted rate.<\/p>\n
Screenshot of Hertz booking page<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n To complete your booking, just select your preferred vehicle type, any add-ons like additional insurance, and provide some basic personal information. It's a simple process that should only take a minute or two longer than booking a hotel room.<\/p>\n
One way to make the booking process even easier is by adding your personal information to your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account. This way, you can breeze through the reservation process without needing to re-enter your driver's license or other information.<\/p>\n
What Is Hertz Gold Plus Rewards?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Gold Plus Rewards is Hertz's loyalty program. It's free to join and available in many countries to anyone aged 21 and older. The Gold Plus Rewards program has two components \u2014 rewards and elite status.\u00a0If you don't already have a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account, you can create one for free using this link<\/a>. Signing up only takes a few minutes and makes future bookings quicker and easier.<\/p>\n
Once you've created your new loyalty program account, make sure to link it to your AwardWallet account<\/a>. Don't have an AwardWallet account yet? Sign up for free<\/a> and track unlimited rewards programs and travel plans.<\/p>\n
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Elite Status Tiers<\/span><\/h2>\n
Hertz has three membership tiers: Gold, Five Star, and President's Circle. As always, the higher you climb up the membership tiers, the better the perks you receive. However, you still receive a few notable benefits by simply signing up for the program.<\/p>\n
Screenshot of Hertz elite status levels<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Gold (base tier)<\/span><\/h3>\n
You'll become a Gold member when you sign up for the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program. It provides a few benefits, including:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Skip the counter and pick up your car straight from the lot<\/li>\n
- Earn points that can be redeemed for free rental days and car-class upgrades<\/li>\n
- Additional driver at no additional charge<\/li>\n
- Express return (drop off the keys and go)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Five Star<\/span><\/h3>\n
To achieve Hertz Five Star status<\/a>, you must complete a minimum of 3 rentals or spend $1,000 with Hertz in a calendar year. Five Star members receive all of the benefits available to base tier members, as well as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Earn 25% more points<\/li>\n
- Access to a wider selection of premium vehicles<\/li>\n
- One car-class upgrade, if available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
President's Circle<\/span><\/h3>\n
Where you really start to see lucrative benefits is with Hertz President's Circle status. To earn President's Circle status, you will need to complete a minimum of 15 rentals or spend $3,000 with Hertz in a calendar year. Here are the additional benefits you will receive with President's Circle status:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Earn 50% more points compared to base tier status<\/li>\n
- Access to the widest selection of exclusive vehicles<\/li>\n
- Guaranteed car-class upgrade<\/li>\n
- Dedicated customer service line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As someone who has enjoyed the benefits of Hertz President's Circle status, I can vouch for its value. I always book the minimum vehicle class required to take advantage of Hertz Ultimate Choice, and\u00a0I have always been able to select a vehicle from the President's Circle aisle. Over the past year, I have been able to pick the following vehicles off the Hertz lot for the price of a standard mid-sized sedan:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Volvo C40<\/li>\n
- Polestar 2<\/li>\n
- Toyota 4Runner<\/li>\n
- Ford Mustang convertible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Image by Max Prosperi \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Fast Track to Hertz Elite Status<\/span><\/h2>\n
There are a few ways to earn elite status with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards without meeting the minimum rental or spending requirements — from status matches to credit cards. Each path offers a match up to President's Circle.<\/p>\n
Status match from competitors<\/span><\/h3>\n
The first way of fast tracking to Hertz is through a traditional status match<\/a>. To do this, you'll need to already have elite status with another car rental company.<\/p>\n
To request your status match, email digitalmarketing@hertz.com<\/strong> with your first and last name, Gold Plus member number, and proof of your competitor status. You can provide proof with a member card, a monthly statement, or a personalized welcome email. You can request a status match only once every five years, so make sure to do it in a year when you expect to rent cars frequently.<\/p>\n
You can match to Hertz Five Star if you hold any of the following statuses:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Avis Plus<\/li>\n
- Enterprise Silver or Enterprise Gold<\/li>\n
- National Executive<\/li>\n
- Sixt Gold or Sixt Platinum<\/li>\n
- Europcar Privilege Executive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You can match to Hertz President's Circle if you are a:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Avis President's Club<\/li>\n
- Enterprise Platinum<\/li>\n
- National Executive Elite<\/li>\n
- Sixt Diamond<\/li>\n
- Europcar Privilege Elite<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Your matched status lasts through December 31 of the second calendar year following the status match. For example, if you submit a status match request in June 2026, you will enjoy status through December 31, 2027.<\/p>\n
Via credit cards<\/span><\/h3>\n
The easiest way to earn Hertz status is to hold the right credit card.<\/p>\n
Five Star<\/h4>\n
The following credit cards offer Hertz Five Star status as a cardholder benefit:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/a><\/li>\n
- Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum American Express Card<\/a><\/li>\n
- Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum Business American Express Card<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/div><\/div>Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/div>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. <\/div><\/div>How to Apply<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong>$95<\/p><\/div>
Credit Score<\/strong>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div>
- \r\n
- 5X miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment <\/li>\r\n
- 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n
- 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum American Express Card<\/div>Welcome Bonus:<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.<\/div><\/div>How to Apply<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong>
$350Rates & Fees<\/a>
(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div>Credit Score<\/strong>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div>
- \r\n
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta<\/li>\r\n
- 3X miles per dollar at hotels<\/li>\r\n
- 2X miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets<\/li>\r\n
- 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.<\/li>\r\n
- 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum Business American Express Card<\/div>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership<\/div><\/div>How to Apply<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong>
$350Rates & Fees<\/a>
(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div>Credit Score<\/strong>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div>
- 3X miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta<\/li>\r\n
- 3X miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases with hotels<\/li>\r\n
- 1.5x miles on eligible purchases over $5,000 (up to 50,000 bonus miles annually)<\/li>\r\n
- 1.5X miles on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases*<\/li>\r\n
- 1X miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases.<\/li><\/ul>\r\n*If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.<\/em><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
President's Circle<\/h4>\n
The following credit cards offer Hertz President's Circle status as a cardholder benefit:<\/p>\n
- \n
- American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n
- The Business Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/a><\/li>\n
- Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Reserve American Express Card<\/a><\/li>\n
- Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Reserve Business American Express Card<\/a><\/li>\n
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Plus, the Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> also provides members with exclusive discounts at Hertz. Note that you might need to link your card to your Hertz account and activate the benefit to receive your status or discount.<\/p>\n
<\/div><\/div>Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/div>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 Miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening<\/div><\/div>How to Apply<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong>$395<\/p><\/div>
Credit Score<\/strong>Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div>
- \r\n
- 10X miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n
- 5X miles per $1 on purchases through Capital One Entertainment<\/li>\r\n
- 5X miles per $1 on flights when booking via Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n
- 5X miles per $1 on vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n
- 2X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Reserve American Express Card<\/div>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.\r\n<\/div><\/div>
- The Business Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/a><\/li>\n
- American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n
- Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum American Express Card<\/a><\/li>\n
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/a><\/li>\n
- Choose your rewards strategy wisely<\/a><\/li>
- Maximizing the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program<\/a>
- Earning points and miles with Hertz airline and hotel partners<\/a><\/li>
- Via credit cards<\/a><\/li>
- Five Star<\/a><\/li>
- What Is Hertz Gold Plus Rewards?<\/a><\/li>
- Booking with Hertz<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
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