{"id":82777,"date":"2022-08-19T15:00:02","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T15:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=82777"},"modified":"2023-08-30T15:15:34","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T15:15:34","slug":"hertz-gold-plus-rewards-devaluation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/car-rental\/hertz-award-pricing-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"Hertz Silently Devalues Gold Plus Rewards Redemptions Again"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2019, Hertz made an unannounced devaluation of its Gold Plus Rewards program. Now in 2022, Hertz quietly raised standard rewards redemption rates once again. Between these two unannounced devaluations, Hertz increased awards between 40-70%. Here's a look at the damage.<\/p>\n

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Charts Devaluation<\/span><\/h2>\n

For the second time in three years, Hertz has increased the number of points you need for free rental days.<\/p>\n

In 2019, Hertz Gold points were devaluated by nearly 10%. Before the change, Free Rental Day standard rewards for compact through premium vehicle classes cost 675 points. The 2019 Hertz devaluation increased the requirement to 750 points.<\/p>\n

This month, Hertz increased rates by another 25%. Now Hertz Gold members need 950 points per Free Rental Day:<\/p>\n

\"Hertz<\/p>\n

Hertz Free Weekly Rental standard rewards for compact through premium vehicles have increased from 2,750 points in 2019 to 4,750 in 2022 — an increase of more than 70%.<\/p>\n

\"Hertz<\/p>\n

In addition, one-way rentals, specialty, and collection vehicles have all gone up this year. Hertz Gold members now need 1,900 points per Free Rental Day for a one-way rental:<\/p>\n

\"Hertz<\/p>\n

Our Take<\/span><\/h2>\n

The worst thing about this Hertz Gold Plus devaluation is how it was done surreptitiously and without advanced notice. Unless you're keeping track of how many points are needed for standard rewards, you probably didn't notice the change on August 9, 2022. That's precisely what Hertz did last time in 2019, hiding the fact that it was nerfing its rewards program.<\/p>\n

Hertz Gold members only get 1 point per dollar spent. That means you need to spend $950 to get a free rental day — up from the $675 spending required just a few years ago. By the time you spend enough for a second free rental day, you're almost to the $2,000 you need for Five Star elite status.<\/p>\n

Compounding this, there's the issue of even being able to find a Hertz standard rewards rental available — which many members are unable to do.<\/p>\n

It makes you question if there's any benefit to being loyal to the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program<\/a> — even if you get your elite status for free<\/a>. Are other car rental companies better, or is Turo the right option these days? Personally, I prefer to rent my cars through Costco<\/a> to get a discount on major brands (not Hertz).<\/p>\n

What do you think? Have you given up on Hertz, or are you still building up your points to reach the new threshold for standard rewards?<\/em><\/p>\n

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