Comparing the Top Car Rental Loyalty Programs
Car rental loyalty programs offer travelers a chance to save money, earn rewards, and enjoy various perks. With numerous options available, selecting the best program can be challenging. This article will compare the top car rental loyalty programs to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Program Benefits and Rewards
When comparing car rental loyalty programs, the benefits and rewards offered are often the primary consideration. Programs typically provide points for each rental that can be redeemed for free rentals, upgrades, or other perks.
For example, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards allows members to earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free rentals and upgrades. According to Hertz's official site, members also get expedited service at over 1,000 locations worldwide (Hertz).
Similarly, Avis Preferred offers points for rentals and additional benefits such as faster reservations and returns. Members can also enjoy complimentary upgrades and exclusive offers (Avis).
National's Emerald Club stands out with its unique "Emerald Aisle" service, where members can choose any car in the aisle and only pay the reserved midsize rate. This flexibility is a significant advantage for frequent travelers (National Car Rental).
Tier Levels and Status Benefits
Loyalty programs often include tier levels that provide additional benefits based on the member's rental activity. Higher tiers usually offer more rewards and exclusive services.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards has three main tiers: Gold, Five Star, and President's Circle. As members move up the tiers, they receive perks like bonus points on rentals, guaranteed upgrades, and access to a wider selection of vehicles (Hertz).
Avis Preferred also has multiple levels: Preferred and Preferred Plus. The higher tier offers benefits such as complimentary upgrades and guaranteed availability (Avis).
National's Emerald Club features tiers like Executive and Executive Elite. Higher-tier members enjoy benefits such as choosing any car on the Emerald Aisle and receiving free rental days more quickly (National Car Rental).
Earning Points and Redeeming Rewards
Earning points is generally straightforward in most loyalty programs, with members earning points based on their spending. However, the value of these points can vary significantly between programs.
With Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, members earn one point per dollar spent on rentals. Points can be redeemed for free rental days or used for upgrades (Hertz). Avis Preferred follows a similar structure where points accumulate based on rental expenses and can be redeemed for free rentals or accessories like GPS units (Avis).
The redemption process in National's Emerald Club is highly flexible. Members earn one point per dollar spent and can use these points to book free rentals without blackout dates or restrictions (National Car Rental).
Comparison Table of Top Car Rental Loyalty Programs
| Program | Benefits | Tier Levels | Point Earning Rate | Redemption Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz Gold Plus Rewards | Expedited service, points for free rentals/upgrades | Gold, Five Star, President's Circle | 1 point per dollar spent | Free rentals, upgrades |
| Avis Preferred | Faster reservations/returns, exclusive offers | Preferred, Preferred Plus | Points based on spending | Free rentals, accessories |
| National Emerald Club | "Emerald Aisle" service, flexible point redemption | Emerald Club, Executive, Executive Elite | 1 point per dollar spent | No blackout dates or restrictions on free rentals |
User Experience and Customer Service
User experience plays a critical role in determining the effectiveness of a loyalty program. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members often praise the program's ease of use and fast service at pick-up locations (Hertz Reviews by Trustpilot ). Avis Preferred members appreciate the streamlined reservation process and customer support (Avis Reviews by Trustpilot ). National's Emerald Club receives high marks for its flexibility in vehicle choice and hassle-free rewards redemption (National Reviews by Trustpilot ).
The comparison of top car rental loyalty programs reveals significant differences in benefits, tier levels, point earning rates, and user experiences. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards stands out with its comprehensive rewards system and tier-based perks. Avis Preferred shines with its user-friendly interface and efficient customer service. National's Emerald Club offers unparalleled flexibility with its "Emerald Aisle" feature and simple point redemption process.
Your choice among these programs will depend on your specific needs and travel habits. Frequent travelers might benefit from National's flexible vehicle selection, while those looking for consistent rewards may prefer Hertz or Avis's straightforward systems.