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Introduction
One of the biggest changes in the travel industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic is the high demand for rental cars, coupled with a shortage of supply. Many travelers have found themselves facing sold-out rental car options or exorbitant prices. In fact, some have even discovered that limos are cheaper than rental cars. This has led to what some are calling a “rental car apocalypse.”
Fortunately, having elite status with rental car companies can help you avoid these rental car fiascos. Many premium travel credit cards offer automatic elite status benefits at certain rental car companies, including discounts, upgrades, and the ability to skip the line. You may already have elite status without even realizing it, thanks to your premium travel credit card.
Here are some of the best credit cards that offer automatic elite status benefits at certain rental car companies, helping you save money on your next car rental.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll enjoy complimentary premium status for multiple car rental programs, in addition to other benefits like car rental discounts. Here’s what you’ll get with each rental car company:
Avis Preferred
- Ability to bypass the rental car counter.
- Earn Avis Preferred Points on qualifying spend.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
- Ability to bypass the rental car counter.
- Add a spouse or domestic partner for free.
- Guaranteed vehicle upgrades.
- 1.5x points accelerator with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points.
National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive
- No second driver fees.
- Faster earnings rate toward free rental days.
- Guaranteed upgrades when reserving with the midsize rate for rentals in the U.S. and Canada.
- Members-only discounts.
To register for automatic elite status, sign in to your American Express account and navigate to the Benefits Dashboard. When booking your next car rental, make sure to input the code provided on the website to receive upgrades and discounts.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Travelers with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are eligible for President’s Circle Status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program. This is the highest tier of status with Hertz and offers the following benefits:
- Guaranteed upgrades.
- 50% bonus on earning Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points.
- Ability to bypass the rental car counter.
To enroll in this program, visit the Capital One website or mobile app. Please note that enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process will not automatically detect your eligibility.
United Club℠ Infinite Card and United MileagePlus Presidential Plus card
Cardholders of the United Club℠ Infinite Card and United MileagePlus Presidential Plus card automatically qualify for President’s Circle Status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program. The benefits include:
- Guaranteed upgrades.
- 50% bonus on earning Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points.
- Ability to bypass the rental car counter.
To access these benefits, you will need to enroll online.
Visa Infinite credit cards
Credit cards that are part of the Visa Infinite program offer upgrades, discounts, and elite status with various rental car loyalty programs. Some Visa Infinite cards include the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Here’s what you can expect with each rental car company:
Avis
- Up to 30% off base rates on qualifying rentals.
- Free weekend rentals.
- Up to 10% off base rates on Select Series rentals.
To book rental cars at the discounted rate, call Visa Infinite Concierge or visit the Avis website for Visa Infinite cardholders. You will also receive automatic enrollment as an Avis Preferred Plus status holder, which includes benefits like free upgrades and access to exclusive offers.
Hertz
- Discounts and faster service.
- Extra hours on returns for U.S. rentals.
- Extra bonus points to earn free rentals.
Enroll through the Hertz website for Visa Infinite cardholders to enjoy these benefits.
National
- Up to 25% savings on qualifying car rentals.
- Complimentary Emerald Club Executive level membership.
To take advantage of these benefits, book a National rental car through Visa Infinite’s page.
Silvercar by Audi
- Minimum 10% (up to 30%) off the price of your rental.
To receive this discount, book a Silvercar through the Visa Infinite page and pay with your Visa Infinite card.
World Elite Mastercards
Certain Mastercards offer car rental perks with Avis, Hertz, and Sixt. Eligible World Elite Mastercards include:
Avis
- Up to 35% off base rates on qualifying rentals.
- Free upgrades.
- All benefits of Avis President’s Club membership.
To access these benefits, book your rental car through the Avis website or call the designated number for World Elite Mastercard holders.
Hertz
- Guaranteed upgrades.
- 50% bonus on earning Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points.
- Ability to bypass the rental car counter.
Enroll online through the Hertz/World Elite Mastercard page to enjoy these perks.
Sixt
- Minimum 15% (up to 25%) off the price of your rental.
To receive this discount, book your rental car with Sixt.
Other credit card car rental perks
In addition to elite status and discounts, some credit cards offer car rental insurance when you pay for the rental with that card. This often includes collision damage waivers, which can save you money on expensive coverage offered by the rental company. Your credit card may also provide coverage for expenses like towing, administrative fees, and loss of use.
Conclusion
Having the right credit card can significantly improve your car renting experience and save you money. By taking advantage of automatic elite status benefits, discounts, and insurance coverage, you can have a hassle-free and cost-effective car rental experience. Consider these credit cards to enjoy car rental discounts and perks on your next trip.