Hertz touches down in over 160 countries, a global network built on getting you where you need to be. But beyond simply renting cars, Hertz offers a loyalty program – Hertz Gold+ – designed to elevate your travel experience. It’s a surprisingly powerful program, offering immediate benefits and the potential for significant rewards, all starting with a free membership.
The core of Hertz Gold+ revolves around earning points with every rental. For every dollar spent on the base fare, you’ll receive one Hertz point. However, climbing the status ladder unlocks increasingly valuable bonuses. Five Star members earn 25% more, reaching 1.25 points per dollar, while President’s Circle members enjoy a substantial 50% bonus, totaling 1.5 points per dollar. Strategic renters can quickly accumulate points for future travel.
It’s crucial to understand the lifecycle of your points. Hertz points aren’t indefinite; they expire after 12 months of inactivity. Even if you manage to keep them active for a year, points unused for over five years will be forfeited. Consistent rental activity, even small rentals, is key to preserving your hard-earned rewards.
Redeeming points presents a strategic choice: standard or peak awards. Standard awards offer significantly lower point requirements but are limited to specific dates that vary by location. Peak awards, while costing twice as many points, provide flexibility without blackout dates. The sweet spot lies in securing standard awards whenever possible, but being prepared to adjust to peak pricing during high-demand periods.
The award chart reveals the potential. Compact to premium rentals within the U.S. can be secured for a reasonable point cost. Specialty vehicles, like SUVs, require double the points, starting at 1,900 points per day. Even dream cars – Mustangs, Porsches – are occasionally available, though availability can be limited. A one-week rental booked with points offers a substantial discount compared to booking seven individual days.
One-way rentals come with a premium. Returning your vehicle to a different location doubles the point cost compared to a round-trip rental. This is an important consideration when planning trips with differing arrival and departure points. Careful planning can maximize the value of your points.
Booking with points requires a specific process. Log into your Hertz Gold+ account, navigate to the “Use My Points” section, and initiate a search as usual. The points price won’t be displayed initially, but will appear on the final booking page if the vehicle is eligible. It’s a slightly more involved process, but the potential savings are worth the effort.
Hertz Gold+ offers three tiers: Gold, Five Star, and President’s Circle. Gold membership is free and immediately provides benefits like a free additional driver. Five Star status, achieved through three rentals or $1,000 in spending annually, unlocks upgrades and bonus points. President’s Circle, requiring 15 rentals or $3,000 in spending, delivers the most exclusive perks.
Five Star members enjoy space-available upgrades, a 25% point bonus, and wider access to vehicles in Ultimate Choice lots. President’s Circle elevates these benefits with guaranteed upgrades, a 50% point bonus, and access to a dedicated phone line. These elite tiers transform car rental from a transaction into a genuinely rewarding experience.
Strategic partnerships amplify the benefits. Delta SkyMiles members can match to Hertz Gold+ status based on their Medallion tier. Certain credit cards, like the American Express Platinum Card and Capital One Venture X cards, offer complimentary President’s Circle status. AAA members also unlock discounts and benefits with a corporate code.
The Hertz Gold+ program isn’t just about discounts; it’s about streamlining travel and unlocking exclusive perks. Even infrequent renters can benefit from the free membership and member-only rates. For those who travel often, the potential for earning and redeeming points, combined with elite status benefits, makes Hertz Gold+ a truly valuable asset.
