What Hertz President's Circle offers
Hertz President's Circle is Hertz's loyalty program for frequent renters. Members earn points on every rental, get discounts on future bookings, and unlock perks like free upgrades and waived fees. The program is free to join, and benefits start accumulating from your first rental.
The program works across Hertz locations worldwide, so the rewards you earn in one country can be used in another. You don't need to reach a spending threshold to stay active — your membership remains valid as long as you keep renting with Hertz, even if years pass between bookings.
Key Takeaways
- President's Circle members earn one point per dollar spent on base rental rates, which can be redeemed for free rental days or upgrades.
- The program includes automatic perks like free airport shuttle service, late checkout, and waived facility fees at most locations.
- Members receive advance notice of sales and promotions, often with exclusive discount codes not available to non-members.
- You can link your membership to a credit card or frequent flyer account to earn points faster through partner programs.
- Membership is free and never expires as long as you rent with Hertz at least once every few years.
How points work and what you can redeem them for
Every dollar you spend on the base rental rate earns one point. Taxes, insurance, and add-ons like GPS or child seats don't earn points, but the core rental charge does. Points accumulate in your account and never expire, so you can save them up for a larger reward or use them one at a time.
You can redeem points for free rental days, car upgrades, or occasionally for gift cards and travel partner rewards. The redemption value varies — sometimes 10,000 points equals one free day, other times the rate is better or worse depending on the car class and location. You can check the current redemption rates in your account before you decide to spend your points.
If you rent frequently, points add up quickly. A person who rents a mid-size car for a week at $350 base rate earns 350 points in one rental. Over several years of regular travel, this can translate to multiple free rental days or regular upgrades.
Automatic member benefits you receive
Beyond points, President's Circle members get several perks built into their membership. You receive free airport shuttle service at most major locations, which saves the cost of parking or a separate ride. Late checkout — usually until 6 p.m. instead of the standard noon — gives you flexibility on your return day without extra fees.
Facility fees, which Hertz charges at some airport locations, are waived for members. These fees can add $10 to $20 per rental, so the waiver alone can offset membership value if you rent from airports regularly. You also get priority customer service, meaning shorter wait times at the counter and a dedicated phone line for member support.
Members receive email notifications about sales and promotions before they're announced to the general public. These early-bird offers often include discount codes that stack with other promotions, letting you combine savings.
How to earn points faster through partnerships
Hertz partners with several credit card companies and airline frequent flyer programs. If you link your President's Circle account to a co-branded Hertz credit card, you earn bonus points on every rental — typically 2 to 3 points per dollar instead of 1. You also earn points on everyday purchases made with the card, even when you're not renting.
Linking your account to an airline program means your rental points can count toward airline miles, or vice versa. This is useful if you travel frequently by both car and plane. The conversion rates vary by airline and partnership, so check your account to see which partnerships are available in your region.
Some corporate programs also offer bonus point multipliers if your employer has a negotiated rate with Hertz. Ask your company's travel department whether Hertz is on the preferred vendor list and whether extra points are included.
Membership tiers and how to move up
President's Circle has multiple tiers — typically Gold, Platinum, and Diamond — based on how many rental days or dollars you spend in a year. Each tier unlocks additional benefits beyond the base membership. Platinum members might receive complimentary upgrades on every rental, while Diamond members get priority vehicle selection and room upgrades at partner hotels.
The exact thresholds for each tier vary by year and region, but Hertz publishes them on their website. You can check your current progress toward the next tier in your account dashboard. Tier status usually resets annually, though elite members sometimes receive rollover benefits or extensions.
If you don't rent frequently enough to maintain a higher tier, you remain at the base President's Circle level — you don't lose membership or points. Your account straightforward reverts to the standard benefits until you reach the next tier threshold again.
How to sign up and manage your account
You can join President's Circle for free through the Hertz website or mobile app. You'll need a valid driver's license and email address. Once you're enrolled, your membership number appears in your account when ready, and you can use it on your next rental.
You manage your account online or through the Hertz app, where you can view your point balance, check redemption options, update your profile, and track your progress toward the next tier. You can also link your account to a credit card or frequent flyer program from the account settings page.
If you have questions about your points, redemption options, or membership status, Hertz member support can answer them. You can reach them by phone, email, or through the app's chat feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my points expire if I don't use them?
No, points don't expire as long as your membership remains active. Your membership stays active as long as you rent with Hertz periodically. If your account becomes inactive for several years, Hertz may close it, but they typically send notices before that happens.
Can I use points to rent a car for someone else?
Yes, you can redeem points for a rental that another person drives, as long as you're the one making the reservation. The person driving will need a valid driver's license, but the rental is booked under your membership account.
What happens to my points if I cancel my membership?
If you cancel, your points are typically forfeited. However, membership never expires on its own, so there's no reason to cancel unless you decide you won't rent with Hertz again. You can straightforward leave your account inactive and reactivate it whenever you're ready to rent.
Do I earn points on prepaid or discounted rates?
Yes, you earn points on the base rental rate regardless of whether you booked at a discount or paid full price. The discount affects the dollar amount, but points are still calculated at one point per dollar of the base rate.
Can I combine my points with other Hertz promotions or discounts?
You can use points for a free rental or upgrade, but you typically can't combine a points redemption with a separate discount code on the same booking. However, you can use discount codes on one rental and save your points for another rental, which often gives you more total value.