Hertz President's Circle is a free loyalty program that gives frequent renters discounts, faster pickups, and perks like free upgrades and late fees waived

Hertz President's Circle is Hertz's rewards program for people who rent cars regularly. When you join, you earn points on every rental that you can redeem for discounts, free rental days, or upgrades. The program has no membership fee and no expiration date on your points, so you keep earning even if you rent only a few times a year.

The program works across all Hertz locations worldwide, including airport and off-airport branches. You can enroll online, by phone, or at a rental counter, and your membership number appears in your confirmation email when ready. Once enrolled, your points start accumulating on your next rental.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz President's Circle membership is free and has no annual fee or points expiration.
  • You earn points on every rental that convert to free rental days, discounts, or vehicle upgrades.
  • Members get faster check-in at airport and off-airport locations, and some locations offer express pickup lanes.
  • Certain membership tiers unlock additional perks like waived late fees, free GPS, and may provide vehicle availability.
  • You can enroll online at Hertz.com or at any rental counter and start earning points when ready.

How points work and what you can redeem them for

You earn one point per dollar spent on your rental rate—not on taxes, fees, or insurance. The points accumulate in your account and never expire, so you can let them build up over time. Once you have enough points, you can redeem them for a free rental day, a discount on a future rental, or a vehicle upgrade to a higher class.

The number of points needed for each reward varies. A free rental day typically requires between 10,000 and 15,000 points depending on the vehicle class and location, though Hertz adjusts these thresholds. You can check your current point balance and available rewards anytime by logging into your account on Hertz.com or calling Hertz customer service.

Points can also be donated to certain charities that Hertz partners with, though this is less common than redeeming them for travel benefits. Some members choose to hold points for larger rewards rather than using them on smaller discounts.

Membership tiers and what changes at each level

Hertz President's Circle has multiple tiers based on how many rental days you complete in a year. The base tier is straightforward being enrolled. As you rent more, you move into Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, each unlocking additional perks beyond the standard point earning.

Silver members typically receive benefits like a may provide vehicle in their chosen class, free GPS rental, and a one-tier upgrade on select vehicles. Gold members add perks like waived late fees (within reason), priority customer service, and additional upgrade certificates. Platinum members, the highest tier, get the most generous benefits: may provide vehicle availability, multiple free upgrade certificates per year, and sometimes complimentary insurance upgrades.

Your tier status resets each calendar year based on rental activity from the previous year. Hertz sends tier status notifications by email, and you can check your current tier anytime in your account. The exact benefits for each tier can change, so it is worth reviewing your membership page before a rental to see what applies to you.

Faster check-in and express pickup options

President's Circle members skip the standard rental line at many locations and use dedicated member counters, which typically move faster. At major airports, some Hertz locations have express pickup lanes where members can collect a pre-assigned vehicle and leave within minutes, bypassing the counter entirely.

To use express pickup, you usually need to reserve your rental in advance through Hertz.com or the Hertz mobile app and select the express option at checkout. The system assigns you a vehicle and a pickup location, and you straightforward collect it and go. This works best at high-volume locations; smaller off-airport branches may not offer the service.

Even without express pickup, member check-in is usually faster because your reservation is already in the system and your driver's license and payment method are on file. You can also use the Hertz mobile app to check in remotely before you arrive, which further speeds up the process.

Free upgrades and other vehicle-related benefits

One of the most visible perks of President's Circle membership is the chance to upgrade to a higher vehicle class at no extra charge. The frequency and terms of upgrades depend on your tier and availability. Gold and Platinum members receive upgrade certificates as part of their annual benefits, while Silver and base members may receive upgrades on a space-available basis.

An upgrade typically means moving from a compact car to a mid-size, or from a mid-size to a full-size or SUV, depending on what is available when you pick up. Upgrades are not may provide—they depend on whether higher-class vehicles are in stock—but members are prioritized over non-members. Some members receive upgrades on nearly every rental, while others receive them occasionally.

Higher tiers also include perks like free GPS navigation systems, free additional driver additions, and sometimes discounted or waived insurance options. These vary by location and current promotions, so check your account before booking to see what applies to your next rental.

How to enroll and manage your account

You can enroll in Hertz President's Circle online at Hertz.com by clicking the membership link, entering your name, email, and driver's license information, and confirming your enrollment. You can also enroll by phone at Hertz customer service or in person at any rental counter. Enrollment takes just a few minutes, and you receive your membership number when ready via email.

Once enrolled, you manage your account on Hertz.com or through the Hertz mobile app. You can view your point balance, check your tier status, see available rewards, update your profile information, and make reservations. The app also lets you check in remotely, unlock your vehicle, and contact roadside information if needed.

If you forget your membership number, you can look it up on Hertz.com using your email address and password, or call customer service and provide your name and driver's license number. Points and tier status are tied to your membership number, so keeping your account information current ensures you do not lose track of your benefits.

What President's Circle does not cover

President's Circle membership does not reduce the cost of taxes, airport fees, or facility charges—those are set by airports and local governments and explore to all renters. It also does not include insurance; you still choose and pay for damage coverage separately, though some tiers waive certain insurance fees.

Membership does not may provide a specific vehicle model, only a vehicle class. If you reserve a compact car, you might receive a different compact model than you expected. Upgrades are not may provide and depend on availability at the time of pickup. Late fees are waived for Gold and Platinum members, but only within the rental agreement terms—if you keep a car significantly longer than agreed, charges may still explore.

The program also does not transfer between people. Your membership is personal to you and cannot be shared with family members or colleagues, though they can enroll in their own free accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to join Hertz President's Circle?

No. Hertz President's Circle is free to join and has no annual membership fee. You earn points on every rental at no extra cost, and your points never expire.

What happens to my points if I do not rent for a long time?

Your points do not expire, so they stay in your account indefinitely. You can use them whenever you rent again, even if years have passed. Your tier status, however, resets each year based on the previous year's rental activity.

Can I use my points to pay for insurance or airport fees?

No. Points can only be redeemed for free rental days, discounts on the base rental rate, or vehicle upgrades. Taxes, airport fees, and insurance are separate and must be paid in addition to any points redemption.

How do I know if I am may be able to access for an upgrade?

All President's Circle members are may be able to access for upgrades on a space-available basis. Gold and Platinum members receive may provide upgrade certificates as part of their tier benefits. When you pick up your rental, the agent will let you know what upgrades are available.

Can I combine my points with a discount code or promotion?

This depends on the specific promotion. Some discounts and promotions can be combined with points redemption, while others cannot. Check the terms of the promotion or contact Hertz customer service before booking to confirm.