Car rental loyalty programs might not seem worth your time, since some don't even give you free car rentals with membership. The perks, however - shorter lines, reserved cars, partner programs - make signing up for car rental rewards programs well worth your time. This list can get you signed up before your next road trip.
Advantage Rent-a-Car - Green Rewards
Cost:FreeBenefits/Rewards:
- Free car rental
- GPS unit for your next rental
- Free upgrade
- Roadside assistance
- Travel discounts
- Donations to charity
- Earn 50 points per rental day regardless of car class
Alamo - Quicksilver
Cost:FreeBenefits/Rewards:
- Designated members-only lines
- Partner rewards only, including 250 HiltonHHonors points per qualifying rental or 50 miles per rental day towards partner airline rewards programs
Avis - Avis Preferred/Avis First
Avis PreferredCost:Free
Benefits/Rewards:
- Faster reservations and lines, less paperwork
- Lowest mileage cars
Cost:Free, but invitation only for frequent renters
Benefits/Rewards:
- Free upgrades when available
- Designated members-only lines
- Earn both rental and partner rewards
- After every third rental, earn a free weekend pass
- Up to 15% off rental rates
Budget - RapidRez with Fastbreak
Cost:FreeBenefits/Rewards:
- Faster reservations with saved profiles (and signature)
- One-Click Booking feature at budget.com
- Choice service at counters
- With "Rent More, Save More", earn 10-20% or more off all future budget.com rentals after first rental
Dollar Rent-a-Car - Dollar Express
Cost:FreeBenefits/Rewards:
- Earn points with renter rewards partners including Best Western, United, American Airlines, and Southwest
- 50% off upgrades
- Designated members-only lines.
- Earn one credit per rental day (receive one free rental day for every 16 credits)
Enterprise - Enterprise Plus
Cost:FreeBenefits/Rewards:
- Up to 15% off rentals
- Designated members-only lines and reservation numbers
- Partner rewards are available, including Choice Hotels and airline rewards
Hertz - #1 Club/#1 Club Gold
#1 ClubCost:Free
Benefits/Rewards:
- Faster reservations and rentals
- Special savings on rentals
- Car selection
Hertz #1 Club Gold
Cost:$60/year
Benefits/Rewards:
- Add a second authorized driver free of charge
- Discounts of up to 15% on rentals
- Designated members-only lines, choice rentals
- Earn points toward air, hotel and rail program partners
National Car - Emerald Club
Cost:FreeBenefits/Rewards:
- Bypass the counter and choose your own car
- E-receipts
- Choose free rental days or airline miles as your reward (earn one rental credit per paid rental or for every four consecutive paid days)
Thrify - Blue Chip Rewards
Cost:FreeBenefits/Rewards:
- 50% off upgrades
- Speedy service with designated members-only lines
- Rentals can earn points towards future car rentals or airline or hotel partner rewards