Many travelers hold premium credit cards without realizing they already qualify for elite status at major rental companies. This benefit can eliminate long waits at the counter, provide vehicle upgrades and deliver other conveniences that normally require repeated rentals or substantial annual spending. The programs from Avis, Hertz and National stand out because they turn ordinary card ownership into practical travel advantages. ([1])
Why These Status Levels Matter on the Road
Rental car elite status often feels like an afterthought compared with airline or hotel perks, yet it directly affects the speed and comfort of every pickup. Cardholders gain access to dedicated lines, broader vehicle choices and guaranteed availability that can prove especially useful during peak travel periods or family trips. The value grows when status would otherwise demand 10 or more rentals in a year or thousands of dollars in spending. These complimentary tiers remove that barrier for many cardmembers.
Avis Programs Available Through Cards
Several cards deliver Avis elite status at two distinct levels. Preferred Plus status, offered with certain premium cards, typically grants the ability to bypass the counter at participating locations, a one-class upgrade when reserving midsize or larger vehicles and bonus points on rentals. Higher President’s Club status adds two-class upgrades when available, guaranteed vehicle access with 24-hour advance booking and a dedicated support line. Enrollment is required through the card issuer’s benefits portal or the Avis program directly, and primary cardmembers should check current eligibility windows before travel.
Hertz President’s Circle Access
Three cards provide Hertz’s top published tier, President’s Circle. Members receive guaranteed vehicle availability, one-class upgrades on every rental when possible and access to the widest selection of cars. The status also pairs with a four-hour grace period on returns in the United States when using a designated corporate discount code and paying with the qualifying card. Cardholders must enroll through the issuer’s specific process rather than the standard Hertz site to ensure the upgrade registers correctly.
National Emerald Club Executive Benefits
Amex Platinum cards and the Chase Sapphire Reserve supply National’s Executive tier. This status allows members to select any car from the Emerald Aisle at the midsize rate, receive a guaranteed upgrade when reserving full-size or luxury vehicles in the United States and Canada and avoid second-driver fees for family or business associates. The program stands out for families because larger vehicles such as minivans are frequently staged in the Executive area. Activation occurs after signing up for the free Emerald Club loyalty program and linking the card benefit.
Putting the Perk to Work
Enrollment steps vary by issuer, so cardmembers should log into their accounts and locate the rental benefits section before the next trip. Once activated, the status generally stays linked to the loyalty account even if a different card is used for payment. Travelers can also explore status-match options between programs if they already hold elite standing with one company. Comparing rates across providers remains worthwhile, yet the time saved at the counter and the occasional upgrade can make these cards especially practical for frequent renters.
