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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
October 7, 2026 • 10 min read
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Quick summary
Several travel cards provide complimentary rental car elite status, granting access to perks such as skipping the rental counter, complimentary upgrades and a wider selection of vehicles.
The specific elite status and benefits vary by card and rental car company, with some cards offering higher status tiers that typically require significant rental activity or spending.
Enrollment is required to activate these benefits, and the process may differ depending on the rental company and card.
Elite status can also be leveraged for status matches across rental car programs, potentially unlocking additional benefits.
What to consider
Enrollment is not automatic; cardholders must follow specific steps through the rental company's or card's website to activate elite status.
Some benefits, such as guaranteed upgrades or vehicle availability, are subject to availability and may require advance booking.
Eligibility for certain status levels or promotions may have end dates or additional terms, so review the fine print before enrolling.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of elite status benefits across major rental car programs and guidance on maximizing value through status matches and enrollment procedures.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Several travel credit cards offer complimentary rental car elite status, giving cardholders access to perks that can make picking up a rental car faster and potentially more rewarding.
Depending on the card and rental car program, benefits can include skipping the rental counter, choosing from a wider selection of vehicles, receiving complimentary upgrades and earning bonus points.
And because some of these status levels would otherwise require numerous rentals or thousands of dollars in annual spending, this can be a valuable — and sometimes overlooked — credit card perk.
Here's which credit cards offer rental car elite status, what benefits you'll receive and how to enroll.
Credit cards that offer rental car elite status
Here's a quick look at which credit cards offer rental car elite status and the status level you'll receive with each program.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply
Avis Preferred Plus typically requires completing 10 rentals or spending $4,000 in a calendar year.
With Preferred Plus status, you'll receive benefits including:
The ability to skip the counter and go straight to your car at most locations
A complimentary one-class upgrade when reserving a midsize car or above, when available
A code to receive a discount on rental rates
Bonus Avis Preferred points with every rental
ROMAN TIRASPOLSKY/GETTY IMAGES
Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cardmembers will need to enroll in the Avis Preferred program to receive their status. If you already have an Avis Wizard number, you can request an upgrade to your existing account.
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can activate their Avis benefits through their Chase account. Log in and navigate to your card benefits to see the available rental car offers and enrollment instructions.
Avis President's Club
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive and United Club Card offer complimentary Avis President's Club status, which typically requires 20 rentals or $6,000 spent to join.
President's Club members receive benefits including:
Complimentary upgrades of two car classes when available
Guaranteed car availability when you book at least 24 hours in advance
Expedited rental service
50% more points for every dollar you spend if you opt into Avis Preferred points
A dedicated phone line for reservations and customer support
CANDYRETREIVER/GETTY IMAGES
Citi / AAdvantage Executive primary cardmembers are eligible to enroll in complimentary President's Club status through Aug. 31, 2028. You can enroll by visiting the Rewards page in your online account.
President's Circle is Hertz's top published elite tier and typically requires completing 15 rentals or spending at least $3,000 in a calendar year.
President's Circle members receive benefits including:
Guaranteed vehicle availability
Guaranteed one-car-class upgrades with every rental, when available
50% bonus points on Hertz rentals
Access to the widest selection of vehicles
CINDY ORD/GETTY IMAGES)
Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cardmembers must enroll in Hertz Gold+ Rewards to receive President's Circle status.
Venture X cardholders must enroll through the benefits tab of their Capital One account on the Capital One website or mobile app.* Eligible cardholders can also enroll authorized users through this process.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply
Sapphire Reserve cardholders can activate their complimentary Executive membership through their Chase account. Log in and navigate to your card benefits to see the available enrollment options.
National Emerald Club stands out as a favorite car rental program because of the ability to choose your own car from the Emerald Aisle Executive selection.
Another useful option is Hertz when renting with the Amex Platinum. In addition to complimentary Hertz President's Circle status, cardmembers can receive a four-hour grace period on rental returns in the U.S. when they book using Amex's designated Corporate Discount Program (CDP) code and pay with their Platinum card.
This can help you avoid an additional day's time and mileage charges when returning your car a few hours after the original pickup time.
Note that you must have a qualifying card to enroll in these elite status programs. Once you do, you often can use any card to pay for the rental car. Choose the right card to maximize points and miles earned and obtain primary rental car insurance — and be sure to review our guide to saving money on rental cars.
Another way to earn value from these programs is to let them match your status. For example, Hertz offers a status match that should grant Hertz Five Star status to those with National Executive status.
Similarly, National's status match program provides Executive status to those with Avis President's Club status. If you hold elite status with one program and are thinking of switching, it can't hurt to ask for a status match even if it isn't explicitly offered.
Bottom line
Rental car elite status may not be the first benefit you think of when considering a travel credit card, but it can make your next rental more convenient. Depending on your card and the rental company, you could skip the counter, choose from a wider selection of vehicles, receive an upgrade or earn additional rewards.
If your credit card offers complimentary rental car elite status, make sure you enroll before your next trip, since these benefits generally aren't activated automatically.
And even with elite status, compare rates across rental companies to make sure you're getting the best option for your trip.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click . For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click .
