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Compared to airline and hotel status, car rental status often takes the backseat when discussing travel elite status. But for those renting cars frequently, having car rental status at one of the major car rental companies can be super beneficial. Depending on your status, you can score discounts, car upgrades, and bonus points on paid rentals.
Unfortunately, earning car rental status organically can be challenging. You often need to rent cars very frequently, making it challenging for casual travelers to earn status with a limited number of rentals. Thankfully, there’s an easier way: earning rental car elite status with credit cards.
Some premium travel credit cards now offer cardholders rental car elite status, discounts, and even rental car insurance. This article provides detailed information on rental elite status and discounts.

Card
Welcome Offer and Annual Fee
Earning Rates and Car Rental Elite Status
The Platinum Card^® from American Express
The Platinum Card^® from American Express
Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
United Club℠ Infinite Card
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. 
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
American Express Membership Rewards
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is as high as 175,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)
The famous Amex Platinum card has many benefits, including an array of awesome car rental status benefits and discounts.
This card offers benefits at 3 different legacy car rental companies:
The Amex Platinum card’s perks are nice to have when you need to rent from Avis. The complimentary class upgrade can make the difference between a standard car rental and an exceptional one, so definitely take advantage of it!
You’ll get many perks like car class upgrades, a 4-hour grace period, and even a nice discount. Use the discount code 211762 when renting directly through Hertz to take advantage of these benefits.
National Emerald Club Executive status is super valuable because of the vast array of benefits:
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.
The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.
Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!
Chase Ultimate Rewards
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with Avis and National status and discounts.
Here’s what you can expect from National and Avis by having the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a Visa Infinite card, and as such, cardholders can enroll in complimentary Avis Preferred Plus membership with the same benefits as the Amex Platinum card.
Cardholders are also eligible for up to 30% off Avis rentals when booking directly. Additionally, cardholders receive a complimentary 2-day weekend rental for qualifying rentals.
As a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder with Executive status, you’ll get the same benefits as those with the Amex Platinum card.
No second driver fees can save you money on trips where more than 1 person is driving the car. Just make sure to have the second driver’s name added when you pick up the vehicle at the lot.
Lastly, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get up to 25% off all National bookings using code 5030849. Note that you must book directly with National and use this promo code at the time of booking to be eligible for the discount.
Not only does the Chase Sapphire Reserve card also comes with these rental car benefits, but the card also comes with primary rental car insurance. 
Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.
United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.
The United Club Infinite card has 1 primary car rental partner: Avis. All United Club Infinite cardholders get complimentary top-tier Avis status, which comes with these benefits:
Those with a United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Card, United Club℠ Card, or United Club℠ Business Card can also enroll in complimentary Avis President’s Club status.
As a Visa Infinite card, United Club Infinite cardmembers can enroll in Emerald Club Executive membership.
Cardholders can also save up to 25% on qualifying National rentals of any size car at participating locations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean using Contract ID 5030764.
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.
Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.
Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.
 
Capital One Miles
 
Like other premium cards, such as the Amex Platinum card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the Capital One Venture X card also includes incredible benefits for rental car bookings, including elite status.
Because the Capital One Venture X card is a Visa Infinite card, you can enroll in Avis Preferred Plus and save up to 30% off base rates when booking directly on qualifying rentals, as well as free weekend rentals and up to 10% off base rates on Select Series rentals.
Here are the benefits associated with President’s Circle status, which typically is earned after 15 rentals or $3,000 in spending:
Eligible Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. holders can enroll in complimentary Hertz Five Star status, the level below President’s Circle.
As a Visa Infinite cardholder, Capital One Venture X cardmembers can enroll in Emerald Club Executive membership.
By using Contract ID 5030764, cardholders can also save up to 25% on qualifying National rentals of any size car at participating locations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
American Express Membership Rewards
Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250k points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The only business travel card that currently offers rental car status is the Amex Business Platinum card. It includes the same car rental benefits as the personal Amex Platinum card outlined above, making it a solid option for business owners that frequently rent cars at Avis, Hertz, and National.
Having a specific credit card with rental car elite status or having status through car rental reservations are not the only ways to get status. Take a look at some of the lesser-known ways to get car rental elite status.
Visa Infinite cards — such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, United Club Infinite card, Capital One Venture X card, UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card, and U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite^® Card — have access to a slew of rental car perks, including elite status and discounts.
You can enroll in Avis Preferred Plus and save up to 30% off base rates on qualifying rentals when booking directly and earn free weekend rentals and up to 10% base rates on Select Series rentals.
This applies to U.S. and Canadian residents renting at a participating Avis location in the U.S. or Canada.
National offers complimentary Emerald Club Executive level membership to Visa Infinite cardholders and up to 25% savings on rentals of any size at participating locations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
To get your discount, use Contract ID 5030764 when making your booking. You can also make your reservation by phone at 800-227-7368.
World Elite Mastercards, such as the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® and Citi Prestige^® Card (no longer available to new applicants), are eligible to enroll in Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services. This program has elite status benefits with 3 different car rental companies: Avis, National, and SIXT.
You must register your card on Mastercard’s Travel & Lifestyle benefits website to enroll in these benefits. Once registered, you can find instructions on enrolling in each of the following rental car statuses on the Offers Page.
Avis’ elite status benefits aren’t as plentiful as National, but having access to upgrades and earning more points is always welcome. Plus, you’ll get up to 25% off your Avis rentals when you book through the offers page on the MasterCard Travel & Lifestyles page, which can be super valuable on long rentals.
Cardholders also can enroll in National Emerald Club Executive status, including benefits as previously expanded upon.
World Elite Mastercards are the only credit cards that qualify for SIXT Platinum status. These benefits save you money on SIXT rentals and give you a far more luxurious experience with upgrades and pick-up priority.
A benefit that doesn’t get enough attention is that Priority Pass members can join the Avis Preferred Plus program for free.
Members receive a single upgrade (conditions apply), a free additional driver, and a voucher for a free weekend in Europe after the third rental.
Priority Pass members also can receive up to 25% off on rentals in Mexico and up to 20% off on standard international rates worldwide when booking on Avis’ dedicated Priority Pass page.
There are many credit cards with Priority Pass access, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. Enrollment required.
Elite members of Delta, United, and IHG’s loyalty programs may be eligible for rental car elite status:
Finally, drivers can also status match from one status to another with most of the major car rental companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, National, and SIXT.
Car Rental Loyalty Program
Complimentary Status 
Card, Membership, or Loyalty Program
Avis Preferred
Plus
President’s Club
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Five Star
President’s Circle
National Emerald Club
Executive
SIXT Advantage Circle
Platinum
Having rental car status can make a big impact when renting a car for fun or business. From being able to pick your own vehicle to bonus points and discounts, status can make a real difference in how you experience a car rental and pay for it.
When choosing a credit card for rental car status, examine your rental car habits and the other benefits included with the credit card. Pick a card that gives you the right rental car benefits while offering other valuable travel benefits like airport lounge access and high points earning rates.
Thanks for reading, and drive safe!
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.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa^® or Mastercard^® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the United Club℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information for the Citi Prestige^® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
At this time, no credit cards offer Enterprise elite status, though you can use your existing status with another rental car company to request a status match to similar status with Enterprise. Enterprise status is earned based on the number of rentals or days rented in a given calendar year — here’s how to qualify:
Hertz Gold Rewards elite status can be earned through the number of rentals or the total amount of money spent at Hertz in a given year. Here’s what it takes to qualify for each status tier:
Additionally, eligible Delta SkyMiles Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, and Diamond Medallion members and IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite members are eligible for complimentary Hertz status. You can also status match to Hertz from another rental car company’s status.
Avis Preferred Plus status is earned after 10 rentals or $4,000 spent at Avis in a given calendar year. Customers with over 25 rentals or $7,000 spent qualify for an enhanced version of Preferred Plus that earns 1.5 points per dollar spent on rentals (versus 1.25 for standard Preferred Plus). Several credit cards mentioned in our guide also confer Preferred Plus as a complimentary benefit. Also, United MileagePlus Premier Silver and Premier Gold members receive Preferred Plus status, while Premier Platinum, 1K, and Global Services members receive President’s Club status.
National status is earned through the number of rentals or rental days in a given calendar year. Here’s how to qualify:
You can also use your existing status in another rental car loyalty program to match into National Emerald Club.
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Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria M. Walker” newsletter.
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