Best Rental Car Loyalty Programs for Discounts, Free Days, and Upgrades

By Jeff Lowe • December 14, 2025

Rental cars are one of those travel details that don’t get much attention until something goes wrong. Long lines. Surprise fees. That compact car that somehow feels smaller than a carry-on. Sound familiar?

The good news is that rental car loyalty programs can quietly fix a lot of those headaches. They’re free to join, surprisingly easy to use, and often come with real perks—discounts, faster pickups, free upgrades, and even skipped counters at busy airports.

And here’s the thing many travelers don’t realize: you don’t have to rent cars constantly to benefit. Even a few trips a year can unlock meaningful savings and better experiences if you pick the right program.

So if you’ve ever wondered which rental car loyalty programs are actually worth joining—and which ones deliver the best discounts and upgrades—you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down in a practical, traveler-first way.

Why Rental Car Loyalty Programs Are Worth It

Before diving into specific programs, it helps to understand why these memberships matter at all.

First, nearly every major rental company offers a loyalty program that’s completely free. No annual fees. No credit card required. You sign up once, add your number to future bookings, and you’re in.

From there, benefits usually fall into a few core categories:

Faster rentals. Many programs allow you to skip the counter and head straight to your car, which can be a lifesaver after a long flight.

Discounts and bonus offers. Members often get lower base rates, targeted promo codes, or free rental days after earning points.

Vehicle upgrades. Higher-tier members frequently receive complimentary upgrades when available, sometimes even at the lowest membership levels.

More flexibility. Late returns, dedicated customer service lines, and easier changes are common perks.

So yes, these programs are partially about loyalty—but they’re also about making travel smoother. And smoother travel is always a win.

National Emerald Club: Best Overall for Upgrades

If free upgrades are your priority, National Emerald Club consistently sits at the top of the list.

National’s standout feature is the Emerald Aisle. Instead of being assigned a specific vehicle, eligible members choose any car from a designated section and pay only the midsize rate. That means you might reserve a midsize sedan and drive off in an SUV or premium vehicle instead.

And yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds.

Key benefits

• Skip the rental counter at most airports

• Choose your own vehicle from the Emerald Aisle

• Free upgrades without needing to ask

• One free rental day after earning credits

Status tiers

Emerald Club has three tiers: Emerald Club, Executive, and Executive Elite. Even base-level members can access the Emerald Aisle at many locations, which is rare among rental programs.

Executive status unlocks a more premium aisle and faster free-day earnings, while Executive Elite adds guaranteed upgrades in select categories.

Best for

Business travelers, frequent renters, and anyone who values flexibility and upgrades over points math.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Best for Speed and Airport Convenience

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is all about getting you out of the airport quickly.

Gold members can bypass the counter at many locations, check the airport board for their name and assigned vehicle, and head straight to the car. At some airports, you don’t even need to stop at the exit booth.

It’s not flashy, but when you’re tired and just want to go, it works.

Key benefits

• Skip the counter at most major airports

• Earn points toward free rental days

• Frequent promotions for bonus points

• Status matches available with airlines and hotels

Status tiers

Hertz offers Gold, Five Star, and President’s Circle. Higher tiers receive better car selections, upgrades, and faster service.

President’s Circle members often enjoy access to a wider range of vehicles, including premium options.

Best for

Travelers who rent a few times a year at airports and want minimal friction, especially those who already hold airline or hotel elite status.

Enterprise Plus: Best for Neighborhood Rentals

Enterprise doesn’t always get the same attention as airport-focused brands, but its loyalty program shines in a specific area: local and neighborhood rentals.

If you rent cars near home—for road trips, insurance replacements, or weekend travel—Enterprise Plus is worth joining.

Key benefits

• Earn points on every rental dollar spent

• Free rental days after point accumulation

• Occasional free upgrades

• Large neighborhood footprint across the U.S.

Status tiers

Enterprise Plus has Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. Status improves point-earning rates and increases upgrade chances.

One thing to note: upgrades are not guaranteed and depend heavily on availability at smaller locations.

Best for

Road trippers, suburban travelers, and anyone who rents cars outside major airports.

Avis Preferred: Best for Consistent Discounts

Avis Preferred strikes a balance between convenience and cost savings. Members typically receive discounted rates compared to non-members, along with faster pickups and returns.

While Avis doesn’t have a “choose any car” aisle like National, upgrades are common for higher-tier members.

Key benefits

• Discounted member pricing

• Priority service and faster pickups

• Earn points or airline miles

• Dedicated customer service for elite members

Status tiers

Avis Preferred, Preferred Plus, and President’s Club. Higher tiers offer guaranteed upgrades at select locations and faster point earning.

Avis often partners with airlines and credit card programs, making it easier to gain status without heavy rental activity.

Best for

Travelers who want predictable savings and already book with Avis due to corporate or airline partnerships.

Alamo Insiders: Best for Budget Travelers

Alamo is often associated with leisure travelers, and its Insiders program reflects that.

While it doesn’t offer elite tiers or flashy perks, Alamo Insiders provides straightforward savings and occasional upgrade offers.

Key benefits

• Member-only discounts

• Earn points toward free rental days

• Skip-the-counter options at select locations

• Easy-to-use mobile app

Limitations

Upgrades are less frequent, and elite benefits are minimal compared to National or Hertz.

Best for

Vacation travelers, families, and anyone focused on keeping rental costs low rather than earning elite perks.

Budget Fastbreak: Best for Occasional Renters

Budget’s Fastbreak program is designed for simplicity.

Members enjoy faster rentals and occasional discounts, without needing to track complex status tiers or points systems.

Key benefits

• Faster pickup at participating locations

• Periodic discount offers

• No complicated point structure

Limitations

Upgrades are uncommon, and rewards are limited compared to other programs.

Best for

Infrequent renters who want basic convenience without managing points or status.

How Credit Cards Supercharge Rental Loyalty Programs

Here’s a little travel hack that makes these programs even better.

Many premium travel credit cards offer elite status with rental car companies as a built-in benefit. That means you can skip straight to higher tiers without renting dozens of cars first.

Common perks through credit cards include:

• Automatic status with Hertz, National, or Avis

• Primary rental car insurance

• Additional discounts and bonus points

Even mid-tier travel cards sometimes include rental insurance, which alone can save money by allowing you to decline the rental company’s coverage.

So if you already carry a travel-focused credit card, it’s worth checking which rental statuses you can activate for free.

Which Rental Car Loyalty Program Is Right for You?

Choosing the best rental car loyalty program depends less on brand loyalty and more on how you travel.

Ask yourself:

• Do I rent mostly at airports or near home?

• Do I care more about upgrades or discounts?

• Do I rent often enough to earn elite status?

• Do I already have airline or hotel elite status?

If you want upgrades and flexibility, National Emerald Club is hard to beat.

If speed matters most, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards delivers.

If you rent locally, Enterprise Plus makes sense.

And if cost is your main concern, Alamo Insiders or Avis Preferred may fit better.

The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Most travelers sign up for multiple programs and use whichever brand offers the best deal for a specific trip.

A Smarter Way to Rent

Rental car loyalty programs aren’t flashy. They don’t come with lounge access or champagne upgrades. But they quietly improve trips in ways that really matter—less waiting, better cars, and lower costs.

And since nearly all of them are free, there’s very little downside to joining.

So next time you book a rental, take a minute to add a loyalty number or sign up beforehand. That small step can turn an ordinary rental into a smoother, more comfortable experience.

And honestly, who doesn’t want that?