Last Updated on December 17, 2022 by Elizabeth
Photo credit: ShutterstockWant to achieve elite status in car rental rewards programs? It can instantly make you feel like a VIP by unlocking a bevy of perks. Overall, these range from free upgrades and skip-the-line service to discounts and extra points.
The traditional method of earning elite status comes through racking up a required number of paid car rentals. But there’s an easier and free way to zoom to elite status. And you might be entitled to it without even realizing it.
Car Rental Rewards Programs and Status Matching
Status matching lets you instantly leapfrog into elite status without having to rent your way there. For some, it means having the right credit card. Other times, it may mean having elite status in a hotel or airline reward program. Either way, you can often automatically gain elite status in a car rental rewards program. Elite status in one frequent renter program can entitle you to elite status in a competitor’s program. Overall, this is a fantastic strategy for occasional renters. It lets you get to the top of the mountain without making the climb.
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Elite Status Matching Through Credit Cards
Perhaps the easiest way to gain elite status in a rental car loyalty program is to have a credit card that delivers VIP status as a travel reward. In our description of rental car programs, below, we’ve noted credit cards below that help you quickly gain elite status. For example, the Capital One Venture X and the American Express Platinum Card both deliver complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, American Express Platinum and World Elite Mastercards bring elite status at Avis.
Elite Status Matching Through Rental Car Programs
Here’s the lowdown on status matching with major rental car rewards programs.
Alamo
There’s no status matching program. But frequent renters can join Alamo Insiders, which lets you acquire points through a a handful of partner programs. The list includes American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Hilton Honors, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and more.
Avis
The extensive status matching program for Avis Preferred is one of the most extensive of any car rental rewards program. Some premium credit cards offer free Avis Preferred Plus status as a travel benefit. These include Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, American Express Platinum and World Elite Mastercards.
You can also earn points through scores of partner programs. These include American Airlines AAdvantage, Southwest Rapid Rewards, World of Hyatt, Choice Privileges and more.
You can get status matching to Avis Preferred Plus if you have elite status with competitors Enterprise, Hertz, or National.
To get your rewards, US and Canadian residents should email Avis at profile.update@avisbudget.com along with proof of your current status. AARP members can also request an expedited match. European residents can use the status matching program online portal.
Budget
There is no formal status matching program for Budget Fastbreak. But you can accrue points through airline and hotel partners. These include American Airlines AAdvantage, JetBlue TrueBlue, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Choice Privileges, Wyndham Rewards and more.
Dollar
There is no status matching program for Dollar Express. But your points can be counted toward airline and hotel programs. These include Alaska Air, American, Avianca, Delta, Emirates, Frontier, Gulf Airlines, Southwest and United. They also include InterContinental Hotel Group’s IHG Rewards program.
Enterprise
You can get status matching in the Enterprise Plus program if you have elite status with competitors Avis, Hertz or National.
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Hertz
The rewards program, called Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, offers status matching through a variety of ways. Some credit cards deliver free Gold or President’s Circle status as a travel benefit. These include American Express Platinum and the United Club Card.
You can also earn Hertz points if you have elite status with Delta Skymiles, United MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy and more.
Finally, you can get status matching if you have elite status with competitors Avis, Enterprise or National.
National
Emerald Club offers the most robust matching program of all. To begin with, many premium credit cards offer Emerald Club executive status as a travel benefit. These include the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, American Express Platinum and World Elite Mastercards.
You can also get status matching through dozens of partners, including American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Hilton Honors, Radisson Rewards and more.
Sixt
Sixt also has a loyalty status match program. The World Elite Mastercards offer matching to Platinum status in the Sixt Rewards program. Other partners offering status matching include Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt. You can even get matching status from competitors like Avis and Hertz.
Thrifty
There is no formal status matching program for Thrifty Blue Chip. But your points can be counted toward airline frequent flyer programs (Alaska Air, American, Avianca, Delta, Emirates, Frontier, Gulf Airlines, Southwest and United). In addition, there is matching through InterContinental’s IHG Rewards program.
Related:
- The Best Credit Cards with Travel Rewards
- This is the Easiest Way to Manage Your Loyalty Points
- The Best Car Rental Rewards Programs
The post The Easy Way to Earn Elite Status in Car Rental Rewards appeared first on AutoSlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm from another country, can I rent a car in America?
If you are not an American citizen, you cannot rent a vehicle in the United States unless you have been granted permission by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This may include waivers for certain countries. Also, you need to meet certain requirements such as having valid documentation (e.g. passport) and proof of your insurance. Further information can be found on the DHS website.
Can you rent car in Europe with a US licence?
It all depends on where you're visiting. You can rent cars in France if you're going to France. However, it's not possible to rent cars in Italy if you're visiting the United States.
What is the average daily price of a European rental car?
We are unsure, but we think it is between $100 and $200 daily.
We recommend renting at least for two days to take advantage of the many attractions and activities in the area.
If you are willing to stay for longer periods of time, you may want to think about buying a vehicle at around $2000-$3000.
You can travel all over Europe on this way.
Also, check to see if your credit union offers rental discounts.
What is the most accessible place to rent a car from?
The most common places to rent cars are airports, rental agencies, hotels, etc.
You can find airport locations near you by searching online for sites like Priceline and Expedia.
If they have locations near your home, you might also consider local rental agencies. These are often more affordable and simpler than booking directly with an airline.
You might want to consider public transport if you rent a car for less then two weeks. You could take advantage of city-wide bus passes, which allow unlimited rides within a certain area.
Renting a convertible is possible if you travel with children. Some prefer them for the extra protection they offer their children.
Who is the largest car rental company in the world?
Hertz Corporation is America's largest car rental agency. Harry Hertz founded it in 1919 as Hertz Corporation.
Hertz Corporation has more than 6,000 locations around North America and Europe. Other businesses include hotels, financial services, and auto parts manufacturing.
The company currently employs almost 4,000,000 people around the world.
Statistics
- I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day's trip cost. (insider.com)
External Links
sixt.com
autoslash.com
avis.com
jdpower.com
- 2021 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study
- 2019 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study | J.D. Power
How To
How to report a rental-car accident
There's always the possibility that something might happen while you're driving a rented car. It's possible to get in an accident, lose your luggage, or get hurt. This is why you need to be able to file a complaint against your insurance company to make sure you don't lose money.
Reporting a car accident is a requirement in the United States. The police will then be able to document the details of the accident and notify you about their investigation results. You will be issued a ticket or made a note about the incident on the spot. They'll then take care of submitting a claim for your driver's licensure.
After an accident, you should immediately dial 911. A dispatcher will ask basic questions regarding the situation and whether anyone was hurt. After asking basic questions about the situation, and whether anyone was hurt, the dispatcher will give you directions and contact information. In most cases, exchanging contact information is the first thing that you do after an accident. The other person will most likely give you his/her phone number and name. The next step is to make sure everyone is OK. You will try to assist anyone who is disabled or injured.
If no one was hurt, you'll want to document everything. It is important to record everything, including the date, location, weather conditions and road conditions, type, severity, injuries, and names of anyone involved. If anyone was injured, it is your responsibility to ensure that they receive medical attention. You should also keep track of any damages you cause to the vehicle of another person.
Afterward, you'll want to follow up with your insurer. First, submit an online claim form. Most insurance providers will offer to pay the amount of the deductible before paying the rest. After your claim is settled, you will have to sign a waiver agreement with the other driver. Finally, you'll receive a check from the insurer.
Once you have filed your claim, it's important that you follow all guidelines set forth by your insurer. You should adhere to these guidelines if your insurance policy permits you to use another vehicle or allow someone to drive your rental car.
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