Hertz President's Circle gives you faster pickups, room upgrades, and loyalty points on every rental

Hertz President's Circle is Hertz's free loyalty program that rewards you each time you rent a car. Members skip the counter line at participating locations, get automatic car class upgrades when available, and earn points toward free rental days. You do not pay to join — enrollment is free when you sign up online or at a Hertz counter.

The program works best if you rent from Hertz regularly, whether for business trips, weekend getaways, or occasional travel. Every rental earns points based on how much you spend, and those points convert directly into free rental days. The faster checkout process alone saves 10 to 15 minutes on trips where you are already pressed for time.

Key Takeaways

  • President's Circle membership is free and gives you points on every rental that convert into free rental days at a 1-to-1 ratio with dollars spent.
  • Members can skip the rental counter entirely at most Hertz locations and pick up their car directly, cutting checkout time significantly.
  • You receive automatic upgrades to the next available car class when your reserved vehicle is not in stock, at no extra charge.
  • The program works across all Hertz locations worldwide, so benefits carry over whether you rent domestically or internationally.
  • You can link your membership to a travel rewards credit card to earn points on both the card and the rental itself.

How points work and what they are worth

You earn one point for every dollar you spend on a Hertz rental. Points accumulate in your account and never expire as long as you rent at least once every 24 months. When you have enough points, you redeem them for a free rental day — the exact number depends on the car class you want to rent, but typically ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 points for a compact or midsize car.

Points cover the base rental rate only, not taxes, fees, or insurance. If you rent a car for $60 per day and earn 60 points, you would need roughly 50 to 83 points (depending on car class) to get one free day back. The math works in your favor if you rent frequently — someone who rents 12 times per year at $70 per rental earns 840 points annually, which converts to at least one free rental.

You can also use points to upgrade your car class on a specific rental, rather than waiting to redeem a full free day. This flexibility lets you stretch your rewards across multiple trips instead of saving them all for one big rental.

Skipping the counter and getting upgrades

The most visible benefit for frequent renters is express checkout. President's Circle members can bypass the rental counter entirely at most U.S. and international Hertz locations. You walk to your assigned car in the lot, scan your membership card or app, and drive off. No paperwork, no waiting in line, no small talk with the agent.

This feature saves the most time on busy travel days — airport pickups during peak hours, weekend rentals, or business trips where you are on a tight schedule. You still need to have your driver's license and payment method ready, and you should review the rental agreement on the Hertz app before you arrive, but the physical transaction happens in minutes instead of 15 to 20.

Automatic upgrades are another core benefit. When your reserved car class is not available, Hertz upgrades you to the next class at no charge. If you reserved a compact and they are out, you might get a midsize sedan instead. This happens automatically — you do not have to ask or negotiate. Upgrades are not may provide every time, but they occur frequently enough that members notice the difference over a year of rentals.

Combining President's Circle with a travel credit card

Many travel rewards credit cards offer bonus points when you rent from Hertz. If your card earns 3 points per dollar on travel purchases and you rent a car for $100, you earn 300 card points plus 100 Hertz points simultaneously. The two programs do not interfere with each other — you collect both.

This stacking effect makes President's Circle more valuable if you already carry a travel card. You are not choosing between card rewards and Hertz rewards; you are earning both. Over time, the combination accelerates how fast you accumulate free rental days through Hertz while also building points toward flights, hotel stays, or cash back through your card.

Check your card's terms to confirm which Hertz rentals earn bonus points — some cards exclude certain locations or rental types, though most cover standard leisure and business rentals.

What President's Circle does not include

The program does not cover insurance, roadside information, or fuel. You still pay for gas, tolls, and parking. If you add a second driver, damage waiver, or GPS to your rental, those charges do not earn points. President's Circle also does not may provide a specific car — you get a car in your reserved class, but not necessarily the exact model you might have seen online.

Upgrades are subject to availability, meaning busy days or popular locations may not have a higher class available. The program also does not waive age restrictions, driver's license requirements, or any of Hertz's standard rental policies. It is a rewards and convenience layer on top of a standard rental, not a replacement for the rental terms themselves.

How to enroll and manage your account

You can sign up for President's Circle on the Hertz website or mobile app in under two minutes. You need a valid email address and driver's license number. Enrollment is when ready — you receive a membership number when ready and can use it on your next rental the same day.

After you enroll, log into your account online or through the Hertz app to view your points balance, see upcoming rentals, and manage your profile. The app lets you check in for your rental, view your assigned car location in the lot, and unlock your car without a physical key at many locations. You can also add a payment method to your account so you do not have to enter it again at pickup.

Membership is free and does not require a credit card to maintain. You keep your account active as long as you rent at least once every 24 months. If you do not rent within that window, Hertz may close your account, though you can reopen it by renting again.

When President's Circle saves you the most money

The program delivers the most value if you rent from Hertz at least four to six times per year. At that frequency, you accumulate enough points to redeem one or two free rental days annually, which offsets the cost of membership many times over (since membership is free). Business travelers who rent weekly see the biggest returns — they can earn multiple free rentals per year and save time on every single pickup.

Occasional renters — those who rent once or twice per year — still benefit from express checkout and potential upgrades, but they may take years to accumulate a free rental. For them, the convenience factor matters more than the points value. If you rent infrequently but value speed and simplicity, membership still makes sense because it costs nothing and might save you 15 minutes on a stressful travel day.

The program is less valuable if you always rent from competitors or if you use a corporate account that has its own negotiated rates and benefits. Some corporate programs offer perks that overlap with or exceed what President's Circle provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to join Hertz President's Circle?

No. Membership is completely free. You do not pay an annual fee, and there is no credit card requirement. You sign up online or at a Hertz counter and start earning points on your next rental.

Can I use my points if I rent through a third-party booking site?

Points are earned on rentals booked directly through Hertz or through your corporate account if you have one. Rentals booked through third-party sites like Kayak or Expedia may not earn President's Circle points, even if you provide your membership number. Always book directly with Hertz or confirm with the third-party site before booking if points matter to you.

What happens to my points if I do not rent for two years?

Hertz may close your account if you do not rent within 24 months. Your points are typically forfeited when the account closes. However, you can reopen your account by renting again, though you would start with zero points. To keep your account active, rent at least once every two years.

Are upgrades may provide with President's Circle?

Upgrades are not may provide — they depend on vehicle availability at the time of your rental. During busy periods or at smaller locations, your reserved class may be the only option available. Upgrades happen most often during slower travel times or at larger airport locations with more inventory.

Can I combine President's Circle points with my travel credit card rewards?

Yes. You earn Hertz points and credit card points on the same rental simultaneously. The two programs run independently, so you collect both. Check your card's terms to confirm which Hertz rentals earn bonus points, as some cards exclude certain locations or rental types.