The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status [2024]

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.

Amex Platinum Card (Best for Avis, Hertz & National Status)

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The 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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

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 80,000 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:

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

• Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus Status
• Complimentary 1-Car Class Upgrade —Use the AWD code found at this link when making a reservation to receive a 1-class upgrade when available (unfortunately, this is not a guaranteed benefit, and Avis Signature Series Fleet cars are excluded)
• Additional Avis Preferred Points — Receive additional points for every qualifying dollar you spend
• Up to 25% Off Base Rates — Book directly with Avis and use the AWD code found at this link for the discount
• Free 2-Day Weekend Rental Coupon — Receive this coupon after 2 completed qualifying rentals from Avis of 2 or more days each in a 6-month period

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!

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards — Hertz President’s Circle status

• Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status
• 20% Off Standard Rates — Make sure to use the code 211762 to take advantage of this discount and the following benefits
• Guaranteed car-class upgrades – On certain class vehicles with a 24-hour advance reservation
• 4-Hour Grace No-charge Period — You can return a rental up to 4 hours late with no penalty in most countries
• 1-Car Class Upgrade  – This benefit is based on availability, so it is not guaranteed and doesn’t apply to Premier rentals, but it is helpful to have

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

National Emerald Club Executive status is super valuable because of the vast array of benefits:

• Executive Area Access — Choose any car (full-size and above) and only pay the midsize rate
• Guaranteed Upgrades — You’re guaranteed upgrades on midsized vehicle rentals in the U.S. and Canada; receive automatic upgrades when a full-size through luxury car is reserved
• No Second Driver Fees — Add a second driver for free
• Upgrades in Europe — Free 1-class upgrades at participating National locations in the U.K., Ireland, France, Spain, and Germany
• Special Pricing on Premier Selection Cars — Special pricing on upgrades to the Premier Selection cars at the rental lot
• Faster Free Rentals — Earn a free rental credit after 6 car rentals
• Partner Rewards Program – Opt to receive airline miles or hotel points from one of National’s partners (fees may apply)

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card (Best for Earning Points, Primary Insurance, Avis & National Status)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

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!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

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:

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

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.

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

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.

Hot Tip:

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. 

United Club Infinite Card (Best for Primary Insurance, Avis & National Status)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles After Qualifying Purchases

80,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$525

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $525 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
• Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United^® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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:

Avis Preferred — President’s Club Status

• Invitation-only President’s Club Status
• Higher Points Earning — Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on car rentals, earn 3 points per $1 on accessories
• Double Upgrade — Book an intermediate or higher car and automatically get a double upgrade when available
• Guaranteed Car
• Dedicated Customer Service Line — Available 24/7 for reservations and customer service
• Up to 30% Off — Save up to 30% off base rates when booking directly

Hot Tip:

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.

National Emerald Club — Executive 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.

Capital One Venture X Card (Best for Earning Miles, Primary Insurance, Avis, Hertz & National Status)

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This 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.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

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.

Avis Preferred — Plus 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.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards — President’s Circle Status

Here are the benefits associated with President’s Circle status, which typically is earned after 15 rentals or $3,000 in spending:

• Ultimate Choice — Choose any vehicle in the President’s Circle section on the Hertz Ultimate Choice lot for free
• 50% Bonus Points — Receive 1.5 points per $1 spent
• Guaranteed Upgrades — Receive an upgrade of at least a 1 class, guaranteed at participating locations
• Dedicated President’s Circle Hotline
• Free Additional Driver — Your spouse or domestic partner in the U.S. can drive for free

Hot Tip:

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.

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

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.

Amex Business Platinum Card (Best for Avis, Hertz & National Status)

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. 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.

Additional Ways To Get Car Rental Elite Status

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

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.

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

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 Emerald Club — Executive Status

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

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 Preferred — Plus Status

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.

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

Cardholders also can enroll in National Emerald Club Executive status, including benefits as previously expanded upon.

SIXT Advantage Circle — Platinum Status

• Savings of Up to 15% on SIXT Rentals — You’ll save 15% on all rentals made through the Mastercard portal
• Complimentary Upgrade to the Next Highest Car Group — When available, you’ll receive an upgrade to the next highest class of vehicle
• Preferred Reservation Priority — Receive priority on last-minute rentals booked under 24 hours from the time you’d like to pick up the car
• Access to Special SIXT Platinum Counters and Parking Lots — Skip the general line and use Platinum lines when you pick up and drop off your rental car at select locations

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.

Priority Pass Membership

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.

Hot Tip:

There are many credit cards with Priority Pass access, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. Enrollment required.

Airline and Hotel Elite Status

Elite members of Delta, United, and IHG’s loyalty programs may be eligible for rental car elite status:

• Delta SkyMiles — Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion elites are eligible for complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle status; Gold Medallion elites are eligible for complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status
• United MileagePlus — Premier Platinum and Premier 1K elites can enroll in complimentary Avis President’s Club status; Premier Silver and Premier Gold elites can enroll in Avis Preferred Plus status
• IHG One Rewards — Diamond Elites receive complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status

Rental Car Status Match

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 Elite Status by Credit Cards and Other Programs — Summary

Final Thoughts

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.