Do any credit cards offer Enterprise elite status?

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: Silver: 6 rentals Gold: 12 rentals or 40 rental days Platinum: 24 rentals or 85 rental days

How can I earn Hertz status without a credit card?

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: Hertz Five Star: 10 Rentals or $2,000 spent Hertz President’s Circle: 15 Rentals or $3,000 spent 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.

How can I earn Avis Preferred Plus status?

Avis Preferred Plus status is earned after 12 rentals or $5,000 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.

How can I earn National status without a credit card?

National status is earned through the number of rentals or rental days in a given calendar year. Here’s how to qualify: Emerald Club Executive: 12 rentals or 40 rental days Emerald Club Executive Elite: 25 rentals or 85 rental days You can also use your existing status in another rental car loyalty program to match into National Emerald Club.

5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status [2023]

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 super frequently, making it challenging for casual travelers to earn status with a limited number of rentals. Thankfully, there’s an easier way: earning elite rental car status with credit cards.

Some premium travel credit cards now offer cardholders rental car elite status, discounts, and even rental car insurance. In this article, you’ll find detailed information on rental elite status and discounts.

Table of contents

The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status — Summary
The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status
Additional Ways To Get Car Rental Elite Status
Car Rental Elite Status by Credit Cards and Other Programs — Summary
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status — Summary
The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status
Additional Ways To Get Car Rental Elite Status
Car Rental Elite Status by Credit Cards and Other Programs — Summary
Final Thoughts

The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status — Summary

Card	Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee	Car Rental Elite Status and Benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Earn 80,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)	Avis Preferred Plus status Hertz President’s Circle status National Emerald Club Executive status 1x points on car rentals
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $550	Avis Preferred Plus status National Emerald Club Executive status Audi on demand discount 10x points on car rentals booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal 3x points on all other travel
United Club℠ Infinite Card	Earn 80,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months Annual fee of $525	Avis President’s Club status National Emerald Club Executive status Audi on demand discount on qualified rentals 2x miles on car rentals
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $395	Avis Preferred Plus status Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle status National Emerald Club Executive status Audi on demand discount 10x miles on car rentals booked through Capital One Travel 2x miles on all other purchases
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	Earn 120,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee of $695 (rates and fees)	Avis Preferred Plus status Hertz Gold Plus Rewards benefits National Emerald Club Executive status 1x points on car rentals

The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status

1. The Platinum Card® by American Express (Top Pick)

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Platinum card! (The current public offer is 80,000 points.)

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 coupon code #A756900 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 Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) code #A756900 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)

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with Avis and National status and discounts, as well as Audi on demand discounts.

Here’s what you can expect from National, Avis, and Audi on demand by having the Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

Chase Sapphire Reserve cards are Visa Infinite cards, 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 using AWD# S107100 at booking. 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.

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

Audi on demand is a startup rental car company owned by Audi. You can pick from a selection of Audi vehicles when renting from Audi on demand. Rentals can be a bit pricier than traditional rental car companies, but your Chase Sapphire Reserve card is here to help.

Cardholders receive up to 30% (with a guaranteed discount of 15%) discount on qualifying Audi on demand rentals. Simply create an Audi on demand account, use code VINFINITE25, and pay for the rental with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Make sure to enroll to earn points toward free rentals, too!

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.

3. United Club℠ Infinite Card

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 using AWD# S107100

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.

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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 (using AWD# S107100) on qualifying rentals, as well as free weekend rentals and up to 10% 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 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 cardholders 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.

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

Cardholders can take advantage of up to 30% (with a guaranteed discount of 15%) discount on qualifying Audi on demand rentals when you pay with your eligible card and use code VINFINITE25.

5. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card! (The current public offer is 120,000 points.)

The only business travel credit 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 elite status or having status through 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 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.

The Avis Worldwide Discount AWD# for up to 30% off base rates is S107100. Note that this does not apply to car group X.

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.

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

Lastly, Audi on demand gives you up to 30% (with a guaranteed discount of 15%) discount on qualifying Audi on demand rentals when you pay with your eligible card and use code VINFINITE25.

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 Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.

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

Car Rental Loyalty Program	Complimentary Status	Card, Membership, or Loyalty Program
Avis Preferred	Plus	Amex Business Platinum card Amex Platinum card Capital One Venture X card Chase Sapphire Reserve card Priority Pass members United MileagePlus Premier Silver and Premier Gold elites Visa Infinite cards World Elite Mastercards
Avis Preferred	President’s Club	United Club Infinite card United MileagePlus Premier Platinum and Premier 1K elites
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards	Five Star	Capital One Venture card Delta SkyMiles Silver Medallion and Gold Medallion elites IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards	President’s Circle	Amex Business Platinum card Amex Platinum card Capital One Venture X card Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion elites
National Emerald Club	Executive	Amex Business Platinum card Amex Platinum card Capital One Venture X card Chase Sapphire Reserve card United Club Infinite card Visa Infinite cards World Elite Mastercards
SIXT Advantage Circle	Platinum	World Elite Mastercards

Final Thoughts

Having rental car status can make a real difference 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 rental car benefits while offering other valuable travel benefits like airport lounge access and high points earning rates.

Thanks for reading, and drive safe!

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Card, United Club℠ Card, United Club℠ Business Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Citi Prestige® Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected 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.

4 comments

George September 11, 2019

Don’t all World Elite Mastercards come with Avis Preferred Plus as well? I have it from my Citi Premier, but I don’t know if it’s only valid the first year or if it’s ongoing.

- Stephen Au September 11, 2019
  
  Hi George. You’re correct in saying that. The benefit is ongoing. Thanks for the participation!
  
Billy October 3, 2019

I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and am getting the runaround from National about Executive status. They are asking me to contact my credit card for authorization of the tier increase I am requesting from them. I bounced around to several departments at Chase and Visa to no avail. Can anyone comment if they have had luck getting Executive status from this card? If so, how did you do it?

- Christine Krzyszton October 4, 2019
  
  Hi Billy. Just log in to your Sapphire Reserve Card online account. Select “Benefits”, then “Special Car Rental Privileges”, then “National”. You should see this link: “Enroll for your complimentary Emerald Club Executive Level membership to start enjoying special car rental privileges.” Hope this helps.

The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status — Summary

The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status

1. The Platinum Card® by American Express (Top Pick)

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards — Hertz President’s Circle status

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

3. United Club℠ Infinite Card

Avis Preferred — President’s Club Status

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards — President’s Circle Status

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

5. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Additional Ways To Get Car Rental Elite Status

Visa Infinite Cards

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

Audi on demand Premium Rewards

World Elite Mastercards

Avis Preferred — Plus Status

National Emerald Club — Executive Status

SIXT Advantage Circle — Platinum Status

Priority Pass Membership

Airline and Hotel Elite Status

Rental Car Status Match

Car Rental Elite Status by Credit Cards and Other Programs — Summary

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Do any credit cards offer Enterprise elite status?

How can I earn Hertz status without a credit card?

How can I earn Avis Preferred Plus status?

How can I earn National status without a credit card?

About Victoria M. Walker

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