Are rental car loyalty programs worth joining?
The short answer
Usually, yes. The main rental companies' programs are free to join, and the biggest benefit is often skipping the counter at major airports, not the points. Join the program of the company you've booked with before you travel, add the number to your booking, and you may go straight to your car.
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Key takeaways
- Joining is free at the major companies.
- Members can often skip the counter at major airports. Smaller locations may still need a counter stop.
- Add your member number to the booking, or the benefits may not apply.
- Bookings made through some travel sites may not earn points or get member perks.
What are the main rental car loyalty programs?
| Company | Program | Skipping the counter |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Gold Plus Rewards | At many airports members go straight to the car |
| Avis | Avis Preferred | At major airports the app or a text shows your car's spot |
| Budget | Fastbreak | At many major airports members go to the lot |
| Enterprise | Enterprise Plus | A digital pass speeds pickup at participating locations |
| National | Emerald Club | At Emerald Aisle locations, book a midsize and choose a car from the aisle |
| Alamo | Alamo Insiders | Online check-in lets you skip the counter at many airports |
| Dollar | Dollar Express Rewards | Express pickup at major airports |
| Thrifty | Blue Chip Rewards | Express pickup at major airports |
Benefits differ by location, and companies change them. Check the program's own page before you rely on skipping the counter.
How do you skip the counter as a member?
- Join before you travel and add your member number to the booking.
- Fill in your license and payment details in your profile, or check in online if the company asks.
- Look for your name or car on the board, in the app or by text, then show your license at the exit gate.
Not every location offers it. Smaller and neighborhood branches usually still need a counter stop. See online check-in and skipping the counter.
Do points matter?
Less than the time saved, for most travelers. Points can earn free days, but they usually exclude taxes and fees, and they can expire if you don't rent for a while. If you rent a few times a year, the faster pickup is the real win.
Do you earn points when you book through a travel site?
Often not. Bookings made through some travel sites, prepaid deals or membership programs may not earn points or member perks. If skipping the counter matters to you, check before you book. See booked through Expedia.
How OneCall helps
Your agent can tell you which program fits the companies you rent from most, and whether your booking will still get member perks. If the counter ignores your status or there's no car on the board, call us. Advice is free, and if anything costs money, you hear the price first.
Questions people ask
Do rental car loyalty programs cost money?
The main programs at the major US rental companies are free to join.
Can I skip the rental counter without a loyalty program?
Usually not at most companies. Some let anyone check in online first. Joining the free program is the most reliable way.
Do rental points expire?
They can. Many programs expire points after a period without a rental. Check your program's rules.
Related help
- Online check-in and skipping the counter
- Rental car discount codes: what's safe
- Pay less: memberships, military and card cover
- Booked through costco travel
OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.
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