What Rental Car Loyalty Programs Offer the Best Value in 2025

1. Understanding Rental Car Loyalty Programs: Why They Matter in 2025

Rental car loyalty programs have become a key component of the travel experience, especially for frequent travelers. These programs reward customers for renting vehicles regularly, offering benefits like discounted rates, priority service, and even upgrades to premium cars. In 2025, the best rental car loyalty programs are more valuable than ever, providing travelers with the ability to earn points quickly, enjoy enhanced perks, and save money on future rentals. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best program for your needs?

Hertz Car Rental - Shelton - Bridgeport Avenue

SheltonNaugatuck Valley Planning RegionConnecticut

350 Bridgeport Ave UNIT 6, Shelton, CT 06484, USA

2. Top Features of a High-Value Rental Car Loyalty Program

• Point Accumulation Rate
• Rewards Flexibility
• Exclusive Member Benefits
• Partnerships with Other Travel Services

2.1 Point Accumulation Rate

The rate at which you accumulate points is one of the most important factors in evaluating a rental car loyalty program. Some programs offer a flat number of points per rental day, while others may offer bonus points for specific vehicle types or locations. The more points you earn, the quicker you can redeem them for discounts, free rentals, or upgrades. For instance, programs that offer double points on weekends or for luxury car rentals allow you to earn rewards more quickly and make the most out of your loyalty.

Aerotranscare

FredericksburgSpotsylvania CountyVirginia

12804 Willow Point Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, USA

2.2 Rewards Flexibility

Not all loyalty programs offer the same flexibility when it comes to redeeming rewards. Some programs allow you to use points for free rentals, upgrades, or even extra services such as GPS or child seats. The best programs provide multiple ways to use your points, so you can tailor the rewards to your specific needs. Whether you prefer to redeem your points for discounts on future rentals or for additional perks like extended rental durations, the flexibility of a program is key to maximizing value.

2.3 Exclusive Member Benefits

In addition to points, top-tier rental car loyalty programs offer exclusive benefits like expedited check-in, priority service, free upgrades, and access to premium vehicles. These benefits are designed to enhance your experience and make renting a car more convenient. For frequent travelers, these perks can save time and improve the overall rental experience, making membership in a loyalty program even more valuable.

2.4 Partnerships with Other Travel Services

Many rental car loyalty programs have partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other travel-related services. These partnerships allow you to earn points or miles with other travel providers, which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. For example, a partnership between a rental car company and an airline might allow you to earn airline miles for every rental, which can be redeemed for free flights. Programs that offer these cross-industry benefits make it easier to accumulate rewards and enjoy more travel-related perks.

3. Best Rental Car Loyalty Programs in 2025

• Enterprise Plus
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
• Avis Preferred
• National Emerald Club
• Sixt Express

3.1 Enterprise Plus

Enterprise Plus is one of the top-rated rental car loyalty programs in 2025, offering members a straightforward way to earn rewards. For every dollar spent, members earn points that can be redeemed for free rentals, upgrades, and more. The program also provides priority service, helping you skip the line and get on the road faster. Enterprise Plus stands out for its ability to offer points for both rentals and additional services, such as roadside assistance, making it a great choice for frequent renters.

3.2 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is another standout loyalty program, offering numerous benefits for both occasional and frequent renters. Members earn points for every rental and can redeem them for free rentals or upgrades. Hertz also provides members with expedited service, which includes the ability to choose your vehicle from a designated area of the lot. The program's flexibility and member perks, such as free additional driver services and discounts on car rental accessories, make it one of the best values for frequent travelers.

3.3 Avis Preferred

Avis Preferred provides a simple, easy-to-understand loyalty program that rewards members with points for every rental. Points can be used for free rentals, upgrades, and other services. Avis Preferred members also enjoy exclusive access to VIP service, ensuring quick and efficient rental transactions. The program is known for its excellent customer service and quality vehicles, making it a reliable choice for both business and leisure travelers.

3.4 National Emerald Club

The National Emerald Club offers members exclusive access to a selection of vehicles in their "Emerald Aisle," allowing members to choose the car that best suits their needs. Points earned can be used for free rental days, upgrades, and more. The program is especially beneficial for those who prefer a more personalized rental experience, as it provides additional flexibility and faster service. For frequent renters, National Emerald Club provides high value with its rewards structure and member benefits.

3.5 Sixt Express

Sixt Express is a newer player in the rental car loyalty game, but it has quickly earned a reputation for offering great value in 2025. Members of Sixt Express enjoy expedited service, free upgrades, and the ability to earn points for rentals. Sixt’s strong global presence also means members can earn and redeem points at locations worldwide, making it a great choice for international travelers. Sixt's easy-to-use mobile app and streamlined booking process are additional benefits that make the program attractive to modern travelers.

4. Real-Life Case: How a Frequent Traveler Maximized Rental Car Loyalty Rewards

Meet Sarah, a frequent business traveler who was looking to get the most value out of her rental car experiences. Sarah signed up for the National Emerald Club and the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program. By carefully choosing the right rental company for each trip, she was able to accrue points quickly, taking advantage of special promotions and seasonal offers. Within six months, Sarah was able to redeem her points for a free luxury car rental on a family vacation, an upgrade to a premium vehicle for a business trip, and even received complimentary additional drivers on her rentals. By carefully managing her loyalty memberships, Sarah was able to significantly reduce her travel expenses and enhance her overall rental experience.

5. How to Choose the Best Rental Car Loyalty Program for You

When choosing a rental car loyalty program in 2025, consider your travel habits, the rental companies available in your area, and the specific benefits each program offers. For instance, if you travel frequently for business and need quick access to vehicles, programs like National Emerald Club or Hertz Gold Plus Rewards may offer the best benefits. If you’re a leisure traveler who prefers flexibility and ease of use, Enterprise Plus or Avis Preferred might be more suitable. Ultimately, the best program for you will depend on your specific needs and how you use your rental car services.

For those who want to maximize the benefits of rental car loyalty programs, make sure to take full advantage of special promotions, consider membership upgrades, and always use your points whenever possible. With the right approach, you can enjoy better cars, faster service, and big savings on future rentals. Check out LifeStar Car Rental for a comprehensive guide to the best rental car loyalty programs and find deals that offer the most value for your next trip.