Hertz President’s Circle Benefits: Is It Worth It?
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Hertz President’s Circle is the highest publicly advertised tier in the Hertz Gold+ Rewards program. If you rent cars multiple times a year at participating airport locations, Hertz President’s Circle is a status worth having. It is designed for frequent renters and offers exclusive benefits, including vehicle upgrades, bonus points, a wider selection of vehicles, and dedicated customer service. If you don’t rent cars very often but usually rent from off-airport locations and occasionally need a large SUV, you may be able to obtain this status through Hertz President’s Club Fast Track — VIP Hotel Flights. Ultimately, whether it is worth it depends on your rental habits and how much you value the benefits.nnThis guide will walk you through the key benefits of Hertz President’s Circle, the eligibility requirements for obtaining membership, and whether this status is worth pursuing for your next trip.
It’s worth noting that if you don’t want to earn Hertz President’s Circle status through traditional car rentals or by spending a significant amount of money, there is an alternative option. You can obtain this status quickly through the Hertz President’s Circle Fast Track — VIP Hotel Flights program, without completing a rental challenge.
Simply place an order and complete the payment on the relevant page to receive one year of Hertz President’s Circle status. To learn how the process works and understand the key details and important considerations, click the red button below to get started.
What Are the Benefits of Hertz President’s Circle?
Hertz President’s Circle offers a range of exclusive benefits designed to make renting a car more convenient and rewarding.
Guaranteed One-Class Vehicle Upgrade
One of the core benefits of Hertz President’s Circle, and one of the most highly valued, is the opportunity to receive a one-class vehicle upgrade. As a President’s Circle member, you can enjoy an upgrade to a higher vehicle class at participating locations without paying the standard upgrade fee.
However, vehicle upgrades can sometimes depend on timing. For example, if you arrive during peak periods, such as late Friday afternoons or holiday seasons, the selection of available vehicles may be more limited. Arriving during off-peak hours may give you more options. Although President’s Circle membership can improve your chances of receiving an upgrade, it does not guarantee access to luxury brands, convertibles, or specific vehicle models.
There are also important restrictions. Hertz specifies that upgrades are limited to vehicles up to the full-size class, and the benefit does not apply to rentals booked under the Manager’s Special category. Other terms, conditions, and exclusions may also apply.
If you frequently rent cars for business trips or vacations, this benefit can help you enjoy a more comfortable vehicle without increasing your rental costs.
Earn 50% More Hertz Points
President’s Circle members can earn 50% more points than standard Gold members on eligible rentals. As a President’s Circle member, you earn 1.5 points for every eligible US dollar spent.
It is important to understand that points are calculated based on eligible daily rental time and mileage or kilometers. Free rental days cover only the base rental charges for time and mileage or kilometers. Taxes, optional extras, and other charges are excluded. Points and membership status are calculated in US dollars, with one point earned for every eligible US dollar equivalent converted from the local currency. Terms and conditions apply.
You can redeem your points for eligible rental rewards. If you rent cars frequently, the additional points can help you earn rewards faster. However, the actual value you receive depends on the number of eligible rentals you complete and how you choose to redeem your points.
Access to the President’s Circle Vehicle Selection
At participating Hertz Ultimate Choice locations, President’s Circle members can choose a vehicle from a designated selection. This adds flexibility to the rental experience, although the available vehicle types and configurations vary by pickup location.
Not every Hertz location offers the same Ultimate Choice experience, and eligibility requirements and vehicle-class restrictions may apply.
If having a wider selection of vehicles at your pickup location is important to you, this benefit can be a major reason to pursue President’s Circle status.
Skip-the-Counter Service at Participating Locations
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can enjoy expedited pickup at participating locations. This means eligible customers may be able to bypass the traditional rental counter and proceed directly to their assigned vehicle or choose one from the designated selection area.
For example, if you have just arrived at an airport, you can head to the area indicated by the signs displaying your name or check your reservation details for pickup instructions. You can then select your preferred vehicle. When exiting the parking lot, stop at the gate and present your driver’s license to the staff so they can verify your vehicle selection. You can also report any damage you notice at this point.
Being able to select a vehicle and leave without waiting in a traditional rental counter line makes the experience much more convenient.
Availability depends on the airport or rental location and the applicable pickup procedures.
For frequent travelers, especially those arriving after a long flight, saving time during the pickup process is one of the most practical benefits.
Free Additional Driver
In the United States, Hertz offers a free additional driver benefit for a member’s spouse or domestic partner, subject to program terms and rental requirements.
This is particularly useful for couples traveling together on a road trip. During a long drive, having another eligible driver can help share the driving responsibilities and make the journey less tiring.
The benefit allows you to add your spouse or partner to your reservation without paying the usual additional-driver fee. Compared with renting without this benefit or using a rental program that charges for an additional driver, you could save $50 or more on a rental, depending on the rental duration and applicable fees.
Dedicated President’s Circle Customer Service
President’s Circle members may also have access to a dedicated customer service line. This service is designed to provide assistance with reservations, rental arrangements, and issues that arise during a trip.
Although dedicated support does not guarantee that every issue will be resolved immediately, it gives Hertz frequent renters access to a higher level of customer service and an additional channel for getting help when they need it.
Click here to enter the official website for more information: Hertz President’s Circle benefits.
How Do You Get Hertz President’s Circle Status?
Hertz Gold+ Rewards membership is free, so you can join the program and start earning points before reaching an elite tier. Under Hertz’s current US Gold+ Rewards qualification rules, you can earn President’s Circle status by meeting either of the following requirements within a calendar year:
- Complete 15 qualifying rentals.
- Spend $3,000 on qualifying rentals, excluding taxes and fees.
It’s worth noting that if you don’t want to earn Hertz President’s Circle status through traditional car rentals or by spending a significant amount of money, there is an alternative option. You can obtain this status quickly through the Hertz President’s Circle Fast Track — VIP Hotel Flights program, without completing a rental challenge.
Simply place an order and complete the payment on the relevant page to receive one year of Hertz President’s Circle status. To learn how the process works and understand the key details and important considerations, click the red button below to get started.
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How much does it cost to join President Hertz’s circle?
Hertz doesn’t publish a way to buy President’s Circle directly, so its cost is whatever route you use:
| Route | What it costs you | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Earn it | 15 rentals or $3,000 in Hertz rentals in a calendar year (reported unchanged in 2026) | Status renews only if you keep renting at that level |
| Hertz status match | Hertz’s published information mentions no fee | Requires President’s Circle-level status at Avis, Enterprise, National, Sixt or Europcar; available once every five years. See Hertz Status Match. |
| Partner or card benefit | The card’s annual fee, or the effort of holding partner status | Includes Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Capital One Venture X, Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion, and IHG Diamond Elite. Details in Hertz Status Match. |
| VIP Hotel Flights | Just pay a few dozen dollars and you can obtain an identity for one year. | Upgrade to Hertz President’s Circle by purchasing the service, with no status challenge or status match required. Enjoy a direct upgrade to Hertz President’s Circle. |
Can You Get President’s Circle Through a Status Match?
You may be able to obtain Hertz President’s Circle status through a status match. Hertz offers status matching to eligible members of selected partner rental car loyalty programs. By matching your existing status, you may be able to achieve Hertz President’s Circle without meeting the standard qualification requirements of spending $3,000 and completing 15 rentals within a year.
Eligibility requirements and application rules for status matches may change from time to time. Always refer to Hertz’s official status match page for the latest terms and conditions.
You can review the current requirements on the official Hertz Status Match page.
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Hertz President’s Circle vs Five Star
Hertz Five Star and President’s Circle are both elite membership tiers within Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, but they differ in terms of vehicle upgrades, reservation guarantees, and bonus rewards.
To qualify for Five Star status, you generally need to complete three rentals or spend $1,000 per year. President’s Circle requires 15 rentals or $3,000 in annual spending. Therefore, when comparing these two tiers, the key question is whether President’s Circle offers a more consistent rental experience and whether its additional benefits meet your needs.
The table below provides a simple comparison of the main differences between the two tiers.
| Comparison | Five Star | President’s Circle |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Upgrades | Complimentary upgrades may be available, subject to vehicle availability. | Higher-priority upgrade benefits at eligible participating locations. |
| Reservation Guarantees | Does not offer the same level of vehicle-class guarantee. | May offer a guaranteed vehicle class, subject to applicable terms and conditions. |
| Vehicle Selection | Access to available vehicles offered at the rental location. | Dedicated vehicle selection areas are available at some locations, potentially offering a wider range of choices. |
| Bonus Points | Earn 25% bonus points on eligible rental spending. | Earn 50% bonus points on eligible rental spending. |
| Customer Service | Standard member support channels. | Access to dedicated customer service support. |
What does Hertz President’s Circle get you in the United States?
In the United States, the key benefits of Hertz President’s Circle membership include a faster pickup experience, priority customer service, vehicle upgrade opportunities, and bonus points. At many eligible major airport locations, members may be able to use dedicated service areas or expedited pickup procedures, reducing the time spent waiting in line and completing rental formalities. Vehicle upgrades are another important benefit. When vehicles are available and the relevant conditions are met, members may have the opportunity to upgrade to a higher vehicle class at no additional cost. In addition, members typically earn bonus points at a higher rate and may receive more convenient customer support when dealing with issues such as flight delays, vehicle availability, or rental extensions.
However, these benefits do not guarantee an upgrade every time you rent a car, nor do they mean that every location offers counter-free pickup or dedicated services. The actual experience depends on the pickup location, vehicle availability, reservation type, and local policies. For travelers who frequently rent cars in the United States and value pickup efficiency and vehicle selection, President’s Circle membership may offer significant benefits. If you only rent a car occasionally, it is advisable to compare the total rental cost, required vehicle class, insurance, and other fees first, while treating upgrade opportunities, bonus points, and priority service as additional advantages.
Is Hertz President’s Circle Worth It?
For many frequent renters, Hertz President’s Circle can be worth having. However, its value depends on your rental habits.
When It Is Worth It?
Obtaining Hertz President’s Circle status may be worth considering if you meet the following criteria:
- You frequently rent cars for business trips and need reliable access to rental vehicles.
- You want to earn Hertz points faster.
- You want better chances of upgrading to a higher vehicle class and access to a wider selection of vehicles.
- You typically rent from participating airport locations or premium rental locations.
- You prefer having access to dedicated customer service support.
When It May Not Be Worth It?
However, if you only rent a car a few times a year, the value of President’s Circle status may be relatively limited. For occasional renters, bonus points accumulate slowly. Furthermore, if you are already satisfied with the vehicle class you booked, the practical value of the vehicle upgrade benefit may also be limited.
Is President’s Circle Worth Paying Extra For?
Based on the points discussed in this article, I believe Hertz President’s Circle is a valuable elite loyalty status.
If you earn membership through regular rental activity or an eligible status match, you can enjoy these benefits without needing to spend extra money specifically to obtain them, making it a worthwhile option.
Before choosing Hertz over other car rental companies, however, be sure to compare the total rental price, vehicle availability, pickup location and convenience, and the benefits you are most likely to use. These factors can help you determine whether Hertz President’s Circle status is truly worth pursuing for your travel needs.
FAQ
What is President’s Circle, and how does it differ from other tiers?
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards has multiple membership tiers, with President’s Circle ranking above Five Star. Its main advantages include priority services, dedicated customer support, and opportunities to upgrade to higher-class vehicles.
Is Hertz President’s Circle worth it?
If you rent cars frequently or place a high value on vehicle upgrades, bonus points, and a better vehicle selection, Hertz President’s Circle can be well worth it. However, for those who rent cars only occasionally, its value may be relatively limited.
Does President’s Circle guarantee a vehicle upgrade?
At participating Hertz locations, eligible members can access a special vehicle upgrade benefit. However, this benefit is subject to program terms and exclusions. Upgrades are limited to vehicles up to the full-size class, and rentals booked under the Manager’s Special category are not eligible.
How can I become a President’s Circle member quickly?
Simply place an order through Fast Track VIP Hotel Flights to upgrade to President’s Circle without completing a status challenge. This can help you save both time and money.
Is Hertz President’s Circle better than Five Star?
President’s Circle members earn bonus points at a higher rate, may receive a guaranteed one-class vehicle upgrade when the applicable conditions are met, and can access a wider selection of vehicles at participating locations. Five Star members earn fewer bonus points, and vehicle upgrades depend on availability.
Can Hertz President’s Circle members guarantee a vehicle upgrade when renting a car in the United States?
Not entirely. However, having President’s Circle status can improve your chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade. Whether an upgrade is ultimately available depends largely on vehicle inventory and the policies of the local rental location.
Final Thoughts
Hertz President’s Circle is particularly valuable for frequent renters who can make full use of vehicle upgrades, bonus points, and more convenient rental services. These benefits are especially useful for travelers who regularly rent cars. Upgrade privileges and vehicle availability are among its most notable advantages over Five Star status.
However, for occasional renters, the standard Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership benefits may be sufficient. If you already hold elite status with another car rental company, it is worth checking whether you qualify for a Hertz status match, which can be a practical way to access President’s Circle benefits. Alternatively, you can obtain this status directly through the Fast Track VIP Hotel Flights program without completing a status challenge.
Before booking, review the latest official terms and conditions to confirm which benefits are available at your specific rental location.
