Hertz has three membership tiers: Gold, Platinum, and President's Circle, each with different perks for frequent renters
Hertz membership is free to join at any level, and you choose your tier based on how often you rent and what benefits matter most to you. Gold is the entry level with basic perks like a dedicated phone line and discounts on base rates. Platinum adds faster check-in, may provide car availability, and higher discounts. President's Circle is the top tier, offering the fastest service, the most rental discounts, and benefits like free upgrades and late-model vehicle selection.
You do not have to reach a certain number of rentals to join any tier — you pick the level that fits your rental frequency when you sign up. However, Hertz also has an automatic tier system: if you rent enough times in a calendar year, you may be moved up automatically, and your status resets each January.
Key Takeaways
- All three Hertz membership tiers are free to join, and you select your starting level based on your expected rental frequency.
- Gold members get a dedicated phone line and modest discounts; Platinum members add may provide car availability and faster check-in; President's Circle members receive the highest discounts, free upgrades, and priority service.
- You can move up tiers automatically if you reach a certain number of rentals in a calendar year, though the exact threshold varies by location and promotion.
- Membership status resets on January 1 each year, so a high-volume renter in December may drop back to a lower tier in January if they do not maintain rental activity.
Gold Membership: The Starting Point
Gold is Hertz's base membership level and requires no minimum rental activity to join. When you create a Hertz account, you start as a Gold member automatically. Gold members receive a dedicated phone line for reservations and customer service, which means you skip the main queue and reach a representative faster than a non-member.
Gold also includes a discount on the base rental rate — typically 5 to 10 percent off the standard daily rate, though the exact percentage varies by location and current promotions. You also earn points on each rental that can be redeemed for future discounts or free rental days. Gold members can make reservations online or by phone and receive email confirmations.
Platinum Membership: Faster Service and Better Availability
Platinum is the middle tier and is designed for people who rent several times a year. To reach Platinum, you typically need to complete a certain number of rentals in a calendar year — often between 4 and 10 rentals, depending on the promotion running at the time. You can also request to start at Platinum when you first join if you expect to rent frequently.
Platinum members get everything Gold offers, plus may provide car availability (Hertz reserves a vehicle in your chosen class even during peak times), faster check-in through a dedicated counter or mobile check-in, and a higher discount on base rates — usually 10 to 15 percent. Platinum members also earn points at a faster rate and may receive occasional bonus point offers. You also get priority customer service, meaning your calls are answered before Gold members' calls.
President's Circle: Premium Service and Maximum Discounts
President's Circle is Hertz's highest tier, typically requiring 10 or more rentals per calendar year to reach or maintain. Like Platinum, you can request to start at this level when you join if you plan to rent very frequently. President's Circle members receive all Platinum benefits plus additional perks that appeal to heavy business travelers and frequent leisure renters.
These perks include the highest base rate discounts (often 15 to 20 percent or more), complimentary vehicle upgrades to the next class when available, late-model vehicle selection (you can request newer cars), and the fastest check-in options including express mobile check-in. President's Circle members also earn points at the highest rate and receive exclusive offers and promotions. Some locations offer a dedicated President's Circle lounge or express lane at the rental counter.
How Tier Status Changes During the Year
Your membership tier is based on rental activity in the current calendar year (January through December). As you complete rentals, Hertz tracks your activity, and you may be automatically promoted to a higher tier once you reach the threshold. For example, if you are a Gold member and complete your fifth rental in October, you might be promoted to Platinum when ready, and that status remains through December.
However, your tier resets on January 1 each year. A President's Circle member in December drops back to Gold on January 1 unless they have already earned enough rentals in the new year to maintain or re-earn their status. This reset means that even frequent renters must continue renting regularly to keep their higher-tier benefits. Hertz typically notifies members of tier changes via email.
Points and Rewards Across All Tiers
All Hertz members earn points on every rental, regardless of tier. The difference is the earning rate: Gold members earn a base number of points per dollar spent, Platinum members earn more, and President's Circle members earn the most. Points can be redeemed for free rental days, discounts on future rentals, or sometimes transferred to partner loyalty programs like airline frequent flyer programs.
Points do not expire as long as you have at least one rental transaction every 24 months. If you go longer than 24 months without renting, your account may become inactive and your points could be lost. You can check your points balance online through your Hertz account or by calling customer service.
Comparing the Three Tiers Side by Side
| Feature | Gold | Platinum | President's Circle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to join | Free | Free | Free |
| Typical rental threshold | None (starting tier) | 4–10 rentals/year | 10+ rentals/year |
| Base rate discount | 5–10% | 10–15% | 15–20%+ |
| may provide car availability | No | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary upgrades | No | Occasional | Yes, when available |
| Dedicated phone line | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Express check-in | No | Yes | Yes |
| Points earning rate | Standard | Higher | Highest |
Should You Join a Higher Tier Right Away?
If you rent only once or twice a year, Gold is sufficient and requires no action — you are already a member. The discounts and points you earn will cover your needs without the pressure to maintain a higher tier.
If you rent 4 or more times per year, requesting Platinum status when you join makes sense. The may provide car availability alone is valuable if you rent during busy seasons, and the higher discount compounds across multiple rentals. If you rent 10 or more times per year (roughly twice a month), President's Circle is worth pursuing. The complimentary upgrades and late-model vehicle selection add real value for frequent renters, and the highest discount rate means you save money on every rental.
Keep in mind that tier status resets each January, so you need to maintain your rental frequency throughout the year to keep your benefits. If your rental needs drop unexpectedly, you will fall back to a lower tier automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch tiers during the year?
You can request a tier change at any time by contacting Hertz customer service, but you will only be automatically promoted once you reach the rental threshold for the higher tier. You cannot request a demotion, but your tier will drop automatically if you do not maintain the required rental activity.
Do I lose my points if my tier drops?
No, your points remain in your account even if your tier status drops. Points do not expire as long as you have at least one rental transaction every 24 months. Your earning rate for future rentals will be based on your current tier, but accumulated points are safe.
What happens to my membership on January 1?
Your tier status resets to Gold on January 1 unless you have already earned enough rentals in the new calendar year to maintain a higher tier. Hertz will notify you of your new status via email. You can request to start at a higher tier again if you expect to rent frequently in the new year.
Are there any annual fees for Platinum or President's Circle?
No, all Hertz membership tiers are free to join and maintain. There are no annual fees, monthly charges, or hidden costs. You only pay for the rental itself and any optional add-ons like insurance or equipment.
Can I earn tier status faster with a credit card?
Hertz offers a co-branded credit card that may earn bonus points or accelerate tier status in some cases, but this varies by promotion and card terms. Check Hertz's website or contact customer service to see if a credit card offer is currently available and whether it would help you reach a higher tier faster.