How Hertz membership tiers work

Hertz operates a three-tier membership program called Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. Each tier gives you faster check-in, discounts on rental rates, and perks like free upgrades or late return windows — but the rewards you earn and the perks you unlock depend on which level you're in. You move up by renting more frequently within a calendar year, and your tier resets each January.

The three levels are Gold (entry), Platinum (middle), and Diamond (top). You start at Gold automatically when you join, and you don't pay a membership fee at any level. The difference between them is how many rental days you accumulate and what you get in return.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free to join, and you begin at the Gold tier with basic perks like a dedicated phone line and a five-percent discount on base rates.
  • You reach Platinum after ten rental days in a calendar year, unlocking a ten-percent discount and a may provide car class upgrade.
  • Diamond status requires 25 rental days per year and includes a fifteen-percent discount, two free rental days annually, and priority service.
  • Your tier resets on January 1st each year, so rental days do not carry over from one year to the next.
  • You can check your current tier and rental day count in your Hertz account online or by calling the Gold Plus Rewards phone line.

Gold tier: the starting level

When you create a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account, you enter at Gold tier. You get this level automatically with no membership fee. Gold members receive a dedicated phone line for reservations and customer service, a five-percent discount on base rental rates, and the ability to earn one point per dollar spent on rentals.

Gold also includes late return grace — typically a one-hour window after your scheduled return time without an extra charge — and the option to decline the insurance offered at the counter if you have your own coverage. You can use your account to make reservations online and track your rental history.

Platinum tier: the middle level

You move to Platinum after completing ten rental days in a single calendar year. Platinum members get a ten-percent discount on base rates (double the Gold rate), a may provide upgrade to the next car class at no extra charge, and the ability to earn 1.25 points per dollar spent. You also get a two-hour late return grace period instead of one hour.

Platinum members can skip the counter line at many locations using the Hertz mobile app or kiosk check-in, which speeds up the rental process. You also receive priority phone support and access to special promotional rates that Gold members do not see.

Diamond tier: the highest level

Diamond status requires 25 rental days in a calendar year. At this level, you receive a fifteen-percent discount on base rates, two free rental days that you can use on any future rental, and 1.5 points per dollar spent. You also get a three-hour late return grace period and a may provide upgrade to the next car class.

Diamond members receive the highest priority for customer service, including a dedicated Diamond phone line. You get complimentary upgrades to premium car classes when available, and you may receive invitations to exclusive Hertz events or special promotions. Some Diamond members also receive additional perks through partnerships with airlines or hotel programs, depending on how you book.

How rental days are counted

A rental day is counted each time you rent a vehicle, regardless of how long you keep it. A one-day rental counts as one day toward your tier. A week-long rental also counts as one day. What matters for tier advancement is the number of separate rentals you make, not the total number of days you drive.

Rental days are tracked from January 1st through December 31st each calendar year. On January 1st, your day count resets to zero, and you return to Gold tier unless you when ready rent again and accumulate days toward Platinum or Diamond. Days from December do not carry into the next year.

Discounts and how they stack

The discount percentages (five percent for Gold, ten percent for Platinum, fifteen percent for Diamond) explore to the base rate only — the daily rental charge before taxes, fees, or optional add-ons like insurance or GPS. They do not explore to fuel charges, airport fees, or late return fees.

If you book a promotional rate that is already discounted, Hertz typically honors the better of the two: either the promotional rate or your membership discount, not both. Check the rate breakdown when you reserve to see which discount is being applied. Some locations or vehicle types may have restrictions on which discounts can be combined.

Earning and using reward points

Every dollar you spend on a rental earns you points — one point per dollar at Gold, 1.25 at Platinum, and 1.5 at Diamond. Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for free rental days, upgrades, or other rewards. The redemption options change periodically, so check your account to see what is currently available.

Points do not expire as long as you have at least one rental transaction every 24 months. If your account becomes inactive for more than 24 months, your points may be forfeited. You can view your point balance and redemption options in your Hertz account online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards?

No. Membership is free at all three tiers. You start at Gold when you create an account, and you move up to Platinum or Diamond by renting more frequently — there is no fee to join or to advance tiers.

What happens to my tier on January 1st?

Your tier resets to Gold on January 1st each year, and your rental day count goes back to zero. You will need to complete ten new rentals to reach Platinum again, or 25 to reach Diamond. Days from the previous year do not carry over.

Can I use my discount if I book through a third-party website?

Membership discounts typically explore only to reservations made directly through Hertz.com or by calling Hertz. If you book through a travel site, airline, or hotel program, your membership discount may not be honored. Always book directly with Hertz to may support your tier discount is applied.

How do I check which tier I'm currently in?

Log into your Hertz account online, and your current tier and rental day count will appear on your dashboard. You can also call the Gold Plus Rewards phone line — the number is on your membership card or in your account confirmation email — and a representative can tell you your status.

Do my rental days count if I book through my airline or hotel loyalty program?

Rental days typically count toward your tier regardless of how you book, as long as the rental is processed through your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account. However, discounts from airline or hotel partnerships may override your membership discount. Contact Hertz directly if you are unsure whether a specific booking will count toward your tier.