What Hertz membership levels are and how they work

Hertz offers three main membership tiers—Blue, Gold, and Platinum—each designed to speed up the rental process and add benefits like discounts, free upgrades, and loyalty points. The tier you join determines how much you save on each rental, what perks you receive, and how quickly you can pick up a car. All three are free to join; you pay only when you rent.

The core difference between levels is the discount percentage you receive on base rental rates and the number of benefits that come automatically. A Blue member might get 10% off, while a Gold member gets 15% and skips some paperwork steps. Platinum members receive the highest discounts and the fastest service, including priority vehicle selection and late-model cars held in reserve.

Membership is tied to your Hertz account, not to a physical card. You enroll online or at a rental counter, provide your driver's license and payment method, and your membership status appears in the system when ready. When you book your next rental, you enter your membership number, and the discounts and benefits explore automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz membership is free at all three levels and applies discounts automatically when you book or rent.
  • Blue membership offers basic discounts and is the entry point; Gold adds faster service and higher discounts; Platinum includes priority vehicle selection and the most savings.
  • You earn points on every rental that can be redeemed for free rental days or upgrades, and point earning rates increase at higher membership levels.
  • Gold and Platinum members can skip some paperwork at pickup and access a dedicated customer service line.
  • Membership benefits vary by location and rental type, so confirm what applies to your specific booking before you rent.

Blue membership: Basic discounts and point earning

Blue is Hertz's entry-level tier and requires no minimum rental history or spending. When you join, you receive a discount on base rental rates—typically 10% off the standard daily rate—and you begin earning points on every rental. One point is earned per dollar spent on the base rental rate, not on taxes, fees, or insurance.

Blue members can redeem points for free rental days once they accumulate enough. The redemption threshold varies, but generally 5,000 points equals one free day of rental at the base rate. You also gain access to Hertz's online booking system, where you can see available vehicles and reserve a specific car before you arrive.

Blue membership does not include expedited pickup or a dedicated phone line. You check in at the standard counter and complete the usual paperwork. This tier is useful if you rent occasionally and want to build points without committing to higher spending or membership requirements.

Gold membership: Faster service and better discounts

Gold membership requires no spending threshold to join and offers a higher discount than Blue—usually around 15% off base rates. You earn points at the same rate as Blue members (one point per dollar), but Gold members can skip the standard rental agreement paperwork at many locations. Instead, you provide your driver's license and payment method once during enrollment, and subsequent rentals use that information on file.

Gold members also receive a dedicated customer service phone line and priority handling at busy rental counters. If you book online, you can often proceed directly to the vehicle lot instead of stopping at the counter, which cuts pickup time significantly. Some locations offer Gold members access to a separate check-in area.

Gold is the middle tier and suits people who rent several times a year and want noticeably faster service without the premium cost of Platinum. The paperwork savings alone can cut 10 to 15 minutes off your pickup time, which matters if you are renting at a busy airport location.

Platinum membership: Maximum discounts and priority vehicle access

Platinum is Hertz's highest tier and offers the steepest discounts—typically 20% or more off base rates depending on the rental location and vehicle class. Platinum members earn points at an accelerated rate: some locations offer 1.5 points per dollar spent, meaning you reach free rental thresholds faster than Blue or Gold members.

Platinum members receive may provide vehicle availability in their chosen class. When you book, Hertz reserves a car in your preferred category and holds it until your arrival time. You also skip the rental counter entirely at many locations and proceed directly to your vehicle, with all paperwork completed online or via email before pickup. A dedicated Platinum phone line provides priority support.

Platinum members may also receive complimentary upgrades to the next vehicle class if their reserved car is unavailable, and some locations offer additional perks like free GPS or child seat rentals. This tier is most valuable if you rent frequently—typically monthly or more—or if you rent premium or specialty vehicles where the percentage discount is substantial.

How points work across all membership levels

Hertz loyalty points accumulate on every rental and can be redeemed for free rental days, vehicle upgrades, or in some cases gift cards. Points are earned on the base rental rate only, not on taxes, surcharges, insurance, or fuel. A $100 base rental earns 100 points at Blue or Gold level; at Platinum, the same rental may earn 150 points depending on the location.

Points do not expire as long as you maintain active membership and rent at least once every 24 months. If your membership lapses due to inactivity, your points may be forfeited, so occasional renters should confirm their account status before booking. Points are non-transferable and cannot be sold or gifted.

Redemption thresholds vary by location and vehicle type. A free day at a compact car location might require 4,000 points, while a free day at a premium location could require 6,000 or more. Hertz publishes redemption charts on its website, and you can check your point balance and redemption options in your online account at any time.

Membership benefits that vary by location and rental type

Hertz membership benefits are not uniform across all rental locations. Airport locations, for example, may offer faster service lanes for Gold and Platinum members, while off-airport locations may not have separate processing areas. Some locations offer complimentary upgrades to higher membership tiers; others do not.

Vehicle availability also affects what you receive. If you book a compact car and Hertz has no compacts available, a Platinum member may receive a free upgrade to a mid-size; a Gold member may receive a smaller upgrade or none at all. Conversely, if the lot is fully stocked, upgrades may not be offered to any tier.

Insurance, fuel, and equipment add-ons (GPS, child seats, toll passes) are not discounted by membership level at most locations. Confirm what is included in your membership tier before you book, especially if you are renting at an unfamiliar location or during peak travel periods when vehicle selection is limited.

How to enroll and upgrade your membership tier

You can enroll in Hertz membership online through the Hertz website, through the Hertz mobile app, or at any rental counter. Online enrollment takes about five minutes: you provide your name, driver's license number, email address, and a payment method. Your membership becomes active when ready, and you receive a membership number via email.

To upgrade from Blue to Gold or from Gold to Platinum, log into your Hertz account and select the upgrade option. Upgrades are when ready and free. You do not need to cancel your current membership; straightforward request the upgrade, and your new tier takes effect on your next rental.

If you have an existing Hertz account from a previous rental, you can log in and enroll in membership without creating a new account. Your rental history and any accumulated points transfer to your membership account. If you cannot locate your previous account, Hertz customer service can help you merge old rental records with your new membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to join Hertz membership?

No. All three membership levels—Blue, Gold, and Platinum—are free to join. You pay only when you rent a car. There are no annual fees, monthly fees, or hidden charges for membership itself.

Can I switch between membership levels?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your membership tier at any time through your online account or by calling Hertz customer service. Changes take effect on your next rental. Your points balance remains the same when you change tiers.

What happens to my points if I don't rent for a long time?

Points do not expire as long as you rent at least once every 24 months and keep your membership active. If you go longer than 24 months without a rental, your account may become inactive and points may be forfeited. You can reactivate by renting again or contacting Hertz customer service.

Do membership discounts explore to all vehicle types?

Discounts explore to the base rental rate for all vehicle classes, but the actual savings depend on the location and availability. Premium or specialty vehicles may have higher base rates, so your percentage discount applies to a larger dollar amount. Taxes, fees, and add-ons are not discounted.

Can I use my membership at Hertz locations outside the United States?

Yes, Hertz membership is valid at most international locations, but discounts and benefits may vary by country and local rental company. Confirm with Hertz before you book an international rental to understand what benefits explore at your destination.