I’ve noticed that one of the biggest hurdles for travelers looking to enhance their car rental experience is simply knowing how to qualify for elite status. In my earlier days of renting cars, I often missed out on valuable perks because I didn’t realize a small bump in rentals could catapult me to the next tier. Fortunately, Wade through the details and you’ll see that qualifying for Hertz Five Star isn’t as difficult as it first appears: typically, completing around 10–12 qualifying rentals or spending $2,000–$2,400 in a calendar year will get you there. Requirements can vary by region, so it’s always best to check Hertz’s latest promotions and local thresholds.
I’ve observed that many business travelers hit this mark without even trying, especially if they rent for both work and leisure. Once you lock in your Five Star status, you’ll usually keep it through the end of the following year. This timing can effectively offer close to two years of benefits if you qualify early in the calendar. According to a 2023 survey by the Global Business Travel Association, more than half of frequent renters found that reaching mid-tier status greatly improved their on-the-road efficiency. If you’re already close to the threshold, a few strategic rentals can be a game-changer.
As a tip, I recommend comparing your current rental frequency with the promotional offerings. Sometimes, Hertz runs limited-time deals where just a handful of rentals can accelerate your path to Five Star. Keeping an eye on these promotions can save you both time and money, especially if you already travel frequently.
One thing I love about Hertz Five Star is the immediate convenience. From my experience, walking into a bustling airport and skipping the main counter can feel downright liberating. There’s a special lane for Five Star members that offers faster service, so you’ll be on the road before most people have even picked up their luggage. This perk alone has saved me from missing more than a few tight connections over the years.
Then there’s the complimentary one-car-class upgrade, which is offered when available. I still remember the time I booked a compact car for a weekend getaway and ended up driving away in a sleek sedan. It’s not guaranteed every time, but these little upgrades can transform a routine rental into something that feels a bit more luxurious. For those traveling in Europe, you often score a free additional driver benefit, which is perfect if you and a friend want to share the driving responsibilities—no extra paperwork needed.
Beyond these tangible perks, I’ve found that being on the Five Star email list has its own advantages. You’ll get targeted discounts, partner deals, and even an occasional free rental day. While these offers vary, they can stack up quickly if you’re on the road often. That’s why I always suggest linking the status to any corporate travel programs you’re a part of, so you can double-dip and maximize your savings.
Earning and redeeming points is at the heart of any loyalty program, and Hertz is no exception. Like most loyalist programs, Five Star members will earn one point per dollar spent, but there’s an appealing 25% bonus tacked on for Five Star travelers. According to industry data, nearly 70% of frequent renters use points to subsidize leisure rentals—meaning those bonus points can translate to quicker getaways or more family road trips.
From my own experience, the Standard and AnyDay Awards system can be a bit confusing at first. Standard Awards require fewer points but may have blackout dates, while AnyDay awards typically cost double but let you redeem for peak times like holidays or major events. This can be a lifesaver—imagine trying to find an affordable rental car during a large convention or a popular seasonal vacation stretch. I’ve used AnyDay awards when I had zero flexibility in my schedule, and it proved worthwhile.
One common pitfall is letting those points lapse. Hertz points expire after 12 months of inactivity, and any unused points will be forfeited after five years, so it’s crucial to keep your account active. Personally, I plan at least one annual rental—however brief—to maintain my points. That way, I never risk losing all those hard-earned (and bonus-boosted) rewards.
If you’re already an elite member of a rival car rental or travel program, there’s a good chance you can leapfrog straight to Hertz Five Star via a status match. When I first started exploring this option, I didn’t realize how seamless it was. Submit proof of status, and you may find yourself upgraded almost instantly. That’s especially useful if you have upcoming travel and don’t want to wait to reach 10 rentals just to enjoy the perks.
In my own travels, I’ve witnessed how a well-timed status match can save you significant time and money, especially if you’re someone who travels year-round. Also, certain premium credit cards come with built-in Hertz status benefits, which means you might already have access to Five Star without knowing it. I’ve had colleagues who discovered this when checking their card benefits, granting them immediate access to shorter lines, better vehicles, and that oh-so-sweet 25% points bonus.
One word of caution: Matched status typically remains valid until December 31 of the second year after approval, so if you match too late in the year, you might lose a chunk of potential usage. I generally advise timing your match when you have a good run of trips coming up, to squeeze the maximum value out of your new perks before renewing or requalifying.
In my opinion, Hertz Five Star status sits perfectly in that sweet spot of affordability and tangible benefits. You don’t need to be a globe-trotting executive with dozens of rentals each month to fully enjoy the perks. For most business travelers or adventurous vacationers, crossing that 10–12-rental threshold is totally doable. Personally, I appreciate that the status doesn’t require the sizable jump in qualification that you see with President’s Circle—yet it still offers plenty of conveniences, like shorter lines, points bonuses, and those coveted upgrades.
For me, the real question has always been about return on investment. If I’m going to commit to a loyalty program, I want to see real-world perks that make my travel smoother. Five Star answers that in spades. Faster check-in times can prevent a missed flight connection or a late arrival at my next destination. The complimentary upgrades inject a bit of excitement into a standard workday trip. And, of course, the 25% points bonus helps me rack up free rentals much faster.
While President’s Circle does offer an even higher level of perks, you’ll find that the jump in requirements can be steep. In any case, simply aiming for Five Star is a logical approach for moderate-frequency fliers who want a noticeable bump in service. Especially now in 2025, when rental costs are climbing and time is more precious than ever, these mid-tier perks can genuinely pay dividends.
Ultimately, Hertz Five Star is more than just a fancy label—it tangibly improves my rental experience and offers a solid entry point to elite-level travel. I appreciate that I don’t have to manage a mountain of rental days or hit sky-high spending thresholds to reach it. If you’re the type of traveler who frequently bounces between airports, hotels, and meeting rooms, the benefits can help you save time and energy when it matters most.
Between the accelerated points earning, the potential for complimentary vehicle upgrades, and the invaluable perk of skipping service counters, Five Star status can make car rentals feel less like a chore and more like an extension of your travel adventure. Add in the possibility of easy status matches or credit card benefits, and it’s clear why many travelers see Five Star as an excellent stepping stone before committing to upper-tier status. In my experience, you’ll notice the difference the first time you walk up to a near-empty Five Star lane while others wait in the standard line.
Given how quickly the business travel landscape changes, staying flexible is key. Jump on promotions, keep track of your rental frequency, and explore status matches. By doing so, you can maintain a level of convenience and comfort that has become essential in this busy world of travel.
From my perspective, Hertz Five Star status hits that perfect balance of practical perks and minimal fuss. I’ve always found that it doesn’t demand the same rigorous investment as top-tier statuses yet provides enough rewards to make you feel special. In many ways, it’s the ideal stepping stone for travelers curious about premium car rental programs.
I’m especially fond of how it reflects a thoughtful approach by Hertz—recognizing that many travelers want upgrades, faster service, and bonus rewards, but can’t always commit to the highest tiers. Five Star makes it easy to notice the improvements right away, and once you experience a seamless pickup in a better car, it’s hard to go back.
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