Unlock The Best Elite Perks With Hertz President’s Circle

by Brad Lightall | June 7, 2025 | 0 Comments

Hertz President’s Circle represents the top tier of Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards program and is designed for frequent flyers who want an easier, faster, and more rewarding car rental experience. President’s Circle members enjoy benefits such as guaranteed vehicle availability, priority service, and free car-class upgrades, all of which can be especially valuable for travelers on tight schedules.

What Is Hertz President’s Circle?

What IsHertz President's Circle?

Hertz President’s Circle is Hertz’s highest loyalty tier, granting members a range of exclusive perks that save time and money on every rental. Perks include a free additional driver (in select locations), a 50% bonus on points earned, and access to the Ultimate Choice lot, allowing travelers to pick the vehicle that suits their style. While these advantages can significantly enhance the rental experience, some customers report occasional inconsistencies in service quality, indicating that results may vary by location.

In my own travels, I’ve noticed that access to the Ultimate Choice lot can feel like having a VIP pass to the best cars on the lot—especially in major airport hubs. However, I’ve also seen a few times when certain popular vehicle classes were already snapped up by other frequent renters. The high demand underscores how valuable these upgrades truly are.

According to a 2024 industry survey, nearly 70% of frequent car renters consider loyalty status a deciding factor in choosing a rental company. Hertz President’s Circle stands out because the benefits often translate into substantial savings, particularly during peak travel times when rental rates skyrocket.

How to Qualify for President’s Circle

How to Qualify for President's Circle

Officially, many travelers find President’s Circle requires either 20 rentals or spending over US$4,000 in a calendar year. However, other members report tiers starting at 15 rentals or US$3,000 in spending, suggesting that criteria may differ based on geographic region or promotional offers. Elite status matches, credit cards like Capital One Venture X, American Express Platinum, and Delta Reserve, as well as corporate business travel programs, often provide shortcuts to President’s Circle. Once earned, membership typically lasts through the following year, and upgrades are processed daily, allowing you to benefit quickly after crossing the qualification threshold.

I’ve observed that it helps to keep an eye on rotating promotions, especially around peak tourist seasons like summer or year-end holidays. Some businesses even negotiate special contracts with Hertz that grant faster access to President’s Circle, so if you’re a frequent business traveler, it’s worth asking your corporate travel department if a shortcut is available.

A recent study suggests that about one in four frequent flyers now hold a rental elite status, making qualification strategies a hot topic among road warriors. The key to success is staying informed: watch for promotions, leverage co-branded credit cards, and don’t be shy about asking Hertz reps if you’re close to a status threshold.

Top Perks for Frequent Flyers

Top Perks for Frequent Flyers

President’s Circle offers several benefits uniquely suited for frequent flyers. Guaranteed car-class upgrades mean you can book a midsize vehicle and potentially drive off in a full-size or higher category, especially when you reserve at least 48 hours ahead. Faster check-ins, designated parking spots, and a smoother overall rental process are particularly appealing to busy travelers, saving precious time during hectic itineraries. Additionally, members receive bonus Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points, which can lead to complimentary rental days down the road.

In my experience, these car-class upgrades come in handy when you least expect it—like landing in a heavy downpour and realizing you’ve been upgraded to an SUV with all-wheel drive. That added comfort and safety can be priceless in challenging weather conditions. Plus, the 50% bonus points can pile up quickly if you’re renting monthly, making President’s Circle an attractive choice for consistent travelers.

Industry data from 2025 shows that travelers appreciate perks that save time just as much as those that save money. Having a streamlined experience—like skipping the counter or picking your own vehicle—makes a real difference for those of us who pass through multiple cities each month. President’s Circle addresses this need head-on, particularly when you lock in your booking early.

Real-Life Rental Experiences

Real-Life Rental Experiences

Many frequent travelers highlight how President’s Circle membership transforms car rental into a counter-free experience, particularly when using the Ultimate Choice lot in airports like San Diego. However, not all experiences are created equal; some renters have reported long waits and less-than-stellar service, such as a delayed pickup in Miami that rendered elite status perks less noticeable. These varied experiences underscore the importance of staying flexible and prepared when planning rentals, even at the highest tier of Hertz loyalty.

In my own observations, higher-tier status doesn’t always guarantee a perfect experience every time. I recall mixing up pickup times in New York and finding that all the SUVs were gone, leaving only compact cars. While the perks are powerful, they’re not foolproof, and real-world logistics can throw curveballs.

That said, I’m consistently impressed by how often the perks do come through—like snagging a more spacious sedan at a bustling airport during holiday season. Ultimately, Hertz President’s Circle can be a game-changer for travelers who value efficiency, consistency, and a touch of VIP treatment. By balancing the possible inconsistencies with the standout benefits, road warriors can enjoy a more seamless journey—at least most of the time.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Earning President’s Circle can be a worthy pursuit for frequent travelers who often find themselves waiting in line at the rental counter or struggling to find an upgraded vehicle. The benefits provide real value, from immediate pick-your-car choice to bonus points that lead to free rentals faster.

That said, always remember that the true worth of any loyalty program hinges on consistent usage. If you’re not renting often enough to justify the effort, it might be more effective to choose a flexible option without maintaining elite status. Still, for the frequent flyer who wants a smoother on-the-road experience, President’s Circle is a strong contender in the loyalty game.

Brad Lightall’s Take

From my vantage point, Hertz President’s Circle merges convenience and cost-effectiveness in a way few other rental programs can match. It’s like having a trusted co-pilot who ensures your vehicle is ready, your lines are short, and your upgrades are waiting.

However, nothing beats doing your homework on where and when to rent. If you stay alert to promotions and time your rentals right, you can squeeze even more value out of President’s Circle—and keep your travels stress-free in the process.

Stay with us at BoardingArea for more.

Also on BoardingArea
The Bulkhead Seat
Lounge Review: United Club℠ (ATL – Concourse T, Gates 11 and 12)
I had to be in Atlanta earlier this week for a work dinner and… The post Lounge Review: United Club℠ (ATL – Concourse T, Gates 11 and 12) appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
The Shutterwhale
DBS Woman’s World Card to Reduce 4 MPD Cap from S$1,500 to S$1,000 Monthly on 01 August 2025
From 1 August 2025, the DBS Woman’s World Card will reduce its monthly bonus cap for 4 MPD on online spend from S$1,500 to S$1,000.
Points With a Crew
Use 1 Amex Membership Reward and get up to 40% off at Amazon (targeted)
Act fast if you want to get 20% off your Amazon purchases, possibly even including gift cards. Find out how by ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Reservations Now Being Accepted For Waldorf Astoria New York
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Incorporated sold the historic Waldorf=Astoria hotel property in New York to Anbang Insurance Group Company of China for $1.95 billion — or approximately $1.4 million per room — in February of 2015. To put that sale price in further context, Conrad Hilton reportedly acquired the iconic flagship hotel of Hilton Worldwide in 1949...
Frequent Miler
Turkish Airlines launching its own 1,000,000-mile contest…is it a delight?
What hath SAS wrought? Last year, the Scandinavian airline made worldwide news (and a Frequent Miler Challenge) with its gamified contest, which allowed participants to earn 1,000,000 Eurobonus points by flying fifteen SkyTeam partners and crediting the flights to SAS. Almost 900 folks became Eurobonus millionaires as a result, including...
Frequent Miler
JetBlue’s 25 year 350,000 point mileage run | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep312 | 6-27-25 | Podcast
JetBlue is offering 350,000 points plus 25 years of elite status if you fly JetBlue to 25 destinations before the end of the year. Today we’ll look at that promotion a little more closely, but we’ll also hear from a “nerdy dad”, and will hear about some crazy credit card...
Your Mileage May Vary
Maximize Your Hotel Points With This Simple Free Night Strategy
If you’re part of a hotel loyalty program, you’ve probably spent a lot of time and effort earning points for free hotel stays. But knowing the value of your points…
One Mile at a Time
TAAG Angola Airlines Moving To Luanda’s Glam New Airport
Maybe I just need a new hobby, but the opening of Luanda’s new airport sure is making me yearn for another (masochistic) journey through Luanda on TAAG Angola Airlines…
Frequent Miler
Get up to 15% back at Kroger brands with new Chase Offer
One of my favorite Chase Offers is back, offering either 10% or 15% back at Kroger’s various brands. My Chase cards have the 10% version of the offer, while my wife’s have 15%. In both cases, the cashback is limited to $90 in spend, but we each have it on...
Eye of the Flyer
Here’s How to “Eat” Your Quarterly Hilton Statement Credits!
OK Need an idea where to eat this weekend — but aren’t traveling? (Or even if you are…) Many hotel credit cards offer some kind of quarterly “coupon book” credit — such as a yearly credit of $200 or $240 broken down across the year. If you are like my...
View from the Wing
“Spicy Flight Attendant” Dishes On Pilots Sneaking Mid-Flight Cockpit Sex—So We Grabbed A Tape Measure And Checked The Cockpit Voice Recorder
Once the 25-hour cockpit voice recording mandate is fully in effect, any chances of it ever happening will be pretty much over. Continue reading “Spicy Flight Attendant” Dishes On Pilots Sneaking Mid-Flight Cockpit Sex—So We Grabbed A Tape Measure And Checked The Cockpit Voice Recorder...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Save Up to 20% on Select Flights With Vueling Airlines
Purchase tickets and save up to 20% on select flights with Vueling Airlines for travel between Sunday, June 1, 2025 and Sunday, August 31, 2025. No promotion code is required... ...but you must... The post Save Up to 20% on Select Flights With Vueling Airlines appeared first on The Gate.
Your Mileage May Vary
What Happens Nowadays If You Refuse to Get Your Photo Taken at TSA?
When you plan to fly, there are several things you’re expected to do before you get to the secure side of the airport and go on the plane. However, sometimes…
One Mile at a Time
American Express Gold Card Review: Up To 4x Amex Points For Foodies
TheAmerican Express Gold Card is one of the most rewarding cards out there if you’re looking to earn Amex Membership Rewards points.
The Bulkhead Seat
American Airlines Adds New Seasonal Ski and Sun Routes This December
While summer is in full swing, American Airlines is looking ahead to a winter… The post American Airlines Adds New Seasonal Ski and Sun Routes This December appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Chase temporarily honoring bonus rates from Ink Business Cash error email
A month ago, there was some brief consternation after Chase sent an e-mail to Ink Business Cash cardholders with an image at the bottom that showed bonus category rates very different from what we’re accustomed to: 3% at office supply stores (up to $2,000 per month) 3% at gas stations...
ATX Jetsetter
Fly to Six Continents With Turkish Airlines, Get a Million Miles
Turkish Airlines is giving away one million Miles&Smiles miles to passengers who fly to six different continents by October 27, 2025. The post Fly to Six Continents With Turkish Airlines, Get a Million Miles appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Wingtips
Escape Lounges Debuts at Edinburgh – Here’s What You Get Inside
Some news this week at Edinburgh, Scotland’s airport: first, we saw Air Canada launching flights from Montreal to… The post Escape Lounges Debuts at Edinburgh – Here’s What You Get Inside appeared first on Wingtips.
Your Mileage May Vary
Staypineapple Hotels: Just for Swingers, or For Everybody?
 Full disclosure: not me or mine, but if it’s 2 or more consenting adults, you do you, and no judgement from me. With that, Happy National Pineapple Day, y’all! (is…
Miles To Memories
Best Ever Offer for Amex Blue Business Plus Card [Targeted Link]
American Express has brought back its best ever offer for its popular no-fee business card. You can now earn 75,000 points when you apply for the Blue Business Plus card. The post Best Ever Offer for Amex Blue Business Plus Card [Targeted Link] appeared first on Miles to Memories.
{Tech} for Travel
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Add AI Audio
The new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen enhance call quality with AI voice filters, adaptive microphones, and improved background noise control. The post Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen Add AI Audio appeared first on {Tech} for Travel.
Altitude Yes
United Airlines Updates App, Features Flight Connection Information
United passengers with connecting flights will now be able to use a special section on the app and receive key information. The post United Airlines Updates App, Features Flight Connection Information first appeared on Altitude Yes.
The Bulkhead Seat
Turkish Airlines Offers One Million Miles for Flying to Six Continents
Lately, we’ve seen a surge of creative promotions offering travelers the chance to rack… The post Turkish Airlines Offers One Million Miles for Flying to Six Continents appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
‘Those Taxes Belong to Us Now’: JetBlue Caught Illegally Holding Onto Passenger TSA Fees, Faces Lawsuit
You are legally entitled to a refund of TSA security fees and customs and immigration inspection fees on unused nonrefundable tickets on request. When you don’t ask, airlines keep that money. Continue reading ‘Those Taxes Belong to Us Now’: JetBlue Caught Illegally Holding Onto Passenger TSA Fees, Faces Lawsuit...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers