Hertz President’s Circle Upgrade: The Ultimate Guide 2025

Looking to take your car rentals to the next level? The Hertz President’s Circle Upgrade gives you VIP perks like guaranteed vehicle upgrades, access to the widest selection of cars, and 50% more rewards points. In this ultimate 2025 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get the most out of your Hertz experience.

What is Hertz President’s Circle?

Hertz is one of the world’s leading car rental companies, known for its wide network and premium service. Hertz President’s Circle is the highest publicly available tier in the company’s loyalty program, Gold Plus Rewards. According to Hertz’s requirements, you can qualify with 15 rentals or $3,000 in spending within a calendar year. This tier gives members access to more rewards points, a dedicated customer service line, and guaranteed upgrades to a wider range of vehicles.

In addition to President’s Circle, Hertz offers two other tiers: Hertz Gold and Hertz Five Star.

1. Hertz Gold is the entry-level membership, free to join, allowing members to earn points and choose their preferred cars through the Ultimate Choice service.
2. Hertz Five Star requires 10 rentals or $2,000 in spending to qualify. Members earn more points, enjoy space-available upgrades, and have access to a broader selection of cars compared to Hertz Gold.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Hertz Gold, Five Star, and President’s Circle to help you quickly understand the differences between each tier.

Hertz President’s Circle Upgrade Benefits

As the highest elite tier in Hertz’s loyalty program, President’s Circle comes with a range of exclusive perks designed to make rentals faster, easier, and more rewarding. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits members can enjoy.

Accelerated Rewards with 50% More Points

One of the biggest advantages of Hertz President’s Circle is the accelerated earning rate. Members receive 1.5 points per $1 spent, which is a 50% increase compared to standard members. This faster accumulation means you’ll reach free rental days much sooner.

When it comes time to redeem, you can apply points directly through your Hertz account online or in the app, choosing to cover an entire rental or just reduce the cost. Hertz also offers two redemption options:

1. Standard Rewards – lower points requirement, but may be restricted during peak times.
2. AnyDay Rewards – no blackout dates, perfect for high-demand periods, though they require more points.

This flexibility, combined with the higher earning power, makes President’s Circle especially valuable for frequent travelers who want both convenience and savings.

Skip the Counter and Pick Your Car

One of the most time-saving perks of President’s Circle is the ability to bypass the rental counter completely. Instead of waiting in line after a long flight, you can walk straight to the Ultimate Choice aisle, where a wider selection of cars is waiting.

Imagine landing late at night or rushing to make a business meeting—rather than standing in a queue, you simply head to the lot, choose the vehicle that fits your trip, and drive away. This streamlined process not only saves valuable time but also adds flexibility and control, making your travel experience far smoother.

Access to the Widest Selection of Cars

As a Hertz President’s Circle member, you gain exclusive access to the widest selection of vehicles in the Hertz Ultimate Choice aisle. This premium section offers a diverse range of cars, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Vehicle Categories Available

• Luxury Sedans: Experience comfort and style with models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Cadillac CT6.
• SUVs: Opt for spaciousness and versatility with vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Suburban, and Toyota Highlander.
• Sports Cars: Add excitement to your drive with options like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Embrace sustainability with models like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.
• Convertibles: Enjoy open-air driving with vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

Comparison with Other Membership Tiers

Car availability may differ depending on the country or location, but Hertz President’s Circle members always have access to the widest range of vehicles, giving them plenty of options to suit their needs and preferences.

Guaranteed Vehicle Upgrades

Hertz President’s Circle members are guaranteed at least a one-car-class upgrade when renting. This means that even if your originally booked vehicle is unavailable, you will be upgraded to a higher car class—typically from a mid-size to a full-size vehicle.

Notes:

• Some locations, especially smaller airports or non-major rental centers, may have limited vehicle options even for upgrades.
• Upgrades are generally limited to full-size cars (Class F) and do not include special equipment vehicles, such as SUVs or minivans.

Free Additional Driver

You can add one additional driver—usually a spouse or domestic partner—at no extra cost on U.S. reservations.

Dedicated Customer Service Line

You’ll have access to a special support line reserved just for President’s Circle members, for faster and priority assistance.

How to Upgrade to Hertz President’s Circle?

You can qualify for a Hertz President’s Circle upgrade in several ways. The most straightforward option is through frequent rentals—complete 15 qualifying rentals in a calendar year, or spend at least $3,000 (excluding taxes and fees) with Hertz.

If that sounds a bit challenging, don’t worry—there are also alternative paths to reach President’s Circle status, which might be easier depending on your travel habits.

Credit Card Partnerships

If you don’t want to spend a full year renting cars to qualify for President’s Circle, another shortcut is through premium credit cards. Some travel rewards cards automatically grant Hertz President’s Circle as part of their elite benefits, saving you both time and money. This is especially valuable for frequent travelers who already use these cards for flights, hotels, and everyday spending.

Here are the most notable credit cards that currently include Hertz President’s Circle membership:

1. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (Annual fee: $395)

With a $395 annual fee, the Capital One Venture X Rewards card is one of the best all-round premium travel cards on the market. Beyond its generous points-earning structure, it also comes with a strong set of rental car perks. Cardholders receive complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, along with elite memberships at National and Avis, giving you plenty of flexibility no matter which company you rent from. On top of that, you can save up to 30% on Silvercar rentals. For frequent travelers who value both choice and savings, this card offers excellent long-term value.

2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Annual fee: $695)

The Platinum Card from American Express is well-known for luxury travel perks, and rental cars are no exception. With a $695 annual fee, it grants complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, including up to 20% discounts on rentals. You’ll also be automatically enrolled in National’s Emerald Club Executive Elite and Avis Preferred Plus, ensuring upgrades and priority service across multiple brands. Combined with its other benefits like global lounge access, hotel elite status, and travel credits, this card is a perfect fit for travelers who want a seamless premium experience from flights to car rentals.

3. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Annual fee: $650)

If you’re a loyal Delta flyer, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card can be a smart way to boost both your air and ground travel experience. Priced at a $650 annual fee, the card not only comes with valuable Delta perks like Sky Club access and upgrade priority but also includes complimentary Hertz President’s Circle membership. This means you’ll enjoy guaranteed upgrades, faster car pick-ups, and access to Hertz’s best fleet selection every time you rent.

Status Match with Other Car Rental Companies

One of the easiest ways to unlock Hertz elite benefits without starting from scratch is through the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Status Match program. If you already hold status with another major rental car company, Hertz allows you to match your tier and immediately enjoy the perks of Hertz Five Star or President’s Circle.

Hertz currently matches status from several well-known rental brands, including Avis, Enterprise, National, Europcar, and Sixt. Click to Match Your Hertz Status.

Here’s a quick look at how your current status with other major rental companies translates into Hertz tiers:

Hertz status match is available to members who have never participated before, or whose last status match was more than five years ago. Once approved, the matched status is valid until December 31 of the second calendar year following approval, making it a valuable perk.

However, keep in mind that to retain your matched tier, you’ll need to meet the standard qualification requirements; otherwise, your status will revert back to Hertz Gold (the base level).

Upgrade via Hotel Travel Member

If you don’t want to deal with expensive credit cards or complicated status match programs, the easiest way to get Hertz President’s Circle is through Hotel Travel Member.

For just $109, you can upgrade your account and enjoy one full year of top-tier benefits. The upgrade is quick too — usually done within 3–5 business days.

Here’s what you get:

• Free car upgrades every time you rent
• Access to the best cars in the Ultimate Choice lot
• A free additional driver (like your spouse or partner)
• Faster pick-up and drop-off so you save time
• 50% more Hertz points on every $1 you spend
• Dedicated support line for members

Compared to credit cards with $400–$700 annual fees or status matches that need you to keep qualifying, this option is cheap, fast, and straightforward. It’s perfect for travelers who want VIP perks without the extra cost or hassle.

How to Upgrade to Hertz President’s Circle via Hotel Travel Member?

1. From the navigation bar, click Car Rental Status > Hertz Status Upgrades.
   
2. Select the product Hertz President’s Circle Upgrade for 1 Year.
   
3. Add the item to your shopping cart.
   
4. Click the button to proceed to the Checkout page.
   
5. Fill in all required fields marked with an asterisk (*), and under Additional Information, include your member number, first name, last name, and email address on file. Then check the agreement box and complete your payment.
   
6. Orders are processed within 3–5 business days, and you will receive an email notification once your upgrade is confirmed.

Related Reading: Avis President’s Club Guide 2025: Benefits & How to Get It

FAQ

Conclusion

Whether you qualify through frequent rentals, credit card perks, status matches, or the Hotel Travel Member upgrade, the Hertz President’s Circle Upgrade opens the door to a faster, more luxurious rental experience. Don’t wait—unlock your elite benefits today and enjoy every journey with Hertz.