How to Determine the Best Car Rental Loyalty Programs

If you travel frequently for work or vacations, you’re probably familiar with the car rental process. Not only is it an essential way to get around when you’re out of town, but it can also be fun to hop behind the wheel of a new vehicle once in a while. Many car rental services offer generous loyalty programs that can provide discounts, upgrades and other perks. Not all loyalty programs are built equally, however. Let’s look at some ways to identify the best car rental loyalty program that works for you.

Rewards

While all loyalty programs have their differences, most offer significant benefits with every rental. The more you drive, the more you’ll earn.

Earning points or credits is easy

Keep an eye out for programs that let you rack up points quickly. Some loyalty programs will give you 1 point per dollar spent, while others might offer you a coupon or credits based on how many rentals you book per year. Make sure to read the fine print before you sign up so you understand when and if your points expire. Some programs’ points don’t expire as long as you regularly rent, but some may have a standard expiration date.

Rewards are easy to redeem

Have you ever gone to redeem loyalty points from a grocery store, online retailer or airline, only to discover unlisted blackout dates or hidden fees? A great loyalty program is upfront with its offerings and clear about how you can use them. That means no blackout dates or confusing conversions. Pick a program that offers substantial benefits and won’t make you dig into their FAQs to find out how to redeem them.

Base-level bonuses

The best car rental loyalty programs will start giving out perks the moment you join. Just by signing up, you’re one step closer to a smoother VIP experience.

Free membership with no strings attached

Some loyalty programs let you join before you even book a rental. Many only require your contact information and driver's license info to sign up, with no commitment. If you find yourself faced with a fee just to join a loyalty program, consider signing up elsewhere.

Valuable perks from day one

From the moment you join, your loyalty program may offer you an improved experience with perks just for signing up. You might be able to add a free additional driver to your reservation, access a dedicated check-in line or even skip the counter and go straight to your car when you arrive.

Fast-track to elite status

As you rent with a loyalty program, you may move up to a higher level of status with the company. This may unlock exclusive perks like point multipliers, free upgrades or dedicated customer service access. Look for programs that let you rise through the ranks fast. Some might start giving out higher-tier rewards after only five rentals.

Availability and selection

When choosing a car rental loyalty program, it’s important to consider your travel habits. You don’t want to have to go out of your way just to earn or use your points.

Strong partner network

One of the most convenient features a loyalty program can have is the ability to earn or transfer points with other programs. There are rental services that let you earn miles or rewards points with partner airlines and hotels. Sometimes you can even book directly through the airline, saving you time while planning your next getaway.

Nationwide or global availability

If you’re out exploring every inch of the U.S. or jet-setting overseas regularly, it’s important to know how your loyalty programs will travel with you. Join a program that offers branches wherever you go. Make sure to confirm that your points or credits remain valid outside the United States if you’ll be traveling internationally.

Upgrade potential

Want to ride in style? Look for a loyalty program that offers free upgrades as you rise in status. It’s always a nice surprise to find yourself behind the wheel of a car that’s sure to stun at no extra cost.

Finding the best car rental loyalty program for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all car rental program for everyone. How often you rent, how quickly you want to earn upgrades and customer experience are all factors to consider before signing up. Do your research and learn about other people’s experiences to understand the ins and outs of each company’s program.

Once you’ve decided, use Citi Travel^® to compare prices across multiple car rental companies and score a great deal on your next rental. If you’re an eligible Citi^®cardmember, you can earn Thank You^® Points and redeem them toward future travel. You’ll be hitting the road in no time.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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