Is Hertz President Circle Worth It for Frequent Travelers?

For frequent travelers, choosing the right rental car company and loyalty program is crucial. In this article, we explore the value of Hertz President Circle and whether it's worth investing your time and effort into for those who rent at least 20 cars annually. Our analysis will compare it with other programs, delve into the practical benefits, and provide insights for those seeking to maximize their travel experience.

My Experience with Avis Hertz and National

Over the last 15 years, I have relied heavily on Avis and National for my car rentals. My extensive experience with National Emerald Club has convinced me that it offers a superior program compared to Hertz President Circle. While Hertz may have a greater number of locations in the United States, their cars often have lower trim levels and higher mileage, which can detract from the rental experience. Additionally, unless you are 'captivated' to Hertz, such as through an employer's stipulation or convenience, the program may not be financially or practically worth it.

Target Audience of Hertz President Circle

Herp President Circle is marketed to business travelers who frequently need to rent multiple cars for their work. In my experience, a business traveler could easily go through 20 car rentals within six months. However, the majority of well-traveled families do not reach this threshold due to personal or family commitments.

Hertz likely aims to sell their used cars with fewer visible signs of wear and tear. Business travelers tend to maintain more pristine interiors, whereas families are more prone to spills, messes, and other signs of usage. While this is just subjective opinion, it does highlight the nuances of different types of travelers and their impact on the rental experience.

The Reality of Travel Loyalty Programs

The truth is that the majority of travel-related loyalty programs are not designed to be achieved or utilized effectively by the average traveler. Yes, there are benefits, but often they are not worth the time, effort, and financial investment required to attain higher status levels. These benefits are typically a byproduct of frequent travel itself, offering perks like lounges, priority boarding, and bag allowances that can make life easier during travel.

The key strategy is to remain loyal to a single rental car company, airline, or hotel chain. By consistently using these services, you can maximize your benefits without the need to actively work towards higher status levels. This approach is more aligned with the intended purpose of loyalty programs: to incentivize repeat business rather than to burden travelers with the task of attaining membership tiers.

When Does It Make Sense to Join a Loyalty Program?

Unless you are renting at least 20 cars from Hertz annually and the benefits of President Circle status are significant to you, the program may not be worth the effort. However, it's worth considering the program even if you don't have status. Non-status users may still benefit from perks like bypassing airport lines, elite check-in, and special amenities.

If you travel frequently and use rental car services consistently, signing up for loyalty programs can simplify your travel experience. These programs often provide additional perks and make travel more convenient, even if they don't offer status levels that require extensive participation. The key is to use the services consistently and take advantage of the benefits that come from being part of the program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hertz President Circle may not be the best choice for casual or occasional travelers. For those who rent at least 20 cars per year, the benefits can be substantial. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the time and effort required to achieve and maintain status. For the average traveler, remaining loyal to a single service provider and taking advantage of non-status perks can offer significant benefits with less hassle.

Ultimately, the decision to join a loyalty program should be based on personal needs, travel habits, and the value you derive from the program. Whether it's Hertz, National, or another provider, the key is to find one that aligns with your travel lifestyle and offers the benefits you need.