How to get Hertz status

Most paths into Hertz elite status run through matching status you already hold elsewhere; a few premium cards skip that step entirely. The Amex Platinum (US), Amex Business Platinum (US), and Capital One Venture X all confer the top tier, President's Circle, for free the moment you enroll — the Venture X benefit became permanent, with no expiry, in September 2024. The Canadian versions, Amex Platinum (Canada) and Amex Business Platinum (Canada), only reach the mid-tier Five Star, along with a one-car-class upgrade at participating locations.

Everyone else earns their way in with a status match, and the car-rental world crosses over freely. Avis Preferred Plus, National Emerald Club Executive status, and either Sixt Gold or Platinum status all clear Five Star; step up to Avis President's Club, National Emerald Club Executive Elite, Enterprise Plus Platinum, or Sixt Diamond and you land President's Circle instead. Avis Preferred Plus can also reach President's Circle directly, but only with 25 or more rentals in the year — fewer than that caps you at Five Star. Every one of these matches is a once-per-five-year move, and the status granted runs only through December 31 of the second calendar year after approval. Marriott Bonvoy works on a different clock: Titanium Elite matches to Five Star and Ambassador Elite matches to President's Circle, and both last only as long as you keep the underlying Marriott status rather than expiring on that five-year cycle.

If you're a step below that, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite has a fast track worth knowing about: complete 7 rentals in 12 months while holding Platinum and Hertz moves you to Five Star early, though the benefit only holds for 12 months after you earn it.