Link: Apply now for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (this is the best publicly available offer for the card, and we appreciate your support if you use our link)
The new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has so many awesome perks, like a $300 annual travel credit, 10K bonus anniversary miles, access to Capital One Lounges, a Priority Pass membership, and awesome authorized user perks. I applied for the card the day it launched, and was instantly approved.
One of the benefits of the Capital One Venture X that some people aren’t familiar with is Hertz President’s Circle elite status. This has the potential to be a pretty awesome perk, since this isn’t available through the other popular premium credit cards. Let’s go over the details of how this works.
What car rental status does the Capital One Venture X offer?
The Capital One Venture X offers Hertz President’s Circle elite status:
- Cardmembers must enroll through the benefits tab link found on the Capital One website or mobile app (you’ll want to do this after you receive the card, since I don’t think it’s possible prior to that); I’ll be sure to share my experience once I receive the card and enroll
- At that link, cardmembers will be able to enroll directly in or request an upgrade to Hertz President’s Circle status
- This benefit is available not only to the primary cardmember, but also to authorized users (this is awesome, since you can add up to four authorized users to the card at no extra cost)
- After successful registration, Hertz will process the request within 24-72 hours, at which point the status will be valid
- Upon enrollment, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through December 31, 2024, at which point they will be reverted to the level that corresponds with their rental activity; it’s pretty awesome that this status is valid for over three years right off the bat
- There’s no need to actually book your rental through Capital One Travel, or use your Capital One Venture X for the rental, to receive these perks; your status will be upgraded on Hertz’s end, regardless of how you choose to book and pay going forward
While you don’t have to book your car rental using the Capital One Venture X, it could make sense to do so — this way you get primary auto rental collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. On top of that, if you book through Capital One Travel, you’ll receive 10x Venture miles for the purchase.
What are the benefits of Hertz President’s Circle status?
President’s Circle is Hertz’s top-tier status, so it’s pretty cool to get that just for having the Capital One Venture X. This status has historically required 20 rentals per year or $4,000 in car rental spending, though in 2021 the requirements have been reduced to 15 rentals per year or $3,000 in car rental spending, in light of circumstances.
What are the perks of Hertz President’s Circle status?
- Guaranteed car upgrades, a minimum of one-class, at participating locations
- Freedom to choose any vehicle in the President’s Circle section of the Hertz Ultimate Choice lot on the spot at no extra charge
- No additional driver fee for a spouse or domestic partner in the United Statues
- 50% bonus on Gold Plus Rewards points on all qualified rentals
- Expedited vehicle pick-up at over 1,000 locations worldwide
- No stopping at the counter at over 50 airports
- eReturn, whereby you don’t have to wait when returning your car
- Hertz Valet, whereby you can take advantage of a terminal drive-back service at participating locations up tour times per year
- A dedicated President’s Circle call center line
Here’s a chart comparing the different Hertz elite status tiers:
I think I’m excited about this?
While I love most things about the travel experience, car rentals have historically been the exception. I’ve found so many aspects of the car rental experience to be frustrating, and I’ve historically taken a defeatist attitude when it comes to renting cars.
Fortunately that changed earlier this year, thanks to the great advice of OMAAT readers. I’ve had great experiences with National Emerald Aisle, and it has taken the pain out of the car rental process. National status is offered with several premium credit cards, so the status is easy to get, and the perks are good.
But here’s the catch — sometimes National is really expensive for rentals, charging much more than competitors. In those situations I feel like I’m stuck, and it comes down to asking myself how much I’m willing to pay to avoid the typical frustration associated with renting cars.
In that sense, this new Hertz President’s Circle status is very exciting. Hertz President’s Circle essentially seems to be the equivalent of National Emerald Aisle, with the same option to choose your car and skip the counter. The catch is that in my experience, Hertz is often much more reasonably priced than National (of course it depends on the location, but I’ve personally noticed that as a general trend).
I’m excited about that, as it gives me a lot more flexibility with my rentals. Assuming Hertz President’s Circle works the way I think it does, I can now rent from Hertz or National, and not have a terrible experience (hopefully).
Bottom line
The Capital One Venture X offers Hertz President’s Circle elite status as a perk for both the primary cardmember and authorized users. It’s awesome to see Capital One offering a car rental elite status that you won’t get with the premium cards of Amex or Chase.
President’s Circle is top-tier status elite status with Hertz, and offers a guaranteed upgrade, the ability to select a car from the President’s Circle section, bonus points, and a lot more.
If you’re getting the Capital One Venture X, do you plan on using the Hertz President’s Circle status? Anyone have experience with the status to share?