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Do car rental companies accept American Express?

American Express®, Discover Network®, MasterCard®, and Visa® credit cards are accepted at our non-airport Locations, located within the United States and Puerto Rico. At the time of rental, the estimated total amount for the rental will be charged to the credit card provided by Renter.



Yes, American Express is widely accepted by all major car rental companies in 2026, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and National. In fact, many rental agencies have specific "preferred partner" relationships with American Express. For instance, Amex Platinum cardholders often receive automatic elite status (such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards "Five Star" or Avis President's Club), which provides free upgrades and "skip the counter" privileges. Using an American Express card is often a "pro-move" for travelers because many Amex cards (like the Gold or Platinum) include secondary Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance as a standard benefit. Furthermore, Amex offers a unique "Premium Car Rental Protection" for a flat fee per rental (around $20–$25) that acts as primary coverage, allowing you to bypass the expensive "Collision Damage Waiver" (CDW) sold at the rental counter. While debit cards often face strict "deposit holds" or credit check requirements at the counter, a major credit card like American Express ensures a much smoother and faster checkout process globally.

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Car rental elite status
  • Avis Preferred Plus. Cardmembers can enroll to get Avis Preferred Plus status (which typically requires 12 rentals or spending $5,000 in a calendar year). ...
  • Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle. ...
  • National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive.


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Both The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express come with exclusive car rental benefits. As an Amex Platinum cardmember, you earn elite status with several popular rental car providers and secondary insurance coverage when you rent a vehicle.

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But if paying rent with a credit card is an available option, is convenient, and could help you earn rewards that'll outweigh fees ? especially if you'll pay off your balance in full before accruing interest ? it may be worth considering.

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As a Platinum Cardmember you are invited to join our highest level of loyalty status, Avis President's Club, at no extra cost!

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Thrifty accepts American Express, MasterCard, Carte Blanche, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, China Union Pay and some debit cards.

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Most major rental car companies allow you to book and pay for your car without a credit card. Accepted payment methods include debit cards, while a few will allow cash and money orders for payment. All of the following accept debit cards: Alamo.

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No credit check: Car rental companies take on a certain amount of risk by renting vehicles, and a credit card gives them peace of mind. Your credit card may provide rental benefits: Credit card rental discounts and additional insurance protection are common perks of renting a vehicle using some major credit cards.

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Avis accepts most major credit cards as credit identification at the time of rental. Accepted credit cards: Avis Charge Card, American Express, AT&T Capital, Diner's Club Intl, Discover, China Union Pay, JCB, MasterCard, and Visa.

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Experience a more rewarding journey. To unlock your Platinum Card Car Rental Privileges, include CDP #211762 in your Hertz reservation and pay with your Platinum Card.

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Amex Platinum card members receive complimentary Hertz President's Circle status. With status, card members can use a designated code at booking to earn a 20% discount on vehicle rentals (taxes and fees apply).

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