Our President's Circle membership criteria is fairly straightforward. Here it is: You need to be a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member with 20 or more Hertz vehicle rentals to your name within a calendar year. Customers who have spent US$4,000 or more within a calendar year also qualify for President's Circle status.

Achieving Hertz President’s Circle status—the highest standard elite tier—requires either frequent rental activity or a "shortcut" via specific high-end credit cards. In 2026, you can earn this status traditionally by completing 15 or more rentals in a calendar year OR by spending $3,000 on Hertz rentals. Once achieved, you receive guaranteed one-class vehicle upgrades, access to the widest selection of cars in the "Ultimate Choice" lot, and a 50% bonus on Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points. However, the most popular way to get this status without the 15-rental requirement is through credit card benefits. Holders of the American Express Platinum Card, the Capital One Venture X, or the Chase Sapphire Reserve often receive a complimentary "status match" or direct enrollment into President’s Circle as part of their card's travel perks. To activate it, you must link your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account through the specific credit card's portal. Once linked, your status is usually updated within 24–72 hours, allowing you to bypass the counter and head straight to your upgraded car on your very next trip.