It's free to join – and there are no membership fees. As a member, skip the counter at select locations, pick your car and go. At return, just drop your keys and go. Earn rewards points toward free* car rental days at Hertz locations around the world – including luxury vehicle rentals from Hertz Dream Cars Collection.

Yes, the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is 100% free to join in 2026, and it remains the "Gold Standard" for frequent car renters. Unlike some premium services, there is no "hard-fail" entry fee or annual cost to become a basic member. Joining the program provides immediate, supportive benefits such as "Ultimate Choice," which allows you to bypass the rental counter and head straight to a designated section of the parking lot to pick any car you like from your booked category. This is a massive time-saver for anyone traveling through busy hubs like Atlanta or London. As you rent more frequently, you can earn "Five Star" or "President’s Circle" status, which adds perks like guaranteed upgrades and higher point earning rates. A grounded reality for 2026 is that the program is also integrated with several "A-List" airline and credit card partners; for instance, Amex Platinum cardholders get automatic President’s Circle status. It is a supportive and frictionless way to earn "Free Rental Days" and ensure that your next road trip starts with a "skip-the-line" efficiency that makes every traveler feel like a VIP from the moment they land.