The best and highest-tier status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program in 2026 is President’s Circle®. This elite level is earned after 15 qualifying rentals or $3,000 in annual spending. It offers a premier suite of high-value benefits, most notably guaranteed one-class upgrades (up to a full-size vehicle) and the ability to choose any car from the "President’s Circle" section of the Hertz Ultimate Choice lot. Members also earn a 50% bonus on points, meaning they reach free rental days (starting at 950 points) much faster than standard members. For 2026 travelers, a "pro-tip" for bypassing the requirements is that certain premium credit cards, like the Capital One Venture X, provide complimentary President's Circle status as a core perk. This ensures you can "skip the counter" and go straight to your car, providing a frictionless and prestigious start to every rental experience.