Which Amex is best for car rental?

The Platinum Card from American Express With a single card, you'll receive complimentary benefits with three different car rental companies: National, Avis and Hertz, though enrollment is required. With National, you'll receive National Emerald Club Executive status.



In 2026, the American Express Platinum Card® is widely considered the best choice for car rentals, primarily because of its Premium Car Rental Protection and elite status perks. While most Amex cards offer "Secondary" insurance (which only kicks in after your personal car insurance), Platinum cardholders can enroll in the "Premium" program for a flat fee (roughly $20–$25 per rental) that provides Primary coverage—meaning you don't even have to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have an accident. Additionally, the Platinum Card gives you automatic Elite Status with Hertz (Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle), Avis (Preferred), and National (Emerald Club Executive), which grants you free upgrades and the ability to skip the counter. In 2026, the American Express® Gold Card is also a strong contender for its high points-earning on travel, but it lacks the "bypass the line" status of the Platinum. If you rent cars frequently, the time saved by walking straight to your car at the airport and the "peace of mind" from the primary insurance makes the Platinum Card's high annual fee a high-value investment.

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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.

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As a Platinum Cardmember, Avis invite you to join the Avis Preferred programme. What's more, the Avis Preferred experience will be made even more special for Platinum members with: Complimentary 1 car-class upgrade whenever possible.

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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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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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If the renter used a debit card for the deposit, the rental company might find there's not enough money in the renter's bank account to cover the bill. But with a credit card, the rental company can be more confident they'll be able to take the money (as long as the card-holder's credit limit isn't exceeded).

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Credit cards vs debit cards Companies prefer credit cards because it proves to them you're not a financial risk; their costs will be covered as they can recover part or all of the deposit if needed. With a debit card, the company cannot pull money from a bank account if it has insufficient funds.

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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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Yes, renting a car can affect your credit score. And what's more, the effect will probably be negative. But here's the good news: The damage to your score will be minimal. Only in rare circumstances would renting a car cause significant harm to your score.

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How much is the security deposit for a Hertz rental? A $200 refundable security deposit is collected and held by Hertz on your credit card or debit card when you pick up the car. The deposit is returned when you stop renting the vehicle and return the car.

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Renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary will need to provide a credit card with sufficient available credit to cover the estimated total amount for the rental and a deposit between $300-$400 depending on the rental location and class of vehicle rented.

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Budget charges a credit or debit card hold of $100 to $300 for every reservation. This is charged at the time of rental. So, let's say you prepaid $400 for a reservation. When you pick up the car, you'll see another charge of up to $300 on your account.

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