National Car Rental’s Emerald Club is a loyalty program that streamlines the rental process and rewards frequent renters. The main idea is to help you skip the counter, choose your own car from the Emerald Aisle (at participating locations), and earn credits toward free rental days. The program exists to save regular customers time and offer perks that make renting less of a chore.
Joining Emerald Club is straightforward: most drivers age 21 and up with a valid driver’s license can sign up, and there’s no cost for the basic membership level. I recently reviewed the sign-up process and found it takes just a few minutes online, with clear instructions and no hidden fees for joining. If you want the latest eligibility details or to enroll, check the official Emerald Club page directly.
Frequent business travelers get the most out of Emerald Club, especially those who rent cars regularly for work and value time savings. Leisure travelers who rent a few times a year can also benefit—particularly if they prefer picking their own vehicle or want to earn free days. If you’re planning a road trip or need a rental for a family vacation, it’s worth considering.
For more ways to save, see our guide to finding the best deals on rental cars.
Emerald Club from National Car Rental is popular among frequent renters for a reason: its perks are designed to save time and add flexibility. One of the most practical features is the skip-the-counter privilege. At participating locations, you can walk straight to the lot, pick a car from the designated Emerald Aisle, and drive off—no need to wait in line at the rental counter. I find this especially helpful when I’m landing at a busy airport and want to get on the road quickly.
Another standout benefit is car choice. Instead of being assigned a random vehicle, Emerald Club lets you select any car in your reserved category. This means if you prefer a sedan over an SUV (or vice versa), you’re in control at many locations. Frequent renters can also earn rewards points with every qualifying rental, which can be redeemed for free rental days—an easy way to stretch your travel budget further.
Emerald Club status tiers add even more value. Members who rent often can achieve Executive or Executive Elite status, unlocking perks like guaranteed upgrades, access to better vehicles, and enhanced customer service. If you’re comparing loyalty programs, it’s worth checking out this car rental loyalty program comparison from The Points Guy for a side-by-side look at major options.
If you’re serious about maximizing every dollar and point, I’d also recommend reading our guide on maximizing travel rewards when booking flights and hotels—it pairs well with a strong rental car strategy.
Choosing between car rental loyalty programs can make a real difference in your travel experience—especially if you rent often. Emerald Club from National, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and Avis Preferred are the main contenders for frequent and occasional renters. Here’s a side-by-side look at what you actually get from each program, so you can see which one fits your travel style.
| Feature | Emerald Club | Hertz Gold Plus | Avis Preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Additional Driver | Yes (spouse/partner) | No | No |
| Skip Counter Option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Car Choice Aisle | Yes (Emerald Aisle) | Limited (Ultimate Choice) | No |
| Points Earning Rate | 1 credit per rental | 1 point per dollar | 1 point per dollar |
| Free Rental Threshold | 7 credits = 1 free day | Varies by location | 700 points = 1 free day |
| Guaranteed Upgrades | With Executive tier | With Five Star/President’s Circle | With Preferred Plus |
| International Coverage | Strong (especially North America) | Wide global network | Wide global network |
Emerald Club stands out for its Emerald Aisle, which lets you pick any car in your reserved category without waiting at the counter—something I’ve found especially handy on tight business trips. For families, the free additional driver perk can save around $13.00 per day. However, Hertz and Avis may offer faster points earning if you rent high-value vehicles or rent frequently for business.
For infrequent renters, Hertz Gold Plus or Avis Preferred might be simpler since you earn points by dollars spent, not just rental frequency. But frequent travelers who value car choice and speed will likely get the most from Emerald Club. I usually recommend Emerald Club to anyone who rents more than a few times a year, but I’d suggest comparing your usual pickup locations—some airports have better Emerald Aisle selections than others.
If you want a more detailed breakdown, The Points Guy has an up-to-date side-by-side car rental loyalty program comparison that’s worth checking before you commit.
And if you’re looking to save even more, cheapfareguru.com can help you compare flight and car rental bundles, plus explore our list of money-saving airport transfer options for your next trip.
Emerald Club rewards are pretty straightforward once you know how they work. You earn one credit for every qualified rental day at participating National locations, but keep in mind that only eligible rates (not all promotional or discounted rates) count toward earning credits. Typically, seven credits will get you one free rental day, but always check the latest terms, as requirements can occasionally change.
To redeem, just log in to your Emerald Club account, track your credits, and select “Free Day” when booking online. I learned while researching the program that blackout dates and location exclusions can catch travelers off guard—especially during peak holidays—so don’t assume every date is available. National’s official rewards FAQ is the best source for the most current redemption rules and any new limitations.
Remember, taxes, fees, and surcharges aren’t covered by reward days, so you’ll still be responsible for those. If you’re looking to stretch your savings, I’d also recommend brushing up on how to avoid hidden fees in car rentals before you book.
National’s Emerald Club offers three status tiers: Standard, Executive, and Executive Elite. Each level comes with its own set of perks, and the requirements to move up are based on how often you rent. According to National’s official status requirements page, you’ll start at Standard, but frequent renters can unlock more benefits as they progress. From what I’ve seen, reaching Executive isn’t too tough for regular business travelers, but Executive Elite does take some dedication.
If you want to move up faster, keep an eye out for promotions or status match opportunities—National sometimes matches elite status from other rental or travel loyalty programs. For more tips on elite travel perks, see our advice on airport lounge access for elite travelers.
Emerald Club is best suited for travelers who rent cars frequently—think business travelers, consultants, or anyone taking five or more rentals a year. If you find yourself regularly picking up rental cars for work trips, weekend getaways, or family road trips, the perks like faster pick-up and free rental upgrades can really add up. In my own travels, I’d only consider joining Emerald Club if I knew I’d hit that kind of rental frequency; otherwise, the benefits just aren’t as noticeable.
On the other hand, if you typically rent a car just once or twice annually—maybe for a summer vacation or a holiday visit—it’s worth comparing the value of local deals or discount codes instead of relying on loyalty perks. Sometimes, a one-off discount from a site like cheapfareguru.com can save you more than a loyalty program would. For a deeper look at when car rental programs pay off, I recommend checking this consumer guide on car rental program ROI.
If you’re a spontaneous traveler or often book at the last minute, you might find more value in searching for flash sales or special promotions. Check how to find last-minute travel deals to compare your options before joining a loyalty program.
Understanding your daily travel budget makes it much easier to plan your trip and avoid surprise expenses—especially when it comes to car rentals. Factoring in your National Car Rental costs alongside accommodation, food, and activities helps you see the big picture. I usually find my own car rental spending lands in the mid-range column, especially when I’m splitting costs with a friend.
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $60.00 | $120.00 | $300.00 |
| Food | $25.00 | $55.00 | $120.00 |
| Transport (National) | $40.00 | $75.00 | $180.00 |
| Activities | $20.00 | $60.00 | $200.00 |
If you’re looking to stretch your travel dollars further, cheapfareguru.com also has more tips for saving on all-inclusive travel packages.
The Emerald Club is National Car Rental’s loyalty program for frequent renters. Members can skip the counter at participating locations, select their own car, and earn rental credits toward free rental days. I found it especially helpful that you can join for free and start earning benefits after your first rental.
Frequent renters enjoy perks like faster checkouts, access to special vehicle selections, and free rental days after accumulating enough credits. For example, after about seven paid rentals, you typically earn a free day. The program also offers higher tiers with more rewards the more you rent.
According to National’s published FAQ, free rental days earned through Emerald Club are valid at participating locations in the United States and Canada. They generally can’t be redeemed internationally, so if you’re planning to rent abroad, you’ll want to check local terms before assuming your free days apply.
To avoid unexpected charges, review your rental agreement carefully and ask about common add-ons like insurance, toll transponders, and fuel options. I recommend declining extras you don’t need and returning the car with a full tank to sidestep refueling fees. Always double-check your final receipt before leaving the lot.
National’s Emerald Club does have blackout dates for free rental day redemptions, especially during peak travel periods or holidays. The specific dates vary by location and year, so it’s smart to check the current list on National’s official FAQ page before planning to use your free day.
Emerald Club offers value for both business and leisure renters, but frequent business travelers usually see the most benefit due to higher rental frequency. However, if you rent cars multiple times a year for vacations, you can still earn free days and enjoy priority service at many airports.
If you’re looking for more advice on car rentals, check out our complete car rental FAQ section for more topics on booking, insurance, and saving money. I always discover something new each time I browse through the updated questions and answers before my next trip.
Emerald Club’s best perks—like skipping the rental counter and earning free rental days—shine for travelers who rent cars regularly, especially with National. If you’re on the road often for business or frequent leisure trips, those time-saving benefits and upgrades can add real value. Occasional renters might not see as much payoff, since you’ll need to rent frequently to truly benefit from the program’s rewards.
In my own research, I’d only sign up if I expected to rent several times a year with National or Enterprise. Before joining, I usually recommend double-checking your typical rental locations, loyalty program overlap with other car companies, and whether you’ll actually use the perks. The value really depends on your travel style.
Ultimately, take a few minutes to compare Emerald Club—and other rental loyalty programs—against your own travel habits. Discover practical ways to save on your next trip with cheapfareguru.com resources.
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