Travelers planning road trips often turn to rental cars for flexibility and convenience. Joining a loyalty program like Avis Preferred can streamline the process while offering opportunities to earn rewards on those journeys. The program provides clear paths to points and status that reward consistent use. Details on participation, tiers and redemption come from established program guidelines. ([1])
Program Basics and Eligibility
Avis Preferred operates as a free loyalty program open to participants who meet age requirements in certain regions. Residents of the United States, U.S. territories or Canada must be at least 25 years old to enroll. Membership allows members to skip the rental counter at many locations and access member rates on vehicles and accessories. The program includes a base tier along with two higher published levels. These tiers determine earning rates and available perks during rentals. Status earned through activity lasts through the end of the following calendar year.
Qualifying for Elite Tiers
Higher status can be reached through rental volume or spending at Avis locations. Preferred Plus requires 10 rentals or $4,000 spent in a calendar year. President’s Club calls for 20 rentals or $6,000 spent. These thresholds unlock improved point earnings and vehicle upgrades when available. Many travelers obtain these tiers without meeting the rental requirements. Select airline elite statuses and certain premium credit cards provide complimentary access to Preferred Plus or President’s Club. Examples include American Airlines AAdvantage members at higher loyalty point thresholds and holders of the American Express Platinum Card. United Club cardholders and select Citi AAdvantage Executive cardholders can access President’s Club through a defined enrollment window.
Earning and Redeeming Points
Points accrue on base rental charges and accessories at participating locations worldwide. Base members earn one point per dollar on rentals and two points per dollar on accessories. Preferred Plus members earn at 1.25 and 2.5 points respectively, while President’s Club members earn 1.5 and 3 points. Points apply only to time-and-mileage charges and expire after 60 months of earning, with activity required every 12 months to avoid forfeiture. Redemption covers rentals and accessories in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Daily rentals begin at 700 points, with accessories at 250 points each per day. Award pricing follows standard base rate bands rather than discounted member rates, so travelers benefit from comparing options before booking. A small table illustrates the structure:
| Level | Standard Base Rate per Day | Points per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Up to $50 | 700 |
| 2 | $50.01–$85 | 1,400 |
| 3 | $85.01–$125 | 2,100 |
| 4 | $125.01–$225 | 3,500 |
Practical Steps for Greater Value
Travelers gain the most when they verify eligibility for complimentary status through airline programs or credit cards before renting. Checking employer or card-linked discount codes and comparing them against standard rates adds further savings. Deciding between earning Avis points or partner miles requires weighing the small surcharge sometimes involved against potential redemption value. Redemption works best on rentals near the upper end of each pricing band. Using a card that provides primary rental insurance when declining the company’s waiver adds protection without extra cost. These choices support smoother, more rewarding road travel while respecting program rules and local requirements.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.