Using credit card points for car rentals can save you a significant amount of money while maximizing the value of your rewards. Many travel enthusiasts overlook rental cars when redeeming points, but with the right strategies, you can unlock substantial savings and even earn additional points in the process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to use points for car rentals, the best credit cards for rental redemptions, and strategies to get the best value.
Why Use Points for Car Rentals?
Many travelers use points for flights and hotels, but rental cars can be just as expensive—especially during peak seasons. Using points for car rentals offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings: Eliminate or reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Flexibility: Redeem points from multiple programs.
- Insurance Benefits: Many travel credit cards offer rental car insurance.
- Earning Opportunities: Earn points on booking, even when redeeming rewards.
Best Credit Cards for Using Points for Car Rentals
Not all credit cards offer the same value when redeeming points for car rentals. Below are some of the best credit cards to maximize your redemptions:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Reserve®
- Redemption Rate: 1.25x (Preferred) and 1.5x (Reserve) through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Insurance Coverage: Primary rental car insurance included.
- Transfer Partners: Transfer points to airline and hotel programs for additional savings.
2. American Express Platinum Card®
- Redemption Rate: Varies via Amex Travel.
- Elite Status: Complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle®.
- Statement Credits: Certain credits may apply to rental purchases.
3. Capital One Venture X Rewards Card
- Redemption Rate: 1 cent per mile.
- Insurance Coverage: Primary rental car coverage.
- Easy Redemption: Miles can be erased for travel purchases, including car rentals.
4. Citi Premier® Card
- Redemption Rate: 1 cent per point via Citi ThankYou Travel.
- Transfer Partners: Ability to transfer to select airline and hotel partners.
How to Use Points for Car Rentals Effectively
There are multiple ways to redeem points for car rentals, depending on the loyalty program and credit card you use. Here are the most common methods:
1. Redeeming Through Credit Card Travel Portals
Most major credit card issuers have their own travel portals where you can use points for car rentals. These portals often provide competitive rates and allow for flexible redemptions.
| Credit Card | Travel Portal | Redemption Value per Point |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1.5 cents |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1.25 cents |
| Amex Platinum | Amex Travel | Varies |
| Capital One Venture X | Capital One Travel | 1 cent |
| Citi Premier | Citi ThankYou Travel | 1 cent |
2. Transferring Points to Car Rental Loyalty Programs
Some travel rewards programs allow you to transfer points directly to rental car loyalty programs such as Hertz, Avis, or National.
| Car Rental Program | Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio |
| Hertz Gold Plus Rewards | Amex Membership Rewards | 1,000:750 |
| Avis Preferred | Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1,000:750 |
| National Emerald Club | Capital One Miles | 1,000:750 |
3. Using Points for Statement Credits
Some credit cards allow you to use points as a statement credit against travel purchases, including car rentals. This method offers maximum flexibility but may not always yield the best redemption value.
4. Booking Through Airline or Hotel Programs
Many airline and hotel loyalty programs allow you to redeem points for rental cars, sometimes at competitive rates.
| Loyalty Program | Rental Car Partner | Redemption Value |
| United MileagePlus | Hertz | Varies |
| Delta SkyMiles | Enterprise | Varies |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Hertz | 5,000 points = ~$25 |
Maximizing the Value of Your Points for Car Rentals
To get the best value when using points for car rentals, follow these strategies:
1. Compare Redemption Options
Before booking, compare multiple redemption options (travel portals, transfers, and statement credits) to find the best value.
2. Book in Advance
Rental car prices fluctuate significantly. Booking early can ensure you get the best rates.
3. Utilize Elite Status Perks
Many credit cards provide complimentary elite status with car rental companies, offering free upgrades and discounts.
4. Use a Combination of Points and Cash
Some programs allow partial payments in points and cash, which can maximize value while preserving points for future redemptions.
Case Study: Comparing Redemption Methods
To illustrate how to use points for car rentals effectively, let’s compare three common scenarios:
| Scenario | Rental Cost (Cash) | Points Needed | Redemption Value |
| Booking via Chase Ultimate Rewards | $300 | 20,000 (Sapphire Reserve) | 1.5 cents per point |
| Transferring to Hertz | $300 | 30,000 (Amex MR to Hertz) | 1 cent per point |
| Using Statement Credit | $300 | 30,000 (Capital One Miles) | 1 cent per point |
As seen in the case study, booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards provides the best value in this example.
Conclusion
Using points for car rentals is an excellent way to stretch the value of your credit card rewards. Whether booking through a credit card travel portal, transferring to rental car loyalty programs, or using statement credits, there are multiple ways to maximize savings.
By understanding redemption options, choosing the right credit card, and leveraging elite status perks, you can ensure that you get the best value every time you rent a car with points.
For more strategies on maximizing your rewards, visit WeDoPoints.com today!
