Last Updated on August 22, 2026 by Michael
It’s always a good idea to belong to rental car companies’ loyalty programs, since it’s always free to sign up. But not all programs are created equal. Some programs offer expedited service, while others provide expedited service plus the opportunity to earn awards such as free rental days. But these programs aren’t called frequent renter programs for nothing. Most rental-car loyalty programs impose some form of expiration rule, although the definition of inactivity and the length of time before points or credits expire vary by program.
Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental
Of the nine major rental car companies, there are three where loyalty program members do not earn points:
- Alamo: Alamo Insiders is strictly an expedited-service program. Members do not earn points.
- Budget: Budget Fastbreak is an expedited-service program. Members do not earn points.
- Payless: Payless Perks is a discount program. Members have access to special promotions but do not earn points.
Point Expiration by Rental Car Company
With the remaining six major rental car companies, renting at least once per year will keep your award points from expiring, but rental companies have different time limits for inactive accounts before triggering point expiration.
Avis: Your Avis Preferred points expire after five years or after 12 months of inactivity (no points earned or redeemed). In other words, saving up over the long-term for an expensive Avis redemption could backfire, as points might begin disappearing right as the needed number of points are accrued.
Dollar: Dollar Express points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Activity means a reward point was either earned or redeemed on a rental.
Enterprise: Enterprise Plus points never expire as long as you remain an active member with at least one qualifying rental every three years. You can redeem points for free rental days on any available car on any day—with no blackout dates.
Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops
Hertz: Hertz Gold+ Rewards expire after five years or if you have no rental activity in the prior 12 months. Activity means a point was either earned or redeemed on a rental.
National: National Emerald Club credits generally remain available while the member maintains the account, but once enough credits are converted into a Free Rental Day, the award has its own expiration date.
Thrifty: Thrifty Blue Chip points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Activity means a reward point was either earned or redeemed on a rental.
Related:
