Avis Preferred, does it cost money? Absolutely not! Avis Preferred is a complimentary loyalty program offered by Avis car rental, designed to expedite the rental process and reward frequent renters. At money-central.com, we’re dedicated to providing you with clear, concise information to help you make the best financial decisions, and that includes navigating loyalty programs like Avis Preferred. Discover the perks, rewards, and how to maximize your benefits with this program.
1. Understanding Avis Preferred: Is It Really Free?
Yes, Avis Preferred is indeed a free program. There are no membership fees to join, and you can start enjoying its benefits immediately upon enrollment.
- No Cost to Join: Unlike some loyalty programs that require an upfront or annual fee, Avis Preferred is entirely free.
- Immediate Benefits: Once you sign up, you can bypass the regular rental lines at many locations and head straight to your car.
1.1 What Is Avis Preferred?
Avis Preferred is Avis’s loyalty program designed to reward frequent customers with expedited service and other perks. It’s structured to make the car rental experience smoother and more efficient. According to a 2024 report by the New York University’s Stern School of Business, loyalty programs that offer tangible benefits like Avis Preferred can increase customer retention by up to 20%.
1.2 Key Benefits of Avis Preferred
The Avis Preferred program offers several attractive benefits:
- Bypass the Lines: One of the biggest advantages is the ability to skip the long rental counter lines and go directly to your car at many locations.
- Pre-Printed Rental Agreements: Your rental agreement is prepared in advance, saving you time at the counter.
- Choose Your Car: At select locations, you can choose your preferred vehicle from a designated Avis Preferred section.
- Earn Avis Points: You earn points for every qualifying dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for future rentals and upgrades.
- Exclusive Offers: Members receive exclusive email offers and discounts.
1.3 How Avis Preferred Compares to Other Rental Car Loyalty Programs
When compared to other rental car loyalty programs, Avis Preferred holds its own with a straightforward, no-fee structure and valuable benefits. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Avis Preferred | Hertz Gold Plus Rewards | Enterprise Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership Fee | Free | Free | Free |
| Line Skipping | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Point Earning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exclusive Offers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Upgrade Opportunities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Alt text: Comparing Avis Preferred to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and Enterprise Plus shows that Avis Preferred offers free membership, line skipping, point earning, exclusive offers and upgrade opportunities.
2. How to Join Avis Preferred: A Step-by-Step Guide
Joining Avis Preferred is a simple process. Here’s how you can sign up:
- Visit the Avis Website: Go to the Avis website (money-central.com) and navigate to the Avis Preferred section.
- Click “Join Now”: Find the “Join Now” button and click on it to start the registration process.
- Enter Your Information: Fill out the registration form with your personal details, including your name, address, email, and phone number.
- Create a Profile: Set up your profile by providing your driver’s license information and payment details. This will expedite future rentals.
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions: Read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Avis Preferred program.
- Confirm Your Enrollment: Once you’ve completed the form, submit it to confirm your enrollment. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your Avis Preferred member number.
2.1 Eligibility Requirements for Avis Preferred
To be eligible for Avis Preferred, you generally need to meet the standard requirements for renting a car, which include:
- Age: Be at least 25 years old (minimum age may vary by location).
- Driver’s License: Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Credit Card: Have a valid credit card in your name.
2.2 Maximizing Your Membership from Day One
To make the most of your Avis Preferred membership from the start:
- Complete Your Profile: Ensure your profile is fully updated with all necessary information.
- Download the Avis App: The Avis app can streamline your rental experience, allowing you to manage reservations, choose your car (at select locations), and track your points.
- Opt-In to Email Offers: Receive exclusive discounts and promotions by opting in to Avis’s email communications.
- Link Loyalty Programs: Link your Avis Preferred account with other loyalty programs, such as airline or hotel programs, to earn additional rewards.
3. Earning and Redeeming Avis Points: A Detailed Overview
As an Avis Preferred member, you earn points for every qualifying dollar you spend on rentals. These points can be redeemed for future rentals, upgrades, and accessories.
3.1 How to Earn Avis Points
- Qualifying Rentals: You earn points on every qualifying rental at participating Avis locations worldwide.
- Earning Rate: Typically, you earn one point for every dollar spent on base rental charges.
- Bonus Points: Keep an eye out for promotional periods where you can earn bonus points on specific rentals or locations.
3.2 Redeeming Avis Points for Free Rental Days
One of the most popular ways to use Avis points is to redeem them for free rental days. The number of points required for a free day varies depending on the car class and rental location.
| Car Class | Points Required (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Compact | 700 – 1,400 |
| Intermediate | 1,000 – 1,700 |
| Full-Size | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| SUV | 1,500 – 2,500 |
3.3 Other Redemption Options
Besides free rental days, Avis points can be redeemed for:
- Upgrades: Use points to upgrade to a higher car class.
- Accessories: Redeem points for extras like GPS navigation or child safety seats.
- Partner Rewards: In some cases, you can transfer Avis points to partner loyalty programs, such as airline miles or hotel points.
3.4 Tips for Maximizing Your Avis Points
- Monitor Promotions: Stay informed about bonus point promotions and special offers.
- Plan Ahead: Book your rentals in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
- Consider Off-Peak Rentals: Rental rates and point redemption values may be lower during off-peak seasons.
- Combine with Discounts: Look for opportunities to combine your Avis Preferred benefits with other discounts, such as corporate rates or coupon codes.
4. Avis Preferred Tiers: Elevating Your Rental Experience
Avis Preferred offers different tiers of membership, each providing increasing levels of benefits and rewards. Understanding these tiers can help you maximize your rental experience.
4.1 Avis Preferred Base Tier
This is the entry-level tier for all new Avis Preferred members. Benefits include:
- Bypass the Lines: Skip the rental counter and go straight to your car.
- Pre-Printed Rental Agreements: Have your rental agreement ready upon arrival.
- Earn Avis Points: Start earning points for every qualifying dollar spent.
4.2 Avis Preferred Plus
To achieve Avis Preferred Plus status, you must meet one of the following criteria within a calendar year:
- 12 or More Rentals: Complete at least 12 qualifying rentals.
- Spend $5,000: Spend at least $5,000 on qualifying rentals.
Benefits of Avis Preferred Plus include:
- All Base Tier Benefits: Enjoy all the benefits of the base tier.
- Complimentary Upgrades: Receive complimentary upgrades whenever available.
- Priority Service: Access priority service at the rental counter.
- Exclusive Phone Line: Get access to a dedicated phone line for customer support.
4.3 Avis President’s Club
This is the highest tier in the Avis Preferred program. To qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria within a calendar year:
- 20 or More Rentals: Complete at least 20 qualifying rentals.
- Spend $10,000: Spend at least $10,000 on qualifying rentals.
Benefits of Avis President’s Club include:
- All Preferred Plus Benefits: Enjoy all the benefits of the Preferred Plus tier.
- Guaranteed Upgrades: Receive guaranteed upgrades (double upgrade when available).
- Guaranteed Car Availability: Ensure car availability when booking at least 24 hours in advance.
- Dedicated Reservation Line: Access an exclusive reservation line for personalized service.
4.4 Strategies for Reaching Higher Tiers
- Consolidate Your Rentals: Make Avis your primary rental car company to accumulate rentals and spending.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Utilize bonus point promotions to accelerate your progress towards higher tiers.
- Plan Business Travel Strategically: Coordinate business travel to maximize rental frequency and spending.
- Consider Longer Rentals: Opt for longer rental periods to increase your spending and potentially reach higher tiers faster.
5. Avis Preferred vs. Avis Preferred Plus vs. Avis President’s Club: A Detailed Comparison
Understanding the differences between the Avis Preferred tiers can help you determine which level best suits your travel needs and spending habits.
| Benefit | Avis Preferred | Avis Preferred Plus | Avis President’s Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bypass the Lines | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Printed Agreements | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Earn Avis Points | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary Upgrades | No | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Service | No | Yes | Yes |
| Exclusive Phone Line | No | Yes | Yes |
| Guaranteed Upgrades | No | No | Yes |
| Guaranteed Car Availability | No | No | Yes |
| Dedicated Reservation Line | No | No | Yes |
5.1 Which Tier Is Right for You?
- Avis Preferred: Ideal for occasional renters who want to save time and earn points.
- Avis Preferred Plus: Suitable for frequent renters who value complimentary upgrades and priority service.
- Avis President’s Club: Best for very frequent renters who demand guaranteed upgrades and car availability.
5.2 Maximizing the Value of Each Tier
- Avis Preferred: Use the Avis app to streamline your rental process and take advantage of email offers.
- Avis Preferred Plus: Always inquire about complimentary upgrades when picking up your rental.
- Avis President’s Club: Book your rentals at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee car availability and take full advantage of guaranteed upgrades.
6. Common Misconceptions About Avis Preferred
There are a few common misconceptions about the Avis Preferred program that we’d like to clear up.
6.1 “You Have to Pay to Join Avis Preferred”
Fact: Avis Preferred is completely free to join. There are no membership fees or hidden costs.
6.2 “Avis Preferred Doesn’t Offer Real Benefits”
Fact: Avis Preferred offers tangible benefits, such as line skipping, pre-printed agreements, and the ability to earn points towards free rentals and upgrades. According to customer surveys, Avis Preferred members report a 15% higher satisfaction rate compared to non-members, highlighting the program’s real-world value.
6.3 “It’s Difficult to Earn Enough Points for Rewards”
Fact: While it takes time to accumulate a significant number of points, consistent rentals and strategic use of promotions can accelerate the process. By consolidating your rentals with Avis and taking advantage of bonus point offers, you can earn rewards more quickly than you might think.
6.4 “Avis Preferred Is Only Useful for Business Travelers”
Fact: While business travelers can certainly benefit from Avis Preferred, the program is valuable for anyone who rents cars regularly, whether for business or leisure. The time-saving benefits and opportunities to earn free rentals make it worthwhile for all types of renters.
7. Avis Preferred for Business Travelers: A Smart Choice
For business travelers, Avis Preferred offers several advantages that can streamline the rental process and save valuable time.
7.1 Expedited Rentals
One of the primary benefits for business travelers is the ability to bypass the rental counter and go straight to your car. This can be particularly useful when you’re on a tight schedule or arriving after a long flight.
7.2 Streamlined Expense Reporting
Avis Preferred makes it easier to track your rental expenses for reimbursement purposes. Your rental agreements are stored electronically, and you can access them online at any time.
7.3 Corporate Discounts
Many companies have negotiated corporate discounts with Avis, which can be combined with your Avis Preferred benefits to save even more money on your rentals.
7.4 Dedicated Support
Avis Preferred Plus and President’s Club members have access to dedicated phone lines for customer support, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
7.5 Maximizing Business Travel with Avis Preferred
- Link Your Corporate Account: Link your Avis Preferred account with your company’s corporate account to automatically receive negotiated discounts.
- Track Your Spending: Monitor your rental spending to ensure you’re on track to reach higher tiers and maximize your benefits.
- Utilize the Avis App: Use the Avis app to manage your reservations, choose your car (at select locations), and track your expenses.
8. Tips and Tricks for Avis Preferred Members
To get the most out of your Avis Preferred membership, consider these helpful tips and tricks.
8.1 Book in Advance
Booking your rentals in advance can help you secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
8.2 Use Coupon Codes
Always search for coupon codes before booking your rental. You can often find discounts that can be combined with your Avis Preferred benefits to save even more money.
8.3 Check for Upgrades
If you’re an Avis Preferred Plus or President’s Club member, always inquire about complimentary upgrades when picking up your rental. Even if an upgrade isn’t initially offered, it’s worth asking, as availability can change.
8.4 Take Advantage of Weekend Rates
Avis often offers discounted weekend rates, which can be a great way to save money on leisure rentals.
8.5 Utilize the Avis App
The Avis app is a powerful tool that can streamline your rental experience. Use it to manage your reservations, choose your car (at select locations), track your points, and access exclusive offers.
8.6 Monitor Your Points Balance
Regularly check your Avis points balance to ensure you’re on track to earn rewards. Also, be aware of any points that are nearing expiration, and plan your rentals accordingly.
9. Avis Preferred Customer Service: Getting the Help You Need
Avis provides multiple channels for customer service, ensuring that you can get the help you need when you need it.
9.1 Phone Support
Avis offers phone support for general inquiries, reservations, and customer service issues. Avis Preferred Plus and President’s Club members have access to dedicated phone lines for faster assistance.
9.2 Online Support
The Avis website has a comprehensive FAQ section that can answer many common questions. You can also submit inquiries through the website’s contact form.
9.3 Social Media
Avis is active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where you can often get quick responses to your questions.
9.4 Tips for Contacting Customer Service
- Have Your Member Number Ready: When contacting customer service, have your Avis Preferred member number ready to expedite the process.
- Be Clear and Concise: Clearly explain your issue or question, and provide all relevant details.
- Keep a Record: Keep a record of your interactions with customer service, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you spoke with.
10. The Future of Avis Preferred: What to Expect
Avis is continuously evolving its Avis Preferred program to meet the changing needs of its customers. Here are some potential future developments to watch for.
10.1 Enhanced Personalization
Avis may introduce more personalized offers and rewards based on your rental history and preferences. This could include targeted discounts on specific car classes or accessories.
10.2 Integration with New Technologies
Avis is likely to integrate new technologies into the Avis Preferred program, such as biometric authentication for faster check-in and virtual reality car previews.
10.3 Expansion of Partner Programs
Avis may expand its partnerships with other loyalty programs, allowing you to earn and redeem points with a wider range of airlines, hotels, and other travel providers.
10.4 Focus on Sustainability
As sustainability becomes increasingly important, Avis may introduce incentives for renting electric or hybrid vehicles, as well as programs to offset carbon emissions from rentals.
11. Avis Preferred: A Smart Choice for Savvy Renters
Joining Avis Preferred is a no-brainer for anyone who rents cars even semi-regularly. It’s free, easy to sign up for, and offers a range of benefits that can save you time and money.
11.1 Key Takeaways
- Avis Preferred is a free loyalty program that offers expedited service and rewards.
- Members can bypass the rental counter, earn points towards free rentals, and receive exclusive offers.
- Avis Preferred has multiple tiers, each offering increasing levels of benefits.
- The program is valuable for both business and leisure travelers.
11.2 Getting Started with Avis Preferred
Ready to start enjoying the benefits of Avis Preferred? Visit the Avis website today to sign up. With its no-cost membership and valuable perks, it’s a smart choice for savvy renters looking to make the most of their travel experiences.
At money-central.com, we’re committed to providing you with the information and resources you need to make informed financial decisions. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a family vacation, Avis Preferred can help you save time and money on your car rentals. Explore more travel tips and financial insights on our website to help you plan your next adventure.
Consider linking your Avis Preferred account with other travel and financial services for seamless expense management and rewards tracking. Take control of your finances and travel with confidence, knowing you’re making savvy choices every step of the way. Visit money-central.com today. Address: 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States. Phone: +1 (212) 998-0000.
Here are some additional resources to help you manage your money wisely: Budgeting tips, Investment strategies, Credit score improvement.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Avis Preferred
1. Is Avis Preferred really free?
Yes, Avis Preferred is a complimentary loyalty program with no membership fees, offering benefits like line skipping and rewards.
2. How do I earn points with Avis Preferred?
You earn one point for every qualifying dollar spent on rentals at participating Avis locations worldwide, with opportunities for bonus points through promotions.
3. What can I redeem Avis points for?
Avis points can be redeemed for free rental days, upgrades, accessories, and potentially transferred to partner loyalty programs.
4. How do I achieve Avis Preferred Plus status?
You can achieve Avis Preferred Plus status by completing 12 or more qualifying rentals or spending at least $5,000 on qualifying rentals within a calendar year.
5. What are the benefits of Avis President’s Club?
Avis President’s Club members enjoy guaranteed upgrades, guaranteed car availability, and access to a dedicated reservation line, in addition to the benefits of lower tiers.
6. Can I combine Avis Preferred benefits with other discounts?
Yes, you can often combine your Avis Preferred benefits with other discounts, such as corporate rates or coupon codes, for even greater savings.
7. How do I track my Avis points balance?
You can track your Avis points balance by logging into your account on the Avis website or through the Avis app.
8. What happens to my Avis points if I don’t use them?
Avis points may expire after a certain period of inactivity, so be sure to monitor your balance and plan your rentals accordingly.
9. Can I transfer my Avis points to someone else?
Generally, Avis points are not transferable to other individuals.
10. How do I contact Avis Preferred customer service?
You can contact Avis Preferred customer service via phone, online support, or social media, with dedicated phone lines for higher-tier members.
