Navigating the world of car rentals can often feel like a maze of choices, especially when it comes to loyalty programs. If you’re a frequent traveler or simply looking for ways to make your spending go further, understanding the rewards programs offered by rental car companies is essential. One common question that arises is: Does Dollar Rental Car Have A Loyalty Program? The answer is yes! Dollar Rent A Car offers a program called Dollar Express Rewards, designed to reward its customers for their loyalty.
This article dives deep into the Dollar Express Rewards program, providing a comprehensive overview for anyone considering renting with Dollar. We’ll explore how the program works, the benefits it offers, how to earn and redeem points, and ultimately, whether it’s the right loyalty program for your car rental needs. While Dollar is part of the Hertz family, it’s important to note that Dollar Express Rewards operates independently, without reciprocal benefits with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. Let’s explore what Dollar’s program has to offer.
Understanding Dollar Express Rewards: A Program Overview
Dollar Rent A Car positions itself as a value-focused car rental company, serving travelers across over 600 locations in approximately 65 countries. Acquired by Hertz in 2012, along with Thrifty Car Rental, Dollar maintains its separate brand identity and loyalty program.
Dollar Express Rewards is the loyalty program designed to reward customers with points redeemable for free rentals. Beyond points, members enjoy benefits aimed at streamlining the rental process, such as counter bypass and priority service at select locations. A notable perk is the ability to add a spouse or domestic partner as a free additional driver. Like many car rental loyalty programs, joining Dollar Express Rewards is free, making it accessible to all Dollar customers.
However, a key difference compared to programs from competitors like Avis or Hertz is the absence of elite status tiers within Dollar Express Rewards. This means that unlike other programs, Dollar doesn’t offer a path to earn complimentary upgrades through status. An exception to this is for U.S. military and government employees, who may receive upgrades on both business and leisure rentals, a benefit outside the standard loyalty program structure.
Partnering Up: Expanding Your Earning Potential with Dollar
While Dollar Express Rewards focuses on its own points system, Dollar also provides options to earn rewards through partnerships with airlines and hotels. For those who don’t frequently rent from Dollar or prefer airline miles or hotel points, these partnerships offer valuable alternatives. Here’s a breakdown of Dollar’s partner programs:
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Airline Partners:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Earn 50 miles per qualifying rental day.
- American Airlines AAdvantage: Earn 50 miles per qualifying rental day.
- Avianca LifeMiles: Earn 50 miles per qualifying rental day.
- Delta Air Lines SkyMiles: Earn 500 miles per qualifying rental.
- Emirates Skywards: Earn 500 miles per rental (29 days or less), 1,000 miles per rental (30+ days).
- Frontier Miles: Earn 50 miles per day (rentals up to 4 days), 500 miles per rental (5+ days).
- Japan Airlines JAL Mileage Bank: Earn 300 miles per qualifying rental.
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: Earn 600 miles per qualifying rental.
- Spirit Airlines FREE SPIRIT: Earn 50 miles per day (rentals up to 4 days), 500 miles per rental (5+ days).
- United Airlines MileagePlus: Earn 50 miles per day (rentals up to 4 days), 500 miles per rental (5+ days).
- All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club: Earn 300 miles per qualifying rental.
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Hotel Partners:
- IHG Rewards Club: Earn 125 points per qualifying rental day.
Choosing to earn frequent flyer miles with U.S. airline partners instead of Dollar Rewards points incurs a surcharge, ranging from $0.75 to $1.50 per day, depending on the specific airline program. However, even when opting for partner rewards, members retain Dollar Express benefits like counter bypass.
Earning Dollar Express Rewards Points: Simple and Straightforward
The earning structure for Dollar Express Rewards is refreshingly simple. With no elite tiers to navigate, the program offers a flat earning rate for all members.
Members earn 1 Dollar Express Reward point for every qualifying dollar spent on Dollar rentals. According to Dollar’s FAQ, a “qualifying rental” is defined as any rental in the U.S. or Canada that is not prepaid. To ensure points are credited, members must provide their Dollar Express Rewards member ID during the reservation process.
Despite the shared ownership with Thrifty and Hertz, it’s crucial to remember that Dollar Express Rewards points are exclusive to the Dollar program. Points cannot be earned or redeemed with Thrifty or Hertz.
Redeeming Dollar Express Points: Free Rental Days Await
Dollar Express Rewards points are redeemed for free rental days, offering flexibility across daily, weekly, and weekend rentals. Redemption options include compact, midsize, standard, and full-size vehicles.
Point redemptions begin at 500 points, with weekly rentals generally providing the best point value. Here’s a breakdown of redemption rates:
| Reward | Points Required |
|---|---|
| One Free Weekend Rental Day | 500 |
| Two Free Weekend Rental Days | 1,000 |
| Three Free Weekend Rental Days | 1,500 |
| Four Free Weekend Rental Days (Max) | 2,000 |
| One Free Weekday Rental Day | 625 |
| Two Free Weekday Rental Days | 1,250 |
| Three Free Weekday Rental Days | 1,875 |
| Four Free Weekday Rental Days | 2,500 |
| One Free Weekly Rental | 2,550 |
| Two Free Weekly Rentals (14 Days Max) | 5,000 |
It’s important to note that blackout dates may apply, and point redemptions are currently limited to rentals within the U.S. and Canada.
Point expiration is not a concern as long as there is account activity (earning or redeeming points) at least once every 24 months. This makes the program user-friendly for even infrequent renters.
Maximizing Your Dollar Rental: Credit Card Strategies
To enhance your Dollar rental experience and maximize value, strategic credit card usage is key. Ideally, use a credit card that offers primary car rental insurance and bonus rewards on travel purchases.
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® are excellent choices. Both provide primary rental car coverage, allowing you to confidently decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and be protected against potential damages. Since car rentals are typically coded as travel, these cards also earn bonus points – 3x points per dollar with Chase Sapphire Reserve and 2x points per dollar with Chase Sapphire Preferred on travel, including car rentals.
For fuel purchases, consider using a credit card that earns bonus rewards at gas stations, such as the Citi Premier® Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, to further maximize your rewards.
Smart Savings Strategies for Dollar Rentals
Beyond loyalty programs and credit cards, several strategies can help lower the cost of Dollar rentals:
Discount Codes and Deals
Dollar Rent A Car features a dedicated “Specials” page on their website, highlighting various deals and discount codes. This page includes a search tool to find location-specific offers. Association discounts, such as for AAA and BJ’s Wholesale Club members, are also often listed.
However, it’s worth noting that not all available discount codes are always advertised on Dollar’s specials page. A quick online search before booking can sometimes uncover additional savings opportunities.
Leverage AutoSlash
AutoSlash is a valuable online tool designed to find the lowest possible rental car rates. It automatically searches for and applies the best available discounts based on your search criteria. AutoSlash also tracks your booking and will notify you if your quoted price drops, allowing you to rebook at a lower rate. Their coupons page can also provide discount codes applicable to Dollar rentals when booking directly.
Dollar 4Business for Small Business Owners
Small business owners who rent cars for work should consider joining Dollar 4Business, a free program tailored for business rentals. Benefits include a 7% discount on base rental rates for business rentals, waived young renter fees, complimentary additional drivers, unlimited mileage, and waived change fees. Crucially, Dollar 4Business members still earn points through the standard Dollar Express Rewards program, combining savings with loyalty benefits.
Final Verdict: Is Dollar Express Rewards Worth It?
Dollar Express Rewards aligns perfectly with Dollar Rent A Car’s focus on value-oriented travelers. The program offers a straightforward way for casual renters to earn rewards and enjoy time-saving benefits like counter bypass. For travelers who prioritize simplicity and potential savings on rental costs, Dollar Express Rewards is a worthwhile program to consider.
However, for frequent renters seeking elite status perks like upgrades, Dollar Express Rewards may fall short. In such cases, exploring loyalty programs from companies like Hertz, Avis, or National, which offer tiered elite status and associated benefits, might be more rewarding in the long run. Ultimately, the best car rental loyalty program depends on individual travel patterns and priorities. For value-conscious renters primarily focused on savings and basic rewards, Dollar Express Rewards provides a solid foundation.
