Thrifty Car Rental, known for catering to budget-conscious travelers, operates under the Hertz umbrella, alongside its sister company Dollar. If you’re wondering, Does Thrifty Car Rental Have A Rewards Program? The answer is yes. It’s called Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards. However, it’s important to understand that this program has evolved, especially after the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. Coming out of bankruptcy in early 2021, Thrifty streamlined its loyalty program, making it quite unique compared to many of its competitors. Let’s delve into what the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program offers today.
Understanding Thrifty Blue Chip: No More Points System
In the past, Thrifty Blue Chip did operate on a points-based system. Members earned points for every dollar spent and could redeem these points for free rental days. However, that system is no longer in place. Thrifty discontinued the points earning and redemption aspect of the Blue Chip program in late 2020.
Previously, members accumulated 1 point for each dollar spent, with free rental days starting at 500 points. Today, the program has adopted a simpler approach. Upon joining Thrifty Blue Chip, members gain access to a consistent set of benefits, regardless of their rental frequency. Whether you rent a car once a year or multiple times, the perks remain the same, offering a straightforward and predictable rewards experience.
Key Benefits of the Thrifty Blue Chip Program
The Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program stands out for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s a program with minimal complexity, offering a focused set of benefits. Unlike many car rental loyalty programs, Thrifty Blue Chip does not feature elite tiers or status levels. Instead, all members enjoy the same core benefits:
- Free Additional Driver: Avoid extra charges when sharing driving responsibilities.
- 15% Discount on Base Rates: Receive a direct discount on the rental’s base cost for every booking.
- Quick Reservations: Enjoy a faster booking process by storing your preferences.
- E-Returns: Experience a seamless return process by simply dropping off your keys.
Related: How To Get Rental Car Elite Status for Free
How to Enroll in Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards
Signing up for the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program is a quick and easy process. Simply visit the Thrifty website and locate the “Join” button.
Credit: Thrifty
You’ll be directed to a registration form where you’ll need to input your personal information. This includes standard details like your name and contact information. Thrifty also securely stores your driver’s license and credit card information to facilitate quicker checkouts and vehicle returns in the future.
Credit: Thrifty
Maximize Your Rentals: Earn Airline Miles or Hotel Points
An interesting feature of the Thrifty Blue Chip program is the ability to link your membership with various airline and hotel loyalty programs. During the sign-up process, you have the option to enter your membership details for up to six different partner programs. This allows you to earn rewards in your preferred travel loyalty programs directly from your Thrifty car rentals. Currently, Thrifty partners with the following programs:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Earn 50 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations, for up to 30 days.
- American Airlines AAdvantage®: Receive 50 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations, for a maximum of 28 days.
- Avianca LifeMiles: Accumulate 50 miles per rental day on all eligible rentals.
- COPA ConnectMiles: Get 200 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations.
- Delta SkyMiles: Earn 500 miles per qualifying rental per transaction at participating locations.
- Emirates Skywards: Collect 500 Miles per qualifying rental at worldwide locations, excluding rentals within the UAE.
- Frontier Miles: Earn 50 miles per day for rentals of 1 to 4 days, and a flat 500 miles per transaction for rentals of 5 days or longer.
- Gulf Airlines Falcon Miles: Accrue 200 miles per qualifying rental day at participating locations.
- IHG One Rewards: Receive 125 points per rental day for qualifying rentals globally.
- Kuwait Oasis Club: Earn 500 miles per rental day for qualifying rentals worldwide.
- Marriott Bonvoy: Get 250 points per rental day for qualifying rentals worldwide.
- Spirit Airlines Free Spirit: Earn 50 points per day on rentals of 1 to 4 days, and 500 points per transaction for rentals of 5 days or more.
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: Accumulate 600 points per qualifying rental transaction at participating locations.
It’s important to note that certain discounted rates, such as industry discounts, tour rates, and complimentary rentals, are typically not eligible for earning partner rewards.
Credit: Thrifty
Lastly, you will need to create and confirm a password for your account. After completing the form and clicking “Join,” you’re all set. Thrifty will then send a verification email to confirm your membership. Once verified, you’re officially a member of the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program.
Easily Track Your Thrifty Blue Chip Account with AwardWallet
Even though Thrifty Blue Chip doesn’t utilize a points system, you can still benefit from adding your Thrifty Blue Chip membership to your AwardWallet account. By securely storing your login credentials within AwardWallet, you can access your Thrifty account with a single click directly from your AwardWallet dashboard. This provides a convenient way to manage your car rental memberships along with your other loyalty programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards
Do Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards Points Expire?
Since the Thrifty Blue Chip program no longer uses points, point expiration is not applicable. If you encounter older information online referencing point expiration policies, it’s important to remember that this information pertains to the program before the 2020 changes when Thrifty discontinued its points system. Currently, the benefits of the program itself do not expire as long as you remain a member.
Who is the Parent Company of Thrifty Car Rental?
Thrifty Car Rental is owned by Hertz Global Holdings, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary. This explains why you’ll often find Thrifty rental counters located near Hertz counters, particularly at airport rental car facilities. Hertz acquired Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc., the parent company of both Dollar and Thrifty at the time, back in November 2012. Since then, Hertz has maintained both the Dollar and Thrifty brands as separate entities within its portfolio.
Protect Your Thrifty Rental with the Right Credit Card for Insurance
Rental car insurance costs can often add significantly to your overall rental expense, sometimes ranging from $10 to $50 per day. One effective strategy to avoid these extra costs is to utilize a credit card that offers car rental insurance as a benefit when booking your Thrifty rental.
Using such a credit card can provide you with primary auto rental insurance coverage. However, it’s crucial to remember that credit card rental car insurance typically provides collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage. This means it often covers damages to the rental car itself due to collision or theft. It generally does not include liability insurance. Therefore, if you are at fault in an accident and cause damage or injury to others or their property, you will likely need separate liability coverage.
Several personal credit cards offer primary car rental insurance, including:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card packed with benefits, including primary car rental insurance.
For business rentals, consider cards like:
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a top choice for small business owners, offering primary car rental insurance when renting for business purposes.
It’s worth noting that American Express cards generally do not provide primary car rental insurance as a standard benefit. However, American Express does offer the option to purchase separate primary car rental coverage for a flat fee, which can still be more economical than purchasing insurance directly from the rental company.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Car Rental Insurance
Final Thoughts on Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards
If you appreciate simplicity and are looking for a straightforward discount program without the complexities of points, status tiers, and complicated redemption processes, the Thrifty Blue Chip Rewards program is definitely worth considering. Its key advantages lie in its ease of use and the added benefit of earning miles or points with a wide array of airline and hotel partners. For budget-conscious travelers who value straightforward savings and a hassle-free experience, Thrifty Blue Chip provides a valuable loyalty offering.
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