SIXT, a global car rental giant established in 1912, might not have the household name recognition of Hertz, Enterprise, or Budget in the US, but its extensive network and premium service are undeniable. Boasting over 2,200 locations across more than 105 countries, SIXT provides car rental solutions in most major cities and travel destinations worldwide.
If you’re considering renting with SIXT, understanding their Sixt Advantage Circle loyalty program is key to unlocking a more rewarding rental experience. This guide dives deep into the program, exploring its tiers, benefits, and how it compares to other rental loyalty schemes. We’ll also examine SIXT’s partnerships, helping you determine if the Sixt Advantage Circle is the right loyalty program for your travel needs.
Renting a Car with SIXT: A Quick Overview
Before we delve into the loyalty program, let’s quickly outline the straightforward process of renting a vehicle with SIXT.
Image Credit: SIXT – A visual guide to the initial steps of booking a car rental online through SIXT’s platform.
The process, as illustrated above, is user-friendly:
- Visit the SIXT Website: Navigate to the SIXT Car Rental website.
- Enter Your Details: Input your pickup location, dates, and times.
- Browse Available Cars: SIXT will display a range of vehicles. You can refine your search using filters for car type, price, and features to pinpoint your ideal rental.
Image Credit: SIXT – An example of SIXT’s search result page showcasing filtering and sorting options for car rentals.
- Review Car Features and Pricing: Select a car and examine its specifications and the total rental cost. Clicking “Price details” provides a comprehensive breakdown.
Image Credit: SIXT – A detailed view of the price breakdown during a SIXT car rental booking, highlighting cost transparency.
- Customize Your Rental: Add extras like insurance, GPS, or additional drivers.
- Payment and Confirmation: Enter your payment information to finalize your booking.
Image Credit: SIXT – Insurance options presented during the SIXT car rental booking process, offering various coverage choices.
Rethinking Rental Car Insurance: Credit Card Coverage
Before automatically adding rental insurance through SIXT, consider your credit card benefits. Many travel credit cards offer collision damage waivers, potentially saving you money. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card are particularly valuable as they often provide primary coverage. Primary coverage means you don’t need to file a claim with your personal auto insurance first, simplifying the claims process in case of an accident.
BEST BEGINNER CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
U.P. RatingThe rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Apply Now(at Chase’s secure site)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 bonus points
$1,200
$95
20.49% – 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This CardThe Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
Pros & ConsPros
- 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
- 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
- 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 20.49% – 27.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
For a broader selection, explore credit cards offering car rental insurance and maximize your travel protection.
Unlocking Rewards: The SIXT Advantage Circle Loyalty Program
The SIXT Advantage Circle is the loyalty program designed to reward frequent SIXT renters. Joining is free and begins with signing up for an Express Sixt Card. This entry-level card immediately offers benefits and serves as your gateway to earning elite status.
Image Credit: SIXT – A visual representation of the SIXT Advantage Circle loyalty program tiers, from Express to Diamond, showcasing the progression of benefits.
The program features four tiers, each offering increasingly valuable perks:
Express SIXT Card: Your Starting Point
The Express SIXT Card is the foundation of the program and is available to all SIXT customers without any rental frequency requirements. It streamlines the rental process and unlocks initial benefits:
- Pre-filled Information: Your personal details are stored, speeding up future bookings.
- Partner Rewards: Earn miles or points with SIXT’s extensive network of airline, hotel, and other partners.
- Mobile Booking Convenience: Manage reservations and rentals through the SIXT mobile app.
- Special Rates: Access exclusive member-only discounts on rentals.
Gold SIXT Card: Elevated Savings and Perks
The Gold SIXT Card is achieved after just 3 rentals per year for US residents (5 rentals for residents outside the US). Building upon the Express benefits, Gold status members enjoy:
- Up to 10% Discount: Savings on car and truck rentals.
- Discounts on SIXT Limousine Service: Up to 20% off in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France, and up to 10% in other countries – ideal for airport transfers or special occasions.
- Complimentary Additional Driver (US Rentals): Share the driving responsibilities without extra charges on US rentals.
- Priority Reservations: Phone reservations up to 48 hours before pickup, offering greater flexibility for planning.
Platinum SIXT Card: Upgrades and Enhanced Priority
Platinum SIXT Card status is awarded to renters completing at least 10 rentals per year (or 20 in some countries). Platinum members receive all the benefits of Express and Gold tiers, plus:
- Free Upgrades (Subject to Availability): Enjoy a complimentary vehicle upgrade when available, enhancing your driving experience.
- Up to 15% Discount: Increased savings on car and truck rentals.
- Enhanced Reservation Priority: Phone reservations prioritized up to 24 hours before rental commencement.
Diamond SIXT Card: Exclusive and Invitation-Only
Diamond status is the pinnacle of the Sixt Advantage Circle, an invitation-only tier reserved for SIXT’s most loyal customers. Diamond cardholders receive the most prestigious benefits, including all perks from the lower tiers, along with:
- Guaranteed Upgrade: Confirmed upgrade to the next higher car group (exclusions apply to long-term rentals, special vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks).
- Up to 20% Discount: The highest discount level on car and truck rentals.
- Exclusive SIXT Diamond Lounges: Access to premium lounges at select airports, offering a comfortable and refined travel experience.
- Highest Reservation Priority: Phone reservations prioritized up to just 12 hours before rental time.
- SIXT Flexi-Rent: Competitive rates for long-term commercial vehicle rentals, catering to business needs.
Diamond status can also be attained through elite memberships with Lufthansa HON Circle, Emirates Platinum, and American Express Centurion Titan, offering a shortcut to top-tier benefits.
Status Match Opportunity: If you already hold elite status with other car rental agencies, hotels, or airlines, SIXT often offers a status match. Contact SIXT at [email protected] to inquire and leverage your existing loyalty. Explore guides on car rental status matches to understand how to maximize this opportunity.
SIXT’s Extensive Partner Network: Boosting Your Rewards
SIXT distinguishes itself with a vast network of partnerships spanning airlines, hotels, and specialty programs, allowing you to earn rewards beyond the direct benefits of the Advantage Circle.
Airline Partnerships: Miles in the Sky
SIXT partners with a multitude of airlines, enabling you to accrue valuable miles with each rental. Notable airline partners include:
- American Airlines AAdvantage: Earn miles per rental day within the US and a flat mileage bonus for international rentals.
- Delta Air Lines SkyMiles: Collect miles on every qualifying SIXT rental.
- Emirates Skywards: Earn bonus miles, especially when booking through dedicated SIXT/Emirates channels or renting premium vehicle categories.
- Lufthansa Miles & More: Benefit from standard mileage accrual, plus occasional bonus promotions and discounts.
Image Credit: SIXT – A showcase of SIXT’s diverse car rental fleet, highlighting the range of vehicles available for different travel needs.
The specific mileage earned varies by airline and sometimes by rental duration or booking channel. Always confirm the earning rates with your chosen airline program before booking.
Hotel Partnerships: Points on the Ground
SIXT’s hotel partnerships provide opportunities to earn hotel points and access exclusive perks. Key hotel partners include:
- Best Western Hotels & Resorts: Earn significant Best Western Rewards points per rental, redeemable for future hotel stays or even SIXT rentals. Enjoy discounts as a Best Western Rewards member.
- Marriott Bonvoy: Accrue Marriott Bonvoy points on rentals, contributing to your Marriott travel rewards balance.
- Radisson Rewards Americas: Earn Radisson Rewards points per rental, redeemable within the Radisson hotel network.
Benefit specifics can vary, so it’s wise to check the current partnership details when planning your rental and hotel stays.
Specialty Partnerships: Diverse Rewards and Discounts
Beyond airlines and hotels, SIXT partners with various organizations to offer specialized benefits:
- American Express: Amex cardholders often receive exclusive discounts and offers on SIXT rentals and limousine services.
- Association of Corporate Travel Executive (ACTE): ACTE members can access discounts on car rentals and chauffeur services, valuable for business travelers.
- Various Corporate and Membership Programs: SIXT collaborates with numerous corporate programs and associations, providing members with negotiated rates and benefits.
Explore SIXT’s partner page to discover the full spectrum of collaborations and identify potential discounts or rewards applicable to your affiliations.
Price Competitiveness: SIXT vs. The Field
While loyalty programs and partnerships add value, price remains a crucial factor. Let’s examine a price comparison to see how SIXT stacks up against competitors:
| Type of Car | Avis | Budget | Dollar | National | SIXT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest available | $391.17 | $251.35 | $367.03 | $527.86 | $193.19 |
| Standard SUV | $414.95 | $416.13 | $421.09 | $552.83 | $209.21 |
Note: Prices are examples and can vary based on location, dates, and availability.
As demonstrated in this example, SIXT can be highly competitive on price, sometimes offering significantly lower rates, especially for certain vehicle categories. However, prices fluctuate, so comparing rates across different rental agencies for each specific booking is always recommended to ensure you secure the best deal.
Final Verdict: Is the SIXT Advantage Circle Worth Your Loyalty?
The SIXT Advantage Circle loyalty program presents a compelling proposition, particularly for frequent renters seeking premium service and tangible rewards. The program’s tiered structure offers escalating benefits, from discounts and upgrades to exclusive lounge access for top-tier members. Combined with SIXT’s extensive airline, hotel, and specialty partnerships, the potential to earn significant travel rewards and savings is substantial.
While SIXT may not always be the absolute cheapest option, its blend of competitive pricing, a rewarding loyalty program, and a vast global network makes it a strong contender in the car rental market. If you value a premium rental experience and seek to maximize your travel rewards, exploring the SIXT Advantage Circle is definitely worthwhile. Remember to compare prices and consider your individual travel patterns to determine if SIXT and its loyalty program align with your needs.
For travelers looking to save money on car rentals, considering SIXT and leveraging the Advantage Circle program could unlock significant value and enhance your overall travel experience.
