Hertz President's Circle and National Executive Elite solve different rental problems, and their guarantees are not interchangeable. Hertz publishes a one-class upgrade capped at Full Size at participating locations. National separates a free upgrade on specified US/Canada bookings from guaranteed vehicle availability up to Fullsize with 24-hour notice. Hertz Gold+ FAQ National Emerald Club benefits
Hertz President's Circle
Hertz states that President's Circle earns a 50% points bonus and a guaranteed one-car-class upgrade at participating locations, with a maximum upgrade to Full Size. Manager's Special rentals are excluded. Skip-the-counter service is available only at select locations, and Ultimate Choice requires a Mid-size-or-larger reservation at participating locations. The free additional-driver benefit is limited to a spouse or domestic partner who meets standard rental qualifications.
National Executive Elite
National states that Executive Elite requires 25 paid rentals or 85 paid rental days in a calendar year. In the US and Canada, it publishes a guaranteed free upgrade when reserving a Fullsize-through-Luxury vehicle. Separately, Executive Elite provides a guaranteed car up to Fullsize with 24-hour notice in the US and Canada. Executive Area access lets members choose a Fullsize-or-above car while paying the reserved Mid-size rate at participating US/Canada locations. European one-class upgrades are subject to availability at participating locations in named countries.
Do not merge upgrade and availability promises
| Programme | Upgrade rule | Vehicle-availability rule |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz President's Circle | One class, capped at Full Size, participating locations; Manager's Special excluded | Do not infer a universal vehicle guarantee from the upgrade benefit |
| National Executive Elite | Specified Fullsize-through-Luxury reservations in US/Canada; European rule is availability-based | Car up to Fullsize with 24-hour notice in US/Canada |
Which fits better?
Choose after checking the exact airport, vehicle class you will reserve, geography and notice window. Do not assign a guaranteed cash value to an upgrade you would not otherwise buy or that the reservation does not qualify to receive.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hertz President's Circle guarantee a two-class upgrade?
No. Hertz publishes a one-car-class upgrade capped at Full Size at participating locations, with Manager's Special excluded.
What does National's 24-hour guarantee cover?
Executive Elite publishes a guaranteed car up to Fullsize with 24-hour notice in the US and Canada; this is distinct from its upgrade benefit.
Do both programmes include counter skip everywhere?
No. Hertz describes skip-the-counter access at select locations, while National services and aisle access depend on participating locations and reservation conditions.
