Ok, are there any real advantages to signing up for this program? Can I expect to save any measurable time processing papers/waiting for an automobile?

When we belonged to this we just picked up our car. No waiting in line at the counter. Also is true with National's emerald club. We got coupons in the mail from both as well for discounts.

If you frequently use rental cars the program is heaven! I used it for the 1st time with my last car rental - we arrived at Hertz looked at the board for my name - walked over to the stall where my car was waiting with trunk open and keys inside. The rental agreement was hanging from the rear view mirror. We hopped in the car answered 2 quick questions at the exit and were on our way. In and out in less than 5 minutes. My car rental experience prior to being a #1 club member involved waiting in line for what seemed like forever, then they try to force you to buy insurance and upgrade the car, then wait around while they try to find a car available (even though I had a reservation) - I think my total time there was over an hour. I LOVE the #1 service - it eliminates all those hassles. Plus if you rent often you eventually get a discount on rentals.

Yes, you can save considerable time in picking up your car. That's about the biggest advantage and for that alone it's worth it. Occasionally, you can save money.

A follow-up question/clarification. I am asking about #1 Club, not the Gold Club for which you have to pay an annual fee. Do the above answers still apply?

I have the "non-gold" club. About the only difference is that I don't go directly to a car. But they do have all the info already on record, including the discount plans I'm in, and my car preferences.

Yes, it's worth it, and like another writer said, no "strong-arming" you into the extra insurances. (remove x in my eddress to reply)

Just a quick note to let everyone know that you may be able to get the Hertz #1 Club Gold without paying a fee....My company signed up for this service about 7 years ago, and I have the card in my name, and have never paid a fee for it....You might want to check and see if your employer has a deal with Hertz that you can piggyback on in which you get the car waiting for you and no fee.....Good Luck!

With an American Express Platinum card you get free memberships in Hertz #1 Gold, National Emerald, Avis and Budget clubs, plus free use of airport lounges with Continental, Northwest and a couple other carriers I never use, among other things.

i will never drop my herz Gold card:

1. in this new age of no benefits and no advantages to frequent travelers; this cars is like something from the gold era. when you get on the bus you are greeted and escorted to your car. Your profile requests are adhered to; if a problem occurs they always make it right with a better or bigger car.


2. more importantly: i was in Chicago on Sept 11th last year. Had flown in for the night before for a 4 hour meeting. By 0900 AM, The entire city was trying to get a car and get out. Hertz Gold assured me they would have ne for me later that day; i spent 8 hours on phone calls trying to find any rental anywhere to no avail. I went to the airport at 4PM on the 12th, there was a separate counter for Hertz Gold..12 minutes later i was in a Ford 150 pickup with special one way drop rate and unlimited miles; i arrtived safe and sound in Portland Oregon 2.5 days later. Ever since september 11th, if i have to go less than 2000 miles, i drive and i use hertz Gold. there are some things that a little money can buy.

That's a nice story, Mike. I like hearing that Hertz is still taking care of customers!

I dropped the Gold status but still have #1 Club (free) membership. I usually take cabs so it wasn't worth the expense for me anymore.

I've had (and used) the Hertz #1 Gold Card for years now. I didn't even know that they imposed a fee. In and out in minutes, no hassles and always a AAA discount.

Three cheers for Hertz....I too was stranded (in Cincinnati) on Sept 11. I had a Hertz vehicle already and when I decided to drive the 1300 miles home, I called Hertz. They said keep the car until you get home and there will be no extra charges applied. They are great!

Hertz #1 Club: I have this membership -as I understand it, applies to all Hertz locations - I preregistered some personal information and car preference information in advance. Having done this expedites rental counter processing. There is a separate line at Hertz counters for #1 Club members. Hertz #1 Club is free and I believe is available at all Hertz locations.

Hertz #1 Club Gold: $60/year - offers still faster processing - in some cases just show your ID and go, but isn't evidently available at all locations (https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/emember/join/overview.do).

Online check-in: another Hertz service. Not available at all locations. I checked-in before arriving in Tucson, only to learn at the counter that the Tucson office did not particiapte in online check-in (as of Jan, 2010).

If I understand #1 Club Gold, it's probably worthwhile if I were traveling often to large market cities where the expedited services are available?