Do you have an American Express Platinum Card and love the idea of enhancing your car rental experience? You're in luck! The American Express Platinum Card offers some fantastic travel benefits, and one of the most valuable for road warriors is complimentary elite status with major car rental companies, including Avis. While the Amex Platinum card officially grants Avis President's Club status in many regions, which is a tier above Avis Preferred Plus, the process typically involves enrolling through a specific Amex portal that then upgrades you. This guide will walk you through the steps to unlock these valuable perks and make your next rental a breeze.
Ready to hit the fast lane? Let's get started!
Unlocking Avis Preferred Plus (and President's Club!) with American Express Platinum
Getting your Avis elite status through your American Express Platinum card is a straightforward process that will elevate your rental experience. No more waiting in long lines, and hello to potential upgrades!
Step 1: Confirm Your American Express Platinum Card Eligibility
First things first, let's ensure you have the right card. This benefit is specifically for American Express Platinum Card Members (Consumer, Corporate, and Business Platinum Card Members are typically eligible).
Action: Take out your American Express Platinum Card.
Verify: Ensure it's active and in good standing. This means your account shouldn't be canceled or past due.
Why is this important? Your Amex Platinum card is the key that unlocks this benefit. Without an active and eligible card, you won't be able to access the exclusive enrollment portal.
Step 2: Navigate to the American Express Benefits Portal
American Express consolidates many of its premium benefits, including car rental elite status, within its online benefits portal. This is where you'll initiate the enrollment.
Action: Log in to your American Express online account.
Locate: Once logged in, look for the "Benefits" section or a similar tab that lists your card's perks. This might be under "Travel," "Partnerships," or "Card Benefits."
Find Avis: Within the benefits section, you should find a dedicated section for car rental benefits. Look for Avis (and often Hertz and National Car Rental).
Tip: If you're having trouble finding it, you can often use the search bar on the American Express website or app and type "Avis" or "car rental benefits."
Step 3: Initiate the Avis Enrollment Through American Express
This is the crucial step where you link your Amex Platinum card to your Avis Preferred account (or create a new one).
Action: Click on the Avis enrollment link provided within the American Express benefits portal. This link is specific to American Express Platinum members and ensures you receive the elevated status.
Follow Prompts: The link will typically redirect you to a special Avis enrollment page or a pre-filled form.
If you're a new Avis Preferred member: You'll likely be asked to create a new Avis Preferred account, providing your personal details, driver's license information, and your American Express Platinum card details.
If you already have an Avis Preferred account: You might be able to link your existing account or update your profile to reflect the Platinum status. Look for options like "Already a member?" or "Link existing account."
Crucial Information: You may be asked to enter a specific "Promotion Code" or "Company ID" during this enrollment. For Platinum Card Members, this is often "PLATINUM" (ensure it's capitalized). However, always refer to the exact instructions provided on the American Express benefits page, as these codes can sometimes vary by region or change.
Billing Address: Ensure the enrollment address you enter matches your American Express Platinum card billing address. This helps in verification.
Important Note on Status: While the user asked about "Avis Preferred Plus," the American Express Platinum Card typically grants Avis President's Club status. This is a higher tier than Avis Preferred Plus and includes all the benefits of Preferred Plus, plus additional perks. So, you're getting an even better deal!
Step 4: Complete Your Avis Preferred Profile
After initiating the enrollment, you'll need to complete your Avis Preferred profile with all your essential rental preferences.
Action: Once your Avis Preferred account is created or linked, log into your Avis account directly on the Avis website (avis.com or your regional Avis site).
Update Profile: Fill out all sections of your profile, including:
Driver's License Information: Ensure this is up-to-date and accurate.
Payment Method: Make sure your American Express Platinum Card is saved as your primary payment method. This is often required to receive the benefits.
Rental Preferences: Set your preferred vehicle type, fuel options, and any other preferences that will expedite your rentals.
Opt-in for Communications: Consider opting in for email communications from Avis. This can keep you informed about exclusive offers and any changes to your elite status benefits.
Step 5: Allow Time for Status Activation
Elite status activation isn't always instantaneous.
Patience is Key: It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your Avis President's Club status to reflect on your Avis account.
Check Your Account: Periodically log into your Avis account to confirm your status has been updated. You should see "President's Club" displayed on your profile.
Confirmation Email: Avis may send you a confirmation email once your status has been activated.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Avis President's Club Benefits!
Once your status is active, you're ready to experience a more seamless and rewarding car rental journey.
How to Book: Always use your Avis Preferred (now President's Club) membership number when booking rentals.
Benefits to Look For:
Priority Service at the Counter: Skip the regular lines and head straight to a dedicated elite counter or even go directly to your car at many locations.
Guaranteed Vehicle Upgrades: Often a single or even double upgrade (subject to availability for specific car classes or on weekends).
Guaranteed Car Availability: With 48-hour advance reservation.
Free Additional Driver: Your spouse or domestic partner can often be added for free.
Discounted Rates: Access to special rates and discounts, often applied automatically when you book through your Avis Preferred account.
Expedited Pick-up and Drop-off: Save time with pre-prepared paperwork and faster returns.
Bonus Points: Earn more Avis Preferred points on your rentals.
Remember: Always review the specific terms and conditions of the Avis President's Club program on the Avis website, as benefits can vary slightly by region and are subject to change. And remember to pay with your American Express Platinum Card to ensure you receive all associated benefits, including complimentary car rental insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to confirm my Avis status after enrollment?
You can confirm your Avis status by logging into your Avis account on the Avis website (avis.com) or through the Avis mobile app. Your status (e.g., Avis President's Club) should be clearly displayed on your profile.
How to use my Avis President's Club benefits?
Simply make your reservations using your Avis Preferred Wizard Number. The system should automatically recognize your elite status and apply relevant benefits like upgrades (if available) and preferred service at pickup.
How to ensure I get a car upgrade with Avis President's Club?
While upgrades are typically guaranteed with President's Club (especially at airports and train stations for a single upgrade), they are always subject to availability of the next vehicle class. Booking a mid-size vehicle or above often increases your chances.
How to add an additional driver with Avis President's Club?
As an Avis President's Club member through Amex Platinum, your spouse or domestic partner is typically a free additional driver. You can usually add them at the counter when you pick up the car, or sometimes even online when making your reservation.
How to find the specific American Express Platinum Avis enrollment link?
Log in to your American Express online account, navigate to the "Benefits" section (often under "Travel" or "Card Benefits"), and look for the Avis car rental partnership details. The specific enrollment link will be provided there.
How to contact Avis customer service for elite members?
Avis Preferred Plus and President's Club members often have access to dedicated customer service lines. Check your Avis President's Club welcome materials or the Avis website for a specific phone number for elite members.
How to combine Avis President's Club with other discounts or promotions?
While you'll receive a base discount with President's Club, combining it with other Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) numbers or promotional codes might be possible. Always compare the total cost to see which combination yields the best value.
How to ensure my American Express Platinum Card is linked to my Avis account?
During the initial enrollment process through the Amex benefits portal, your Platinum Card details are usually requested. Additionally, make sure your Platinum Card is saved as the preferred payment method in your Avis Preferred profile.
How to maintain Avis President's Club status year after year?
As long as you remain an active American Express Platinum Card Member in good standing, your Avis President's Club status should automatically renew. There are no specific rental requirements to maintain the status when it's granted through Amex Platinum.
How to troubleshoot if my Avis status isn't updating?
If your status hasn't updated after a reasonable period (e.g., 2-3 weeks), first double-check that you followed all enrollment steps precisely, including using the correct Amex-specific link and any required promotion codes. If it's still not reflected, contact American Express Platinum customer service, as they can often liaise with Avis to resolve status issues.
