Learn About Avis Preferred Plus Membership Benefits

Understanding Avis Preferred Plus Membership Structure

Avis Preferred Plus is a loyalty program offered by Avis Budget Group designed for frequent car rental customers. This membership tier sits above the standard Preferred membership level and provides additional perks and conveniences for members who rent cars regularly. The program operates as a free-to-join rewards system where members accumulate points and unlock various services based on their rental activity.

The program functions through a point-based system where each rental generates points that can be redeemed for future rewards. Unlike some loyalty programs that charge annual fees, Avis Preferred Plus membership itself does not require membership dues. Members simply enroll in the program and begin earning rewards immediately upon their first rental. The structure recognizes that different customers have different rental patterns, so the benefits are designed to scale based on membership level and activity.

Avis operates more than 5,600 rental locations worldwide, including over 3,000 in the United States. Members of the Preferred Plus program can utilize their membership benefits across this extensive network. The program integrates with Avis's reservation system, mobile app, and customer management tools to provide a streamlined experience. Members maintain their account information in one central location, which can be accessed through multiple channels including the website, mobile application, and telephone.

The membership structure was created to reward loyal customers with tangible value over time. Rather than a single one-time benefit, Preferred Plus membership offers ongoing advantages that accumulate with each rental. This approach encourages customers to choose Avis for multiple rental occasions throughout a year. The program tracks rental history, points accumulation, and membership status automatically, eliminating the need for members to manually track their progress.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding that Preferred Plus is a free, points-based system helps explain how the membership rewards frequent renters. Each time you rent, you're building toward future benefits without paying to maintain your membership status.

Point Earning and Redemption Options

Members earn Avis Preferred Plus Points with virtually every rental transaction. The number of points earned typically correlates with the rental rate paid. For example, renting a standard vehicle for one day might earn 10-15 points, while renting a premium vehicle for a week could earn 100+ points. The exact point formula can vary based on promotional offers, rental location, and vehicle class selected. Members can review their current point balance and earning rate through their account dashboard or by contacting Avis directly.

Points accumulate in a member's account and remain valid for a specified period. Most Avis programs maintain point validity for approximately 12-24 months from the last account activity, though members should verify current terms. This means that occasional renters may accumulate points over several years, while frequent renters could reach redemption thresholds much faster. A customer who rents monthly could potentially accumulate 100-200 points annually depending on rental duration and vehicle type.

Redemption options for accumulated points vary and can include the following categories: Free rental days, vehicle upgrades, discount certificates, hotel stays through partner programs, and gift cards. A member might redeem 25,000 points for a free weekly rental, or use fewer points toward a discounted rental rate. Some promotional periods offer bonus point multipliers, meaning a single rental could earn double or triple the standard points. Members may combine points with cash payment or promotional codes for additional savings.

The redemption process typically occurs at the time of booking. Members can view their point balance before making a reservation and apply points during the checkout process. Alternatively, some redemptions can be applied at the rental counter. The system automatically calculates how many points are needed for the selected reward and deducts them from the account upon completion. Members receive confirmation of their point redemption through email and can view updated balances in their account.

Different membership tiers within Avis may have varying point earning rates. A Preferred Plus member might earn points at a slightly higher rate compared to a standard Preferred member, though the difference is typically modest. Elite membership levels may offer accelerated earning rates, meaning the same rental would generate more points for a higher-tier member. This tiered approach incentivizes increased rental frequency among loyal customers.

Practical Takeaway: Tracking your point accumulation helps you plan when to redeem rewards. If you rent monthly and earn 15 points per rental, you'll reach 180 points annually—enough for a modest reward or discount. Redeeming strategically during high-value rental periods maximizes the benefit.

Member-Only Rates and Booking Advantages

Preferred Plus members receive access to exclusive rental rates that are generally lower than standard public rates. These member-only rates appear when booking through the Avis website or mobile app after logging into a member account. A customer comparing a standard rate of $75 per day might find a member rate of $55-65 per day for the same vehicle and rental period. These rates can represent savings of 15-30% depending on demand, location, and rental timing.

The booking process for members begins on the Avis website or mobile application. Members log in to their account, which automatically populates their driver information and rental history. The reservation system then displays rates specific to that member's status. Non-members visiting the same website see different rates that do not include membership discounts. This rate advantage applies at thousands of Avis locations globally, making the benefit available for both local rentals and trips to different regions or countries.

Members gain additional booking convenience through saved preferences and payment methods. The system remembers previous rental choices, such as preferred vehicle size, additional driver information, and insurance selections. A regular member who always selects the same vehicle type and adds a second driver will see these options pre-filled in future bookings. This streamlines the reservation process from several minutes down to just a few clicks, particularly valuable when planning last-minute travel.

The mobile application provides particular advantages for members. The app allows members to make reservations, modify existing bookings, and view rates while traveling. Some app features include mobile check-in, enabling members to skip the counter entirely at participating locations. GPS functionality within the app can direct members to their rental location. Members can also view their account status, point balance, and rental history directly through the mobile interface. The app sends notifications about special promotions and rate changes for booked reservations.

Member rates are typically available year-round, though specific rates vary based on demand patterns. Business travel members may find better rates during weekdays at airport locations, while leisure travelers might see better pricing for weekend rentals or off-season travel. Members can set up rate alerts through the Avis website to be notified when prices drop for specific rental dates and locations. This allows members to monitor rates and make booking decisions when conditions are most favorable.

Practical Takeaway: Always log into your Preferred Plus account before booking to see your member-exclusive rates. Even for a single rental, membership rates can save 20-30% compared to non-member pricing, making the effort to log in worthwhile.

Priority Services and Convenience Features

Preferred Plus members receive priority treatment at rental locations, particularly at busy airport and downtown branches. Priority service means shorter wait times at the counter, with dedicated member queues at high-traffic locations. During peak travel times, standard customers might wait 15-20 minutes while members are processed within 5-10 minutes. This time savings can be significant for business travelers with tight schedules or vacationers wanting to begin their trips promptly.

The priority lane system operates at approximately 1,000+ Avis locations across North America. When a member arrives at a participating location, they proceed directly to the priority counter rather than joining the general queue. A staff member reviews the member's record, confirms the vehicle selection, and completes the rental process. For members who already have insurance and driving authorization on file, the entire process can take just a few minutes. Members are also first in line for available vehicles, reducing the chance of receiving alternative vehicles due to unavailability.

Preferred Plus members gain access to roadside assistance programs that may extend beyond standard coverage. If a rental vehicle experiences mechanical issues, a flat tire, or lockout situation, members can contact roadside assistance for help. Response times typically range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on location. The service covers common issues at no additional charge to the member. For situations where the vehicle cannot be repaired roadside, members receive a replacement vehicle or alternate transportation arrangement.

The mobile check-in feature allows members to bypass the physical counter entirely at participating locations. A member arriving at a rental location can check in through the mobile app,