Avis Preferred Plus gives you faster car rentals, room upgrades, and loyalty points on every booking

Avis Preferred Plus is a free membership tier within Avis's loyalty program that comes automatically when you hold certain credit cards or sign up directly. The program cuts checkout time by letting you skip the counter, upgrades your car at no extra charge when available, and earns you points toward free rental days. If you rent cars regularly — whether for business trips, weekend getaways, or occasional travel — the membership removes friction from the rental process and rewards you for each dollar spent.

The real value sits in three places: speed at pickup, free car upgrades, and points that convert to rental discounts. You will not pay anything extra to join if your credit card includes it, and the benefits set up the moment your membership number is issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Avis Preferred Plus membership is included with certain travel credit cards at no additional cost and skips the rental counter entirely.
  • You earn one point per dollar spent on base rental rates, and points convert to free rental days once you reach the required threshold.
  • Car upgrades are available at no charge when your reserved vehicle class has availability, though upgrades are not may provide.
  • You can add preferred vehicles to your profile so Avis reserves your choice of car when you book, subject to availability.
  • The membership works at Avis locations worldwide, including airport and off-airport branches.

How points work and what they buy you

Every dollar you spend on the base rental rate earns one Avis Preferred Plus point. Taxes, fees, and add-ons like insurance or GPS do not earn points — only the rental itself counts. Points accumulate in your account and never expire as long as you rent at least once every 24 months.

The number of points needed for a free rental day varies by location and season. A free rental day typically covers the base rate for a compact or mid-size car for one day at an off-airport location; airport rentals and premium car classes require more points. You can check the exact point cost for your planned rental before you book by logging into your Avis account and viewing the redemption chart for that location and date.

Points also stack with credit card rewards. If your card earns bonus points on travel purchases, those points post to your credit card account separately from your Avis membership points — you collect both at the same time.

Upgrades and preferred vehicle selection

When you arrive at the rental counter or use the mobile app to complete your reservation, Avis checks whether your reserved car class has availability. If a higher class is available — for example, you reserved a compact but mid-size cars are in stock — you receive the upgrade at no charge. Upgrades depend entirely on what the location has on hand that day, so they are not may provide, but Preferred Plus members are prioritized for available upgrades before standard members.

You can also add preferred vehicles to your profile in advance. If you always rent the same model or prefer a specific color or feature, you can list it in your account. When you book, Avis will attempt to reserve that vehicle for you. This does not may provide you will get it, but it signals your preference to the location and increases the odds they will hold it if available.

How to skip the rental counter

The counter-skip feature works through the Avis mobile app or by completing your reservation online before you arrive. You provide your driver's license, payment method, and insurance information when you book, not at the counter. When you arrive at the rental location, you proceed directly to the lot, find your assigned vehicle, and unlock it with the app or a key card provided at a kiosk.

This process typically saves 5 to 15 minutes compared to waiting in line, which adds up on business trips or when you are traveling with family. The feature is available at most Avis locations, though some smaller or franchise locations may require you to stop at the counter for a final signature or ID verification.

Membership benefits at different rental locations

Avis Preferred Plus works the same way at airport and off-airport locations, though airport rentals usually cost more and may have longer wait times during peak travel hours. The counter-skip feature and upgrade priority explore everywhere the program operates.

If you rent internationally, your membership transfers to Avis locations outside the United States, though point earning may vary by country due to local tax and pricing rules. Check your account before traveling to confirm whether points will post for rentals in your destination.

What Preferred Plus does not include

The membership does not cover rental insurance, roadside information, or fuel discounts. You pay the standard rate for additional drivers, GPS rental, or damage waiver coverage. Preferred Plus also does not may provide a specific car — you get your reserved class or better, but not a particular model unless you have added it to your preferred list and it happens to be available.

Upgrades are subject to availability and are never promised. On busy travel days or at small locations with limited inventory, upgrades may not be possible even though you are a Preferred Plus member.

How to set up and manage your membership

If your credit card includes Avis Preferred Plus, your membership activates automatically once the card issuer sends your information to Avis. You will receive a membership number by email or mail within one to two weeks. You can also sign up directly on the Avis website for free without a credit card.

Log into your account at avis.com to view your points balance, add preferred vehicles, update your driver's license and payment method, and manage your reservation preferences. The mobile app mirrors these features and lets you unlock your rental car and complete checkout from the lot.

Your membership remains active as long as you rent at least once every 24 months. If you go longer than two years without a rental, Avis may deactivate your account, though you can reactivate it by renting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my points if I do not rent for a while?

Points do not expire as long as you rent at least once every 24 months. If you go longer than two years without a rental, your account may become inactive and you could lose your points. Renting again will reactivate your account.

Can I transfer my points to someone else?

No, points are tied to your membership account and cannot be transferred or gifted. Only you can redeem them for free rental days on your own reservations.

What happens if I book through a third-party travel site instead of Avis directly?

Points may not post if you book through a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia. To earn points, book directly through avis.com or the Avis app, or call Avis directly and provide your membership number.

Are there membership tiers above Preferred Plus?

Yes. Avis has Preferred Plus, Preferred Elite, and Preferred Premier tiers. Higher tiers offer faster point earning, additional upgrades, and other perks, but you must reach spending thresholds or hold premium credit cards to move up.

Can I use my points at other car rental companies?

No, Avis Preferred Plus points work only at Avis and Budget locations. They cannot be redeemed at Hertz, Enterprise, or other rental companies.