English edition · checked 2026-10-18
National Emerald Club: rental credits, free days and tiers
Emerald Club awards rental credits and service-tier benefits rather than a universal airline-style points balance. Participation and free-day redemption vary by market, vehicle class and location.
Earning rental credits
National’s current FAQ says a qualifying rental of one to seven days earns one credit; longer rentals can earn additional credits according to the programme’s formula. Corporate rate plans, replacement rentals and choosing airline or hotel partner credit may be excluded. Only use the current FAQ for the market and rate you booked.
Executive and Executive Elite
National’s US benefits page lists Executive after twelve paid rentals or forty paid rental days in a calendar year, and Executive Elite after twenty-five paid rentals or eighty-five rental days. Benefits may include access to the Executive area, upgrades and a faster free-day path. Actual cars and upgrades depend on participating locations and availability.
Free rental days
Rental credits can be redeemed for a free day at participating locations. National states that a free day covers the base Time & Mileage rate only; taxes, fees and optional services may remain due. Some tiers use different credit counts, vehicle limits or locations. Check the terms before planning a rental around a certificate.
When Enterprise enters the picture
Some participating Enterprise locations can earn or redeem Emerald Club benefits, and linked rentals may count toward programme progress. However, National states that Emerald Club elite status benefits apply when renting with National and do not automatically transfer as on-property status to an Enterprise rental. Check the location and programme direction.
Before you rent
- Attach the correct Emerald Club number to the reservation.
- Check whether the company rate allows employee points or rental credits.
- Choose between rental-company credits and any airline or hotel partner currency when the terms require a single option.
- Verify free-day costs, vehicle class, airport eligibility and taxes at checkout.
- Keep the receipt and review account activity after the rental returns.
Official sources
- Emerald Club rules (effective February 5, 2026).
- Emerald Club benefits and status thresholds.
- How to earn rental credits.
- Redeeming free rental days.
- Checked 18 October 2026. Rates, participating brands and country rules vary.
Keep reading: Compare car rental loyalty programmes · Enterprise Plus · Avis Preferred · Hertz Gold+