The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is known for its reasonable $395 annual fee, which unlocks valuable perks for cardholders. These perks include a $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel, extensive airport lounge access, and the option to add up to four authorized users without any additional fees. However, one of the card’s major perks, rental car benefits through complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, is set to end soon.
According to the Venture X’s fine print, the Hertz President’s Circle status will only be available until December 31, 2024. A Capital One representative has confirmed this end date for the benefit. This change was first reported by Thrifty Traveler.
Hertz President’s Circle status offered several benefits for renters, including bonus Gold Rewards points on rentals, upgrades (subject to availability), and a wider selection of vehicles from the Ultimate Choice lot. Cardholders were also able to enjoy these benefits when booking through Capital One Travel to earn 10 miles per dollar spent.
Unfortunately, starting in 2025, cardholders will no longer have access to these perks. This benefit cut follows a pattern we have seen from Capital One recently. The issuer removed Priority Pass restaurant access in late 2022 and announced last month that holders of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business will lose their two annual airport lounge passes beginning January 1, 2025.
While losing a benefit without a replacement is disappointing, most cardholders will likely not consider it a deal breaker. The lounge access, annual $300 travel credit, and a solid earning rate of two Capital One miles per dollar spent provide enough value to justify the $395 annual fee for most cardholders. Capital One has even opened two new lounges in 2023 at Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Denver International Airport (DEN).
However, if rental car status is an important perk for you, it may be worth considering switching to The Platinum Card® from American Express when this Venture X benefit ends. With the Amex Platinum, you will receive rental car benefits, including complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, as well as status with Avis and National. Many other cards also offer rental car status, and some of them include primary car rental coverage.
Alternatively, if you are a Delta Medallion member, you can enjoy automatic Hertz elite status. Both Platinum and Diamond Medallions are eligible for complimentary President’s Circle status.
It is important to note that upon enrollment, eligible cardholders will remain at an upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process will not automatically detect a cardholder as eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms and conditions apply.
In conclusion, while the removal of the Hertz President’s Circle status as a benefit for Capital One Venture X cardholders is disappointing, the card still offers valuable perks such as airport lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit. Cardholders who prioritize rental car benefits may want to explore other credit card options or take advantage of alternative ways to obtain elite status with Hertz.