The Ultimate Guide to Saving with National Car Rental (2024)

This guide provides an in-depth look at renting and saving with National, including a summary of their rewards program, National Emerald Club. You’ll learn all about National Car Rental, the deals they offer, and how to get the most out of each car rental.

Either read everything sequentially or use the Table of Contents (above) to jump to the section that’s most relevant to you.   

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National Car Rental Promo Codes

Let’s start off with some deals, discounts, and promo codes offered by National. The following are some of the current National Promo Codes and Offers:

National also offers some very big discounts to companies that book a lot of corporate travel. The negotiated rates are booked through the use of a corporate code entered into your reservation. Here is a list of the most popular National Corporate Discount Codes.

Emerald Club – National’s Loyalty Program

National’s loyalty program is called Emerald Club.  It is similar to other programs in that membership allows you to bypass the counter and provides additional benefits to frequent renters.  However, where it stands out is the Emerald Aisle Feature, which allows you to choose whatever car you want off the lot.

Enroll in the National Emerald Club Program here…

National Emerald Aisle

The Emerald Aisle is what really differentiates National from all other car companies (such as Hertz, Budget, and Avis).   They say the Aisle gives you Speed, Choice, and Total Control and I agree 100%.   All you have to do is reserve a mid-size car (there is no need to pay for a full-size or premium) and you will have your choice of cars on the lot.  Depending on how often you rent you will have access to:

1. Emerald Aisle (mid-size cars or better)
2. Executive Aisle (full-size cars or better)
3. Executive Elite Aisle (full-size cars or better)

While not every National Car Location offers Emerald Aisle service, there are over 70 locations in the US and Canada. Just about any major airport has an Emerald Aisle.

Emerald Club Elite Status

There are three levels of Emerald Club Status –

National Emerald Club Member:

This is the base level of status available to any member of Emerald Club.   As a base-level offering, it provides quite a few perks including:

• Emerald Aisle Access – Choose any car (Midsize and above) on the Emerald Aisle and only pay the Midsize rate. (in the US and Canada)
• Choose Rewards – With each rental you can either choose Free Rental Days or miles and points with your favorite frequent traveler program.
• No Second Driver Fees – Never pay extra when family members and business associates do the driving
• Ability to Earn National Credits with Enterprise Rentals – Rent at participating Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations to earn Free Rental Days and higher status with Emerald Club
• Free Rental Days – Earn 1 rental credit for every qualified car rental. Free Rental Day = 7 credits
• Plus some other interesting benefits – see them all here

Emerald Club Executive:

After 12 paid rentals or 40 paid rental days in a calendar year, you will be an Emerald Club Executive member. You’ll receive all the benefits of Emerald Club membership plus a higher level of privileges, including:

• Executive Area Access – Choose any car (Full size and above) in the Executive Area and only pay the Midsize rate. (in the US and Canada)
• Earn Free Rentals Faster – Earn 1 rental credit for every qualified car rental. Free Rental Day = 6 credits
• Guaranteed Upgrades – You’re always guaranteed a free upgrade when you reserve using the Midsize rate. (in the US and Canada) – this is primarily for locations that do not have Emerald Aisle Service

Executive Elite

Emerald Club Executive Elite status is attainable with 25 paid rentals or 85 paid rental days in a calendar year. You’ll receive all the benefits of Executive status plus:

• Guaranteed Vehicle – A guaranteed car (up to a Full size) with 24-hour notice when you reserve using the Midsize rate. (in the US and Canada)
• Earn Free Rentals Even Faster – Earn 1 rental credit for every qualified car rental. Free Rental Day = 5 credits (any car class with no blackout dates)
• Private Airport Delivery – National will have your car waiting at most private airports within 50 miles of us. (in the US and Canada)

How to Earn Free Rentals with National

Of all the major car rental companies, National offers the fastest way to earn free rental days. You’ll earn 1 rental credit for every qualified car rental. As your status in the Emerald club program moves higher, you’ll earn free rental days faster. For example:

• Emerald Club Base Member – Every 7 credits equal a Free Rental Day.
• Emerald Club Executive Member – Every 6 credits equal a Free Rental Day
• Emerald Club Executive Elite Member – Every 5 credits equal a Free Rental Day

National also offers promotions to help you earn free rental days faster. The most popular of these is a program called “One, Two, Free” which comes available from time to time and allows you to earn a free day after 2 rentals of two or more days.

National Car Small Business Program

Most travel companies offer a small business discount program, to entice small companies to do business with them via discounts and other perks. National’s program provides a customized business rental program to small businesses with additional discounts and benefits for your employees. 

If you have a small business, you can register for the National Business Program here..

Frequently Asked Questions