How Do I Use Avis Points to Rent a Car?

Utilizing your accumulated Avis points for car rentals can significantly reduce travel expenses, transforming how you approach ground transportation. For many travelers, understanding the intricate process of redeeming loyalty points can be a challenge. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how do I use Avis points to rent a car, from understanding the program to maximizing your redemption value, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience with your Avis Preferred rewards.

Understanding the Avis Preferred Points Program

how do i use avis points to rent a car — How Do I Use Avis Points to Rent a Car?

The Avis Preferred program is designed to reward frequent renters with exclusive benefits, including the ability to earn points on qualifying rentals. These points can then be redeemed for free rental days, upgrades, and other valuable perks. Being a member not only streamlines your rental process but also opens the door to significant savings. It’s more than just a loyalty program; it’s a system that acknowledges and rewards your consistent choice of Avis for your car rental needs.

What are Avis Preferred Points?

Avis Preferred Points are the currency of the Avis loyalty program. You earn points for every dollar spent on qualifying Avis rentals, excluding taxes and fees. The earning rate typically varies depending on your membership tier within the Avis Preferred program. These points are digital credits stored in your Avis account, waiting to be converted into real-world benefits. They serve as a testament to your loyalty and provide a tangible reward for choosing Avis. Understanding their value and how they accumulate is the first step towards savvy redemption.

How to Earn Avis Points

Earning Avis points is straightforward for Avis Preferred members. The primary way to accumulate points is through eligible car rentals. For every dollar you spend on time and mileage for a rental, you earn a certain number of points. For instance, basic Avis Preferred members often earn 1 point per dollar. This rate can increase as you ascend through the program’s tiers.

Beyond standard rentals, there are other avenues to boost your point balance:

Promotions: Avis frequently runs special promotions offering bonus points for specific rental periods, vehicle types, or booking channels. Keeping an eye on these offers can significantly accelerate your earning.
Partner Offers: While less common for direct point earning, Avis often partners with airlines, hotels, and credit card companies, allowing you to earn their respective loyalty points or even transfer points in some cases, though direct Avis point earning through partners is less frequent.
Credit Card Affiliations: Some travel-focused credit cards might offer bonus points for travel purchases, which could include Avis rentals, effectively giving you a double dip on rewards. Always check your credit card’s reward structure.

Avis Preferred Tiers and Benefits

The Avis Preferred program features a tiered structure, rewarding greater loyalty with enhanced benefits and faster point earning.

Avis Preferred: The entry-level tier. Members enjoy expedited service, skip the counter, choose their car, and earn 1 point per dollar on qualifying rentals.
Avis Preferred Plus: Achieved after 10 rentals or $2,000 spent in a calendar year. Benefits include a higher earning rate (e.g., 2 points per dollar), complimentary upgrades when available, and a dedicated customer service line.
Avis President’s Club: An invitation-only or top-tier status, often requiring 20 rentals or $4,000 spent. Members receive the highest earning rate (e.g., 3 points per dollar), guaranteed upgrades, and access to exclusive services.

Each tier offers incrementally better perks, making continued loyalty to Avis more rewarding. The higher your tier, the quicker you accumulate points and the more exclusive benefits you unlock, from priority service to vehicle choice.

Preparing to Redeem Your Avis Points

Before you can confidently answer the question, “how do I use Avis points to rent a car,” it’s crucial to understand the logistics of redemption. This involves knowing your point balance, understanding their value, and ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria. A little preparation ensures a smooth booking process and helps you get the most out of your hard-earned rewards.

Checking Your Points Balance

Your Avis Preferred points balance is readily accessible through your Avis account.

Online: Log in to your Avis Preferred account on the official Avis website. Your points balance is usually displayed prominently on your dashboard or within the “My Rewards” or “My Account” section.
Avis Mobile App: The Avis app also provides an easy way to check your balance on the go. After logging in, navigate to the rewards or loyalty section.
Customer Service: If you encounter any issues or prefer speaking to someone, Avis customer service can also provide your current points balance.

Regularly checking your balance helps you keep track of your rewards and plan for future redemptions. It’s also a good practice to ensure all your earned points are correctly credited to your account.

Understanding Point Value and Redemption Tiers

Avis points don’t have a fixed monetary value; their worth varies depending on how and when you redeem them. Avis typically uses a redemption chart or tiered system.

Standard Award Days: These are the most common redemption. A certain number of points (e.g., 700 points) might get you a free day on a standard economy or compact car rental.
Premium Award Days: More points are required for larger vehicles, luxury cars, or rentals during peak seasons. For example, a full-size SUV might require 1,400 points per day.
Upgrades: Sometimes, points can be used to upgrade a paid rental, although this option might not always be available or offer the best value.

The key is to compare the cash price of a rental with the points required. Often, redeeming for standard vehicles during off-peak times provides the best per-point value. Be aware that taxes, fees, and surcharges typically still apply to award rentals and must be paid with cash or credit card.

Eligibility Requirements for Redemption

To redeem your Avis points, you must meet a few basic requirements:

Avis Preferred Member: Only active Avis Preferred members can redeem points.
Sufficient Points: You must have enough points in your account for the desired redemption.
No Outstanding Rentals or Balances: Your account should be in good standing, with no pending rentals or unpaid balances.
Account Verification: Occasionally, Avis might require additional verification for security purposes, especially for new accounts or unusual redemption patterns.

Ensure your Avis Preferred account information, including your Wizard number, is up-to-date and accurate before attempting to book with points.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do I Use Avis Points to Rent a Car?

Now for the core of the matter: the exact process of redeeming your Avis points. This section provides a detailed, sequential guide on how do I use Avis points to rent a car, ensuring you navigate the booking system effortlessly.

Logging into Your Avis Account

Go to the Avis Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Avis website (avis.com).
Log In: Locate the “Sign In” or “Log In” button, usually found in the top right corner of the homepage.
Enter Credentials: Enter your Avis Preferred Wizard number (or email address) and password. If you’ve forgotten them, use the recovery options provided. Once logged in, you should see your dashboard, including your points balance and member status.

Initiating a Reservation Search

Start a New Reservation: From your logged-in dashboard, look for the “Reservations” or “Rent a Car” section. You’ll typically see a search widget.
Enter Rental Details: Input your desired pick-up location, pick-up date and time, and return date and time.
Select Driver Age: Indicate the age of the primary driver.
Important Note: At this stage, you are initiating a regular reservation search. The option to use points usually appears later in the booking process.

Selecting “Pay with Points” or “Use Rewards” Option

This is the critical step for how do I use Avis points to rent a car.

View Available Cars: After entering your rental details, the website will display a list of available vehicles and their cash prices.
Look for Points Option: On the vehicle selection page, or sometimes on a subsequent “Review & Reserve” page, you will see an option to “Use My Points” or “Apply Rewards.” It might be a checkbox, a button, or a dropdown menu.
Activate Points Redemption: Click or select this option. The system will then show you which vehicles are eligible for point redemption and the corresponding points required for each. If a vehicle type is not available for point redemption, it will be indicated.

Choosing Your Rental Car and Dates

Review Point Costs: Examine the available vehicles and their respective point costs. Consider your travel needs (size, type of car) versus the number of points you’re willing to spend.
Select Vehicle: Choose the car class that best suits your trip and point budget.
Verify Dates: Double-check that the pick-up and return dates align with your travel plans. The points cost will be calculated based on the duration of your rental.
Add Extras (Optional): If you need additional items like GPS, child seats, or roadside assistance, you can add them here. Remember that these extras are typically paid for with cash, not points.

Confirming Your Booking with Points

Review Reservation Summary: Before final confirmation, you’ll be presented with a summary of your rental. This will clearly show:
- The total points being redeemed.
- Any remaining cash balance for taxes, fees, and surcharges.
- Your rental dates, pick-up, and return locations.
Enter Payment Information: Provide your credit card details for any remaining cash balance (taxes, fees) and as a security deposit for the rental.
Final Confirmation: Click “Confirm Reservation” or a similar button. You will then receive a confirmation email with your reservation details, including the number of points deducted.

What to Expect at the Counter

When you arrive at the Avis counter (or proceed directly to your car if you’re using Avis Preferred Express):

Show ID and Card: Have your driver’s license and the credit card used for the reservation ready.
Verify Details: Confirm your rental details and ensure the agent acknowledges that your rental is booked using points.
Sign Agreement: Sign the rental agreement.
Inspect Car: Do a quick inspection of the car before driving off.

The process should be seamless, especially for Avis Preferred members who can often bypass the counter entirely. If you have any questions, the Avis staff will be able to assist you.

Maximizing Your Avis Points Redemption

Redeeming points isn’t just about using them; it’s about using them smartly. Knowing when and how to redeem can significantly increase the value you get from your Avis Preferred points. This section focuses on strategic approaches for how do I use Avis points to rent a car for maximum benefit.

When to Redeem for Best Value

Off-Peak Periods: Just like cash rates, point redemption rates can fluctuate. You’ll often find that fewer points are required for standard vehicles during off-peak seasons or weekdays compared to weekends or major holidays.
Standard Car Classes: Redeeming points for economy, compact, or intermediate cars typically offers the best per-point value. Using a vast number of points for a luxury or specialty vehicle might not yield as much relative savings compared to its cash price.
Short Rentals: For very short rentals (1-2 days), points can sometimes provide excellent value, especially if cash rates are unexpectedly high.

Always compare the cash price of the rental you need against the points required to determine if it’s a good deal. If the cash price is low, it might be better to save your points and pay cash.

Avoiding Blackout Dates and Restrictions

While Avis is generally flexible, some limitations can apply to point redemptions:

Blackout Dates: During exceptionally high-demand periods (e.g., major holidays, large events in a city), point redemptions might be limited or unavailable. Always check availability well in advance for critical travel dates.
Location Restrictions: Some Avis locations, particularly independently owned franchises or smaller airport locations, may have different redemption rules or limited point availability.
Vehicle Availability: The car classes available for point redemption can be more restrictive than those available for cash bookings, especially for premium vehicles.

Booking early, especially for popular destinations or dates, can help you circumvent these restrictions.

Combining Points with Other Discounts/Offers

Generally, Avis point redemptions cannot be combined with other discounts, coupon codes, or corporate rates. When you use points for a free day, that is considered the primary “discount” or benefit. Any additional discount codes typically apply only to cash rentals. However, it’s always worth checking the specific terms and conditions of any promotion you’re considering. The system will usually notify you if a combination is not permitted.

Upgrades and Extra Services

While your base rental day can be covered by points, remember that:

Upgrades: Sometimes you might be able to use a higher number of points for a larger car class. However, often the most cost-effective way to get an upgrade is if you have Avis Preferred Plus or President’s Club status, which offers complimentary upgrades when available, even on point rentals.
Extra Services: Items such as GPS, child safety seats, satellite radio, roadside assistance plans, and additional driver fees are typically not covered by points. You will pay for these separately with a credit card at the time of booking or pick-up. Always factor these potential additional costs into your budget.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with a clear understanding of how do I use Avis points to rent a car, you might encounter occasional hiccups. Knowing how to troubleshoot common issues can save you time and frustration.

Points Not Showing Up

Recent Rental: Points typically post to your account within 48-72 hours after a rental is completed and closed. If your rental was very recent, allow a few days for processing.
Eligibility: Ensure the rental was a qualifying rental. Certain discount rates, corporate rates, or promotional rentals might not earn points.
Account Linkage: Verify that your Avis Preferred Wizard number was correctly associated with the rental reservation.
Contact Support: If points are still missing after a week, gather your rental agreement number and contact Avis Preferred customer service to request a manual point credit.

Trouble Applying Points During Booking

Insufficient Balance: Double-check your points balance to ensure you have enough points for the desired redemption.
Availability: The specific car class or dates you selected might not be available for point redemption. Try adjusting your dates or selecting a different vehicle category.
Website Glitch: Occasionally, website or app glitches can occur. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or attempting the booking on a different device or browser.
Program Restrictions: Ensure you’re not trying to combine points with other discounts that are not permitted.
Contact Support: If the issue persists, contact Avis customer service for assistance. They can often guide you through the process or troubleshoot system errors.

Cancelling or Modifying a Points Rental

Cancellation Policy: Avis typically allows cancellations of point rentals without penalty, provided you cancel before the pick-up time. Check your reservation details for the exact cancellation policy.
Modifications: Modifying a points rental (e.g., changing dates or car type) usually requires cancelling the original reservation and rebooking. If you need to change your rental, it’s best to cancel and then make a new reservation with your points, assuming availability.
Point Reinstatement: If you cancel a points rental, the points should be automatically credited back to your Avis Preferred account. This usually happens immediately, but it might take a few hours or a day to reflect in your balance.

Beyond Standard Car Rentals: Other Uses for Avis Points

While the primary use of Avis points is for free rental days, there are other potential applications, though their availability and value can vary. For instance, in some cases, points might be redeemable for upgrades on a paid rental or for certain accessories. However, free rental days usually offer the most straightforward and often best value for your accumulated points. Always check the Avis rewards catalog for the most current redemption options, as they can evolve over time. For more general car ownership and maintenance tips, visit maxmotorsmissouri.com.

Pros and Cons of Using Avis Points

We’ve covered how do I use Avis points to rent a car, but it’s also important to weigh the benefits against potential drawbacks.

Pros:
* Cost Savings: The most obvious benefit is reducing out-of-pocket expenses for car rentals, especially for leisure travel.
* Flexibility: Points can be redeemed for various car classes and often provide more flexibility than fixed-rate promotional deals.
* Sense of Reward: It’s satisfying to see your loyalty translate into tangible benefits.
* Easy Redemption: The online redemption process is generally straightforward once you understand the steps.

Cons:
* Taxes and Fees Still Apply: You’ll almost always still have to pay for taxes, surcharges, and other governmental fees with cash, even on “free” award days.
* Blackout Dates/Limited Availability: During peak travel times, point redemptions might be restricted or unavailable, limiting your options.
* Variable Point Value: The value you get per point can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific rental, date, and car class, making it sometimes less optimal than paying cash.
* No Earning on Point Rentals: You typically do not earn additional Avis points on rentals that are paid for entirely with points.

Conclusion

Understanding how do I use Avis points to rent a car empowers you to unlock valuable savings and enhance your travel experience. By mastering the earning and redemption process, checking your balance, selecting suitable redemption options, and being aware of potential restrictions, you can effectively leverage your Avis Preferred loyalty to enjoy free rental days. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the necessary steps to confidently convert your Avis points into memorable journeys.

Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Cristian Steven

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