National Rental Car is offering free Executive Elite status for new program members with an American Express credit card! 

To take advantage, all you need to do is enroll for the promotion on National car rental's website by Feb. 29, 2020, and pay for your first rental with any American Express card. Whether you've got a top-tier Platinum Card from American Express, an American Express Green card or even co-branded Delta SkyMiles credit cards, you're set.

The Executive Elite status is valid through Feb. 28, 2021, though some users have reported their National account shows the status valid through February 2022! This news was first reported by Miles Talk.

By enrolling in a new Emerald club account and paying with your Amex card, you will also earn five Emerald Club credits towards a future rental, which is enough for one free rental day.

 

What Do You Get with National Executive Elite Status?

Your automatic upgrade to Executive Elite status means you will have access to the following benefits:

  • The ability to reserve a mid-size vehicle to get access to the Emerald Aisle. The Emerald Aisle allows you to bypass the rental counter on arrival and head directly to the Emerald Aisle or Executive area in the U.S. and Canada and select any available vehicle. Don't waste time looking for your assigned car.
  • Guaranteed upgrades: reserve and pay for a midsize car, drive away in a vehicle in a higher class
  • Faster returns with Drop & Go. There is no need to wait for an agent to give you a receipt.
  • No second-driver fees.
  • Enroll for the promotion on National car rental's website.

 

National Executive Elite Status

 

Our Analysis

This is a great offer and an easy one to take advantage of if you aren't already enrolled in National's Emerald Club program.

I currently have National's Executive status by way of the Platinum Card from American Express, which allows you to book a mid-sized vehicle and then choose any vehicle in the Executive Aisle when you arrive.

But the Executive Elite Status through this promotion is one tier higher, offering a guaranteed car with up to 24 hours notice, among other benefits. Additionally, Executive Elite status will get you access to a more exclusive area with better vehicle options in locations that have an Executive Elite aisle.

The status allows you to completely bypass the rental car counter which drastically speeds up the process of renting a car. I have had no issues getting a solid upgrade via the Executive Aisle every time I have used it.

It is worth noting that if you take advantage of the free rental day promotion and pay with your American Express card, you will be sacrificing the free primary insurance coverage that comes standard with car rentals booked with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve. However, if you value the free rental day, that can certainly be worth it.

 

National Executive Elite Status

 

Bottom Line

Even if you aren't renting a car soon, you should still register for this promotion as runs through the end of February 2021 (and possibly February 2022). Enrolling only takes a few minutes and you can do so at National's website.