National Emerald Club, Is It Worth It?

[SandyinMonterey]

Still trolling for a rental car for our next WDW in April. We usually use Avis just because my husband is signed up with it via work. But reading these forums, it sounds like many choose National. I was thinking about signing up for the Emerald Club. They ask for your drivers license and credit card number. Is this normal? I'm assuming they have that info on my husband at Avis but do recall they always want to see a credit card when we pick up the car anyway...strange? I know we're going during a busy time, but I just don't want to spend $600 to $700 on a car rental for ten days. That's the price via Avis even with our wizard number. Costco is better but I would really like to save on this.

 

[gdrj]

Still trolling for a rental car for our next WDW in April. We usually use Avis just because my husband is signed up with it via work. But reading these forums, it sounds like many choose National. I was thinking about signing up for the Emerald Club. They ask for your drivers license and credit card number. Is this normal? I'm assuming they have that info on my husband at Avis but do recall they always want to see a credit card when we pick up the car anyway...strange? I know we're going during a busy time, but I just don't want to spend $600 to $700 on a car rental for ten days. That's the price via Avis even with our wizard number. Costco is better but I would really like to save on this.

The Emerald Club is worth it just to avoid the desk and to be able to go directly to your car. By having drivers license and cc it allows you to bypass desk. Also make sure whoever is going to be the driver is the one signed up.

 

[DVC California]

Still trolling for a rental car for our next WDW in April. We usually use Avis just because my husband is signed up with it via work. But reading these forums, it sounds like many choose National. I was thinking about signing up for the Emerald Club. They ask for your drivers license and credit card number. Is this normal? I'm assuming they have that info on my husband at Avis but do recall they always want to see a credit card when we pick up the car anyway...strange? I know we're going during a busy time, but I just don't want to spend $600 to $700 on a car rental for ten days. That's the price via Avis even with our wizard number. Costco is better but I would really like to save on this.

I'm pretty sure most major rental companies affinity programs require a valid credit card and Driver's License on file to expedite the rental process. Requesting to see both when you pick up the car verifies that the CC and DL are current and that you are indeed Sandy In Monterey and not Randy In Montana.

I'm both National EC and Hertz Gold which allows bypassing the counter and going straight either an assigned car or picking from the "Aisle".

As PP stated, the time savings is well worth joining. Avis has a similar membership called Avis Preferred. Check their website for enrollment details.
AVIS Membership Services

HTH, Steve

 

[rwdavis2]

Also, a second driver is free as long as it is a spouse.

I'm not sure if this is still offered, but if you sign up for a KLM frequent flier number you get access to "Partner" discounts of which Naitonal is one. They give you a discount code and it is usually pretty significant. Plus, they five you many if not all the insurance options for free.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

What is a KLM frequent flyer number?

 

[DVC California]

What is a KLM frequent flyer number?

KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines