National vs Hertz: 2026 Head-to-Head Comparison
National and Hertz battle for business travelers at major US airports. Both offer premium fleets, fast pickup, and aggressive loyalty programs — but their philosophies differ. National emphasizes Executive Aisle car choice and consistent business focus, while Hertz pushes premium upgrades and global brand recognition.
Quick verdict by category
| Category | National | Hertz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refuel charge | $10.50/gal | $9.49/gal | Hertz |
| Base rate | competitive | 8-15% above market | tied |
| Loyalty | Emerald Club | Gold Plus Rewards | Depends on tier |
| Fuel option | FSO | FPO | Tied |
| Positioning | business airport | premium | — |
| Parent | Enterprise Holdings | Hertz Corporation | — |
National
- Executive Aisle (pick any car)
- Strong loyalty program for travelers
- Airport-focused (no off-airport hassle)
- Airport-only at most locations
- Higher refueling rate
- No leisure perks
Hertz
- Largest premium fleet
- Best loyalty perks for Five Star+
- Newest cars on average
- Higher base rates
- Aggressive fuel charges
- Slower customer service for low-tier members
Pick National if you...
- Value executive aisle (pick any car)
- Value a strong loyalty program for travelers
- Value airport-focused (no off-airport hassle)
- Are flying into a major airport where National has high inventory
- Are a mid-to-high tier Emerald Club member already
Pick Hertz if you...
- Value a largest premium fleet
- Value a best loyalty perks for five star+
- Value newest cars on average
- Are renting a 3+ day trip where the base rate matters more than perks
- Are a Gold Plus Rewards member already
The fuel math: National vs Hertz
Both brands use the same trick — return below full and pay $9.49 to $10.50 per gallon (about 3× retail). On a 15-gallon tank returned half-empty:
- National: 7.5 × $10.50 = $78.75 in refueling charges
- Hertz: 7.5 × $9.49 = $71.17 in refueling charges
- Self-fill (either brand): 7.5 × $3.65 = $27.38 at the pump
Both brands' refueling fees can be avoided by returning the car at the right fuel level. FillItRight calculates the exact gallons to add for any brand and any vehicle.
For more detail on each brand's fuel options:
One-way rental fees: National vs Hertz
National and Hertz have different parent companies and different one-way fee strategies. Enterprise Holdings brands tend to have the most flexible one-way policies (especially for in-state returns), while Avis Budget Group and Hertz Corporation typically charge higher one-way fees.
For long one-way trips, the one-way fee can dwarf the base rental rate. See the full one-way rental fee guide for the latest rates by route.
Frequently asked questions
Is National or Hertz cheaper for refueling?
Hertz is cheaper by approximately $1.01 per gallon. National charges around $10.50 per gallon, Hertz around $9.49.
Which has better loyalty rewards: National or Hertz?
Both Emerald Club and Gold Plus Rewards offer free days, upgrades, and faster pickup, but neither waives fuel charges. Top-tier Emerald Club tends to offer guaranteed upgrades and free additional drivers more reliably than equivalent Gold Plus Rewards tiers.
Are National and Hertz owned by the same company?
No. National is owned by Enterprise Holdings, while Hertz is owned by Hertz Corporation. They compete directly in most US markets.
Which brand has newer cars?
National tends to have the newer fleet on average. Premium classes at both brands are typically newer; budget classes are where the age difference shows. Always photograph the odometer at pickup.
Does either National or Hertz have a flat-fee fuel option?
Neither brand offers a flat-fee fuel option in most US markets.
Can I dispute charges from either brand?
Yes — the dispute process is identical at both. Respond in writing within 30 days, include timestamped pickup photos as evidence, request the damage estimate. If unresolved, file a credit card chargeback within 60 days of the statement date.