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Editor’s note: As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

If you need to rent a car for a socially distant vacation in the next few months and hold an American Express card, listen up: You may be able to save some serious cash on your next trip. Many American Express cardholders have reported they’ve been targeted for even more deep discounts at major car rental companies through the Amex Offers program.

That said, it’s important to note that the coronavirus pandemic continues across the U.S. and much of the world, and many states and countries continue to impose travel restrictions. However, several major car rental companies have offered status extensions for elite members and eliminated change fees.

Let’s take a look at the current offers across various Amex cards.

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In This Post

Hertz



graphical user interface, text, application, email: Screengrab from American Express


© The Points Guy
Screengrab from American Express

I found this offer for $40 back after spending $200 or more at Hertz on my American Express® Green Card. Keep in mind that the offer is only valid for U.S. rentals and you must pick up and return your rental to Hertz locations only.

Related: The complete guide to Hertz Gold Rewards

Avis



graphical user interface, text, application: Screengrab from American Express


© The Points Guy
Screengrab from American Express

I discovered an Amex offer for a $20 statement credit after spending at least $100 at Avis Car Rental. Note that you must rent directly with Avis and the offer is valid only for rentals made through avis.com, the Avis app, by phone or at Avis locations in the U.S. and it’s territories.

Remember to avoid booking through a third party, like Expedia, or through travel agents as the offer won’t kick in. Keep in mind that the offer also excludes Budget & Payless brands, Chauffeur Drive, Car Sales, Scooter rentals, e-Toll and purchases with travel partners for lodging, airfare, ground transportation, or parking.

Related: Your Points, Miles and Loyalty Guide to Avis

Enterprise



Screengrab from American Express


© The Points Guy
Screengrab from American Express

Another great offer, this time from Enterprise. You’ll get $40 back after spending $200 or more. It shouldn’t be too difficult to meet the spending requirements, especially if you’re booking for a week-long trip. For instance, I found a reservation for a full-size at JFK Airport for a week for just $290 a week, which meets the terms of the offer.



graphical user interface, text, application: Screengrab from Enterprise


© The Points Guy
Screengrab from Enterprise

Silvercar



a close up of a flower: Screengrab from American Express


© The Points Guy
Screengrab from American Express

For those unfamiliar with Silvercar, it’s an app-based car rental service run by Audi. That being said, you know what type of car you’re getting each time you rent, so there are no surprises.

A $100 statement credit after spending at least $450 or more is a solid offer, but keep in mind it expires on Dec. 22, 2020.

Related: Everything you need to know when renting from Silvercar

Bottom line

Any of the above offers can only be added to one card per account holder. You’ll want to check all of your cards first to select the one that offers you the best return on the purchase.

Also, these are targeted offers, so you may not see them at all. If you do, I encourage you to add them right away, since these tend to have limited enrollment and may disappear before the expiration date. Also, only 100 Amex Offers will be visible at a time, so if you’re at capacity, add offers to your card to see if any new ones appear.

If you don’t have an American Express card and don’t want to miss out on future offers like these, consider adding The Platinum Card® from American Express to your wallet. The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after using your new card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first three months. You might even be eligible for a 100,000-point bonus offer using the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

You’ll also receive 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on Amextravel.com. As a Platinum cardholder, you’ll also receive complimentary Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, so your stays could be even more rewarding.

If the Platinum Card isn’t for you, read our guide on choosing the best American Express card that suits your style.

Featured photo by Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg/Getty Images

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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