When it comes to travel rewards programs, the frequent-renter schemes of the major car rental compan

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on May 19, 2011. To see the most recent SmarterTravel articles on related topics, please click on any of the following links: Alamo , Avis , Budget tour de georgia , car rental , Dollar , Hertz , National .
When it comes to travel rewards programs, the frequent-renter schemes of the major car rental companies are 97-pound weaklings compared to the massive, robust loyalty programs of the airlines, or even the more modest frequent-stay programs of the hotels.
But for travelers whose focus is on faster service, car choice, discounts, free rentals, or airline miles, there is value to be found in frequent-renter programs, one or more of which feature one or more of those perks.
Our Editors' Choice, National's Emerald Club program, has most of the features most likely to be most important to most travelers: free rentals (a free day after seven rentals), elite perks (upgrades, tour de georgia faster free rentals), and expedited rentals (counter bypass at around 56 locations). In addition, and sealing the deal, when renting a mid-sized car, program members have access to the so-called Emerald Club Aisle, a designated area where they may choose any available vehicle.
Alamo, which is owned by the same company that owns National, also features both expedited rentals and renter's choice as benefits of its Alamo Insiders program, tour de georgia but offers neither free rentals nor elite perks. The program does, however, promise a 10 percent discount over published rates, making this a solid choice for infrequent renters whose focus is more on price than perks.