Hertz Grace Period: A Guide to Late Returns and Rental Flexibility

CarRentalBasics is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When renting a car from Hertz, understanding the grace period for returns is essential to avoid extra charges.

In this guide, we'll explain Hertz's grace period, late return charges, after-hours returns, and the American Express Platinum card benefit that provides an extended grace period.

The 24-Hour Rental Period

Hertz calculates its rental rates based on a 24-hour period. This means that if you've booked a car from 3 pm on Tuesday to 12 pm on Wednesday, you can return the car by 3 pm on Wednesday without incurring any extra charges.

This is because you would have had the car for a full 24 hours.

Grace Period and Late Return Charges

Hertz offers a 29-minute grace period after the 24-hour booking window. If you exceed this, you'll be charged for an extra day.

However, if you reserve the car with an American Express Platinum card, you're eligible for a 4-hour grace period.

American Express Platinum Card Benefit

A Platinum Card Member enrolled in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program can enjoy a 4-hour grace period when returning a Hertz vehicle in the US and select other countries. This benefit can save you from paying for an extra rental day.

Here’s how you can use this benefit:

1. Start a Hertz reservation.
   Start by going to the Hertz website and entering your rental details, such as location, dates, and times. For example, if you would usually book a day, but know you can get an extra 4-hour grace for free, instead of booking a pick-up time of 2pm and drop-off time of 2pm, change the drop-off time to 6pm.

2. Enter the CDP code.
   During the reservation process, find the “Add a Discount Code” link, and then the "Discount/CDP/Club Code" input field. Enter the American Express Platinum CDP code 633306 and proceed with your reservation.

3. Verify the extended grace period.
   After applying the CDP code, ensure that the 4-hour grace period is reflected in your reservation details (see examples in images below). Contact Hertz customer service if you encounter any issues.

By following these steps, American Express Platinum cardholders can easily take advantage of the extended grace period and potentially save money on their Hertz car rentals.

A one day plus four hour booking example

Hertz Discount Code field showing the location of Discount/CDP/Club code field at time of booking

Hertz reservation details showing ‘1 day’ despite being for an extra 4 hours

After-Hours Returns

Many Hertz locations offer after-hours drop-off services, especially at airport locations. Check with your specific Hertz location to confirm after-hours rental car return availability.

Best Practices for Hertz Returns

• Contact the return branch location to re-confirm the drop-off time if it's later than what you booked for.

• Ensure the new return time is not after hours or verify that the location accommodates after-hours drop-off.

• Remember that optional coverages or equipment are charged as full days once you exceed the grace period.

International Hertz Grace Periods

For rentals outside the US, check with your local Hertz branch for grace period details.

Summing Up

Hertz provides a 29-minute grace period for late returns in the US, and a 4-hour grace period for American Express Platinum cardholders in the US and select other countries.

Be mindful of potential late fees and follow best practices for returning your car. Always confirm details with your specific Hertz location and for international rentals.