Avis is trying harder to boost its profile with business travelers: The company announced that members of its Avis Preferred program can now earn points to be redeemed for upgrades and free rental days.

The enhancement to Avis Preferred gives customers an alternative to earning mileage or points in airline or hotel frequent traveler programs when they rent from Avis. There are no blackout dates for redeeming points on Avis car rentals.

The program enhancement provides renters with one point per dollar spent on vehicle rentals and two points per dollar for adding on optional things like satellite radio, GPS and so on.

The improved program also creates a new Avis Preferred Plus status, earned by completing 12 rentals or spending $5,000 with Avis in a calendar year. Preferred Plus members will get free one-class upgrades whenever available, a dedicated reservations line, and special monthly offers by email. They’ll also earn a 25 to 50 percent point bonus on all rental transactions.

Competitors Hertz and Enterprise/National both have similar point rewards programs to be used instead of earning miles/points with partner airlines and hotel companies.

According to a recent study by Certify, Avis is one of the least expensed rental car companies among business travelers, so perhaps it is using this new program to change that?

Which rental car company do you use the most? Why? Please leave your comments below. 

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