National - Higher rates for Emerald Card Holders?

I called National 800# the other day for a rental rate in Las Vegas. I told them I wanted their lowest price. I gave them my Emerald Club number. They shot me back a price of $58 per day.

Not satisfied with that rate--I called Hertz and was given a 28 per day rate with my Gold #1 card.

I then called back National immediately WITHOUT giving my Emerald number and was given a rate of $42 per day.

A buddy of mine said that National is hoping that an Emerald Club member is more loyal and thus will not question pricing. This can't be right can it?

I just priced a 1 day full sized rental in Las Vegas one month from today on the web site with and without my Emerald Club number:

Without the number I got a rate of $26.99/total price $33.46
With the number I got 22.49/27.94.

"A buddy of mine said that National is hoping that an Emerald Club member is more loyal and thus will not question pricing. This can't
be right can it?" It could be but it probably isn't. I've always thought that stupidity explained more than deviousness.

It happens from time to time that a certain promotion running at the time of reservation gives a better discount than your card. When making a reservation with the Emerald card, a contract number is inserted automaticly and overrides promotions unless specificly asked.
It's better to check pricing with and without the card, and also check the deals section of the web site before making any reservation.

One other thing which you have be careful about is that they sometimes do not deduct your 10 or 15% Emerald club discount in the rate quotes.
I find the website usually has the best rates.
Also ask for their "weekend rate" which runs from midday Thursday till I believe midday
Monday you would be surprised in the rate difference if you pick up the car during that period. Often I find it almost cheaper for rentals say of 8 days to rent for 4 days at weekend rate check the car in and start
another contract for the other days.
Mike

[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 06-27-2001).]

I typically book through whoever has the cheapest quoted rate (Expedia, Travelocity, CheapTickets, etc.) And just follow Emerald Isle proceedure once at the lot. Never had a problem getting benefits at the lowest possible rate.