Originally Posted by
CN_fibonacci
Thank you! My case is a little different with him because I'm not using any points, although still through Chase.
I understand that I won’t gain any points because paid with Chase, but can I still pick any car in the ultimate choice area as a president’s circle member?
Also, I'm curious why book with Hertz via AAA works but it doesn't work when book via chase.
No, you won't be able to pick your vehicle. The difference lies in the type of rate that is booked. In this case, Chase is booking what's known as a "Tour Rate" which is industry parlance for a discounted prepaid leisure rate that does not support the adding of a member loyalty number (Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, National Emerald Club, etc).
The fact that you paid in cash vs. points is moot in this context. The type of rate is the same--i.e. a prepaid tour type rate. Because these don't support adding loyalty numbers, when you arrive at the Hertz location, it's as if you are not a President's Circle member. You can certainly try to have them add your member number at the counter so you can pick your own vehicle, but you will not be able to just skip the counter as you do for a non-prepaid reservation since there is nothing tying your Hertz account to the reservation.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this is just how the system works (at least with Hertz).