Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
3
40,000 points
$0
20.49%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
The Choice Privileges card gets you more value out of your Choice hotel stays with no annual fee.
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
3
Card Details
Card Snapshot
Welcome Bonus & Info
Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
Earn 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
Earn 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Receive 10 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Gold level status each calendar year.
No foreign transaction fee.
Pros & Cons
Pros
5x points per $1 on Choice hotel stays
3x points per $1 at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services
1x point per $1 on all other purchases
Automatic Gold Elite status
Cell phone protection
No annual fee
Cons
Gold is the lowest elite status in the Choice Privileges program
Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust
Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.
Content by Leading Industry Experts
Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
First-Hand Credit Card Experience
Shared Across 200+ Top Outlets
Methodical “U.P. Rating
The U.P. Rating System
The ratings for these cards have been determined
by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards
as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect
our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
” System
1094+ Expert Credit Card Guides
Great Card If
You want a card that gets you more value out of your Choice hotel stays
You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Don’t Get If
You want a card that earns transferable rewards
You seldom stay at Choice hotels
Choice Privileges Card — Is It Worth It?
If you stay at Choice hotels a handful of times each year, and you’re looking for a way to enhance those stays, then the Choice Privileges card would likely be a good option for you.
Not only does it earn 5x points per $1 on Choice stays, but you’ll also receive automatic Gold Elite status which comes with perks like 10% bonus points, late checkout (when available), a welcome gift, and more. Plus, the card doesn’t charge an annual fee and offers cardholders cell phone protection.
Choice Privileges Card — Top Benefits
Gold Elite Status
Just by holding the Choice Privileges card, you’ll receive automatic Gold Elite status in the Choice Privileges elite program, which usually requires 10 elite qualifying nights each year.
With your Gold elite status, you’ll receive:
10% bonus points (11x points per $1)
Up to 9 elite rollover nights per calendar year
Welcome gift at participating hotels in the U.S. and Canada
Early check-in and late checkout, when available, at participating hotels
Elite reserved parking, when available, at participating hotels
Cell Phone Protection
When you pay your cell phone bill with the Choice Privileges card, you’ll receive up to $600 of cell phone protection toward accidental damage, with a $25 deductible and a maximum of 2 paid claims per 12-month period.
How To Earn and Redeem Choice Privileges Points
Naturally, the best way to earn more Choice points is to use your card for as many purchases as possible, especially on purchases that fall within the card’s bonus categories of Choice stays, gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services.
Once you’ve built up a stash of Choice points, your best option for redeeming them is on Choice hotel stays. Luckily you’ll have plenty of options as there are over 7,400 Choice hotels worldwide. If you need some inspiration, read through our guide on the best ways to redeem Choice points.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Choice Privileges Select card is perfect for Choice loyalists thanks to its 10x rewards on Choice stays and automatic Platinum Elite status.
The Choice Privileges Select card is perfect for Choice loyalists thanks to its 10x rewards on Choice stays and automatic Platinum Elite status.
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
60,000 points
$360
$95
20.49%, 24.74%, or 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness
Pros & Cons
Pros
10x points on Choice stays
5x points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services
Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
Earn 10X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
Earn 5X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
$95 annual fee.
Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Receive 20 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Platinum level status each calendar year.
No foreign transaction fee.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 20.49%, 24.74%, or 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
If you’re a Choice loyalist that frequents the chain’s hotels many times per year, you’d likely be better off upgrading to the Choice Privileges Select card.
With it, you’ll earn 10x points on your Choice stays and 5x points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services. Plus, receive automatic Platinum elite status, 30,000 anniversary bonus points, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and more.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
60,000 bonus points
$1,200
$95
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cardson the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
Pros & Cons
Pros
5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
Cons
$95 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
The information regarding the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
