Revamped Choice Privileges Program Is Now Live With New Perks and a New Top-Tier Status

Choice Privileges underwent a complete overhaul for 2026. The hotel group says the new program is designed so members can earn rewards, reach elite status more quickly, and access benefits designed to enhance every stay.

“What sets Choice Privileges apart is our commitment to making rewards both richer and more attainable — and we’re leading the loyalty landscape by delivering more benefits, more often,” said Nandika Suri, vice president, loyalty at Choice Hotels International.

These changes were announced in November 2025, and they’re now live. Let’s dive into the details of the updatedChoice Privileges program.

Big Changes for Choice Privileges in 2026

As of January 1, 2026, the new Choice Privileges program underwent significant changes that complement what the chain says its guests place a high value on: “flexibility, frequent recognition and experiences beyond the room.”

Here’s a look at key features of the refreshed program:

• Rewards every 5 nights: With every 5 nights you stay, you’ll earn special rewards such as bonus points or gift cards.
• Elite status sooner: Choice Privileges members will qualify for Gold Elite status after staying just 5 nights, Platinum Elite after 15 nights, and Diamond Elite after 35 nights. Across the board, elite status will require 5 fewer nights than it did previously. Elite benefits include “preferred parking,” room upgrades, and welcome gifts.
• Earn status in other ways: Aside from hotel stays, members can earn Elite Qualifying Credits from spending on the Choice Privileges^® Mastercard^®.
• New top-tier Titanium status: At 55 nights or 110,000 Elite Qualifying Credits, members will achieve Titanium Elite status, a brand-new tier in the program. It introduces a revolutionary new benefit, the Titanium travel award, which allows members to book a room at more than 400 “premium” properties for half the points. This includes brands like Cambria, Radisson Blu, and Bluegreen Vacations.
• Repeat stay bonuses: Members now earn 1,000 bonus points after their second and third qualifying stays each year.
• Soft landings for elite members: Elite members will not lose their elite status entirely if their travel decreases. From 2027, elite members will drop 1 tier per year. Also, elite members’ points will never expire.
• Points sharing: Coming later in 2026, Choice Privileges will launch the capability to transfer points to friends and family.

Choice Hotels has worked hard to improve its loyalty program. For example, in 2025, the chain expanded its award night booking window to 50 weeks, introduced the Choice RewardSaver tool letting members book award nights from just 6,000 points per night, and expanded its redemption options to include premium rooms.

Now, Choice Hotels is taking a big step to make the program competitive with its larger competitors. So far, we’re impressed — especially with the new Titanium travel award. This award allows top-tier elite members to book up to 7 nights at the best properties for half the points. That’s an innovative feature that incentivizes Choice’s most loyal members to use their points at the chain’s nicest properties. We hope other programs will take note of this incredible perk.

If you’re not already a member, you can join Choice Privileges for free.

Final Thoughts

Choice Privileges has completely overhauled its loyalty program for 2026. New features include earning rewards after every 5 nights, achieving elite status after just 5 nights, and a new top-tier Titanium elite level with innovative benefits.