Choice Privileges Transfer Partners & How To Use Them [2025]

Key Takeaways

• Choice Privileges points can be transferred to 15 airline partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, The British Airways Club, and United MileagePlus.
• Transfer ratios and minimum transfer amounts vary by partner. Transfers can also take 2 to 6 weeks.​
• Choice Privileges points are valued at about 0.6 cents each, though value can vary by redemption.

Choice Hotels is one of the largest hotel chains in the world. Traditionally focused on midscale or economy accommodations, the Maryland-based company has a massive portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels in more than 25 countries globally.

Its loyalty program is called Choice Privileges, and there are some neat ways to redeem points for great value.

However, if none of the eligible properties interest you in the long run (perhaps you prefer Marriott or Hilton properties), then one way to use your points is to transfer them to airline partners.

Choice Privileges points expire in 18 months unless you have a qualifying activity such as earning, transferring, or redeeming points. If you’re not going to use your points for hotel stays, you can get value from them with airline miles.

In this guide, we’ll focus on exactly that: Choice Privileges’ transfer partners, how to transfer points from Choice Privileges, and whether it’s a good idea to do so.

Choice Privileges Airline Transfer Partners

Currently, Choice Privileges has 15 airline transfer partners. Some partners follow a standard 5:1 transfer ratio with a minimum transfer amount of 5,000 points. Other programs maintain different transfer ratios.

Transfers usually take 2 to 6 weeks to process, though the exact times may vary among partners and times of the year.

Choice Privileges is transfer partners with Amtrak as well:

It should be straightforward to calculate how many miles or points you’ll earn by transferring Choice Privileges points.

For example:

• If you transfer 10,000 Choice Privileges points to Alaska Airlines, you’ll receive 2,000 Alaska Airlines miles.
• If you transfer 4,000 Choice Privileges points to Qantas, you’ll receive 1,600 Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
• If you transfer 32,000 Choice Privileges points to Amtrak, you’ll receive 5,000 Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

Earning Choice Privileges Points

Choice Privileges is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One Miles at a 1:1 ratio, as well as Citi ThankYou Rewards and Wells Fargo Rewards at an enhanced 1:2 ratio.

That means if you transfer 5,000 Citi ThankYou Points, you’ll earn 10,000 Choice Privileges points, as opposed to the 5,000 Choice Privileges points you’d end up with if you transferred 5,000 points from Amex.

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

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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.

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Pros

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• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
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Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
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• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.¤
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U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

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This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

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UP's Offer Valuation*:

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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.

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Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
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• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

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• No lounge access

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

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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.

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Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

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U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

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Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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UP's Offer Valuation*:

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Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

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Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
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• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

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UP's Offer Valuation*:

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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.

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Pros

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Cons

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Card Highlights

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
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• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter
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Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

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Pros

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Cons

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Card Highlights

• For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.
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Although transferring points from Citi ThankYou Rewards or Wells Fargo Rewards is probably the best way to earn Choice Privileges points, it’s important to point out that Wells Fargo is also the sole issuer of the Choice Privileges^® Mastercard^® and Choice Privileges^® Select Mastercard^®.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card  and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card also earn points that can be transferred 1:2 to Choice Privileges.

LIMITED TIME INTRO OFFER

Choice Privileges^® Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 card gets you more value out of your Choice hotel stays with no annual fee.

Choice Privileges^® Mastercard^®

The Choice Privileges card gets you more value out of your Choice hotel stays with no annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 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

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable

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

Cons

• Gold is the lowest elite status in the Choice Privileges program

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 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 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 fees.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Choice Privileges^® Select Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Choice Privileges^® Select Mastercard^®

The Choice Privileges Select card is perfect for Choice loyalists thanks to its 10x rewards on Choice stays and automatic Platinum Elite status.

Welcome Offer

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

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24%, 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
• 1x point on all other purchases

Cons

• Points are not transferrable
• $95

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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: 19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

How To Transfer Choice Privileges Points

Ready to transfer your Choice Privileges points? Follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the Choice Privileges Rewards Exchange page. Click the Transfer Now button.

Step 2: You’ll be redirected to the Rewards Exchange dashboard where you’ll see transfer partner boxes. You’ll see all of your previously linked accounts at the top of the page.

Step 3: To link your Choice Privileges account to any new frequent flyer accounts, all you need to do is click the box that says Add Programs.

Step 4: You’ll see a list of eligible travel partners pop up in a list. Choose the program you wish to use and click Save Programs.

Step 5: The new frequent flyer program will appear on the Rewards Exchange dashboard. Click LINK in the frequent flyer program you wish to connect.

Step 6: A form will pop up. Enter your details, including your name and loyalty program number. Then, click Link Program.

Step 7: Lastly, your frequent flyer program should be successfully linked. Click Make an Exchange at the bottom of the loyalty program’s box. Enter the number of points you’d like to transfer and click Exchange.

Should You Transfer to a Partner or Book Hotel Stays?

By our valuations, Choice Privileges points are worth around 0.6 cents apiece. That’s not to say that you can’t get more value from your points — on the contrary, it’s possible to get better or worse value, depending on the way you redeem your points. But if a partner offers a better value or more useful redemption, it makes sense to transfer.

The Value of Choice Privileges Points

Traditionally, Choice Hotels have skewed more towards the economy traveler with familiar brands like Rodeway Inn, Quality Inn, and Comfort Inn.

However, if you book a midscale property during a popular event like the Kentucky Derby, Masters Tournament, or Super Bowl, then it’s easy to get multiple times the value! That’s because the most you’ll pay for a standard room is 35,000 points (excluding properties in the Asia-Pacific region).

For example, if you book a Sleep Inn stay during the weekend of the Kentucky Derby with a cash value of $550 per night, you’d get a redemption value of at least 1.6 cents per point!

When faced with the decision to transfer points to a partner or book hotel stays using points, it can often be overwhelming to make a decision.

When It Makes Sense To Transfer Choice Hotels Points

If Choice Privileges points are worth 0.6 cents each, then you should only transfer to travel partners if you feel confident that you can get at least 3 cents per mile in value.

For example, if you have 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles but need 5,000 more to book a luxurious Qatar Airways Qsuites flight, then it’s a no-brainer to transfer 25,000 Choice Privileges points to AAdvantage!

Similarly, if you feel that you can get more than 1.5 cents per point in value through Qantas or Virgin Australia, it’s a great idea to transfer your Choice Privileges points to these programs.

In most situations, it doesn’t make sense to transfer points speculatively to Choice’s travel partners without a specific redemption in mind.

Ultimately, it boils down to the value you can get out of your transferred miles, but we really like the idea of booking upscale hotels using Choice Privileges points!

Other Ways To Use Your Points

There are plenty of other ways you can use your Choice Privilege points, including:

• Bluegreen Vacations (vacation rentals)
• Charitable donations
• Cruises
• Gift cards
• Golf by Choice
• Magazine subscriptions

When you redeem points for Bluegreen Vacations bookings, you’ll do so as if you were booking an ordinary Choice property with points.

There are plenty of charities you can donate to, including The American Red Cross, Operation Homefront, The Polaris Project, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. You can redeem as few as 1,000 points for donations, which usually give the charity $5. Some charities offer better value than others in terms of donation value.

When you redeem Choice Privileges points for cruises, you’ll usually get a redemption value of around 0.3 cents per point.

As far as gift cards go, you’ll usually redeem 8,000 points for a $25 gift card, giving you a redemption value of around 0.31 cents per point.

Booking preferred tee times using Golf by Choice will get you a fixed redemption value of 0.3 cents apiece.

Lastly, magazine subscriptions are a low-value redemption. For example, if you get 44 issues (2 years) of Entertainment Weekly, you’d have to redeem 4,000 points. You can purchase 22 issues for $4.99, giving you a redemption value of around $10. That’s a value of 0.25 cents per point.

Bottom Line: By redeeming points for charity, cruises, gift cards, tee times, or magazines, you’ll only get 0.2 to 0.3 cents per point of value. For this reason, we recommend transferring your points to airline partners before considering any of the alternative options!

Redeeming Choice Privileges Points

Choice Privileges points are valuable in certain ways. For example, if you book Choice Hotels or Strawberry Hotels with points, you can get some stellar value.

You’ll get even more value if you book a stay during a popular event, such as a sporting event or concert.

The best way to calculate redemption value is to check the cash price of any hotel you’re interested in booking. Then, simply divide the paid rate by the points cost.

Remember, we value these points at 0.6 cents each, so if you can get just 1 cent per point of value from your hotel stay, you’re getting a deal almost twice as good!

There are also some situations in which it’d make sense to just transfer your Choice Privileges points to airlines. Qantas and Virgin Australia, for example, maintain a reasonable 2.5:1 ratio, making it possible to get great value from your points transfers.

Final Thoughts

Choice Privileges is a relatively niche hotel loyalty program. With the 1:2 transfer partnership with Citi and Wells Fargo, Choice Privileges is gaining a lot more attention in the public eye.

Still, Choice Privileges focuses primarily on providing budget and midscale accommodations — its luxury portfolio is still lacking, especially compared to Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt.

So whether you’re booking a hotel stay using points or transferring points to airline frequent flyer programs, you’ll want to do the math beforehand to make sure you’re getting good value.

At the end of the day, Choice Privileges currently partners with 15 frequent flyer programs and 1 travel program (Amtrak). Transfer ratios vary wildly, but the standard ratio is 5:1.

You now have all the details you need to transfer Choice Privileges points to its partners.