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14 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Choice Privileges Points [2023]

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14 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Choice Privileges Points [2023]

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Choice Hotels is one of the largest hotel chains. Still, with a focus almost exclusively on value accommodations, you rarely see its properties in travel magazines, blogs, and the like.

Unfortunately, many associate getting “excellent value” with booking ultra-luxe hotels, especially if you’re using points. In this regard, Choice Privileges is one of the most underrated hotel programs in the world.

With 7,000+ hotels spread out across more than 40 countries — including a unique partnership with Preferred Hotels — it’s easier than ever to redeem Choice Privileges points for phenomenal value.

If you can accumulate lots of Choice Privileges points, you’ll find yourself footing a much smaller hotel bill when you’re traveling — and that’s what this guide is for!

This piece will explore numerous ways to earn Choice Privileges points. Let’s get started!

Start by Joining Choice Privileges

Joining Choice Privileges is as easy as visiting this link and filling out the online form! After you submit the form and create an account, you’ll be redirected to your new account page, which includes your member number.

Whenever you have any activity earning Choice Privileges points, you’ll want to ensure you include your Choice Privileges number so that points get credited to your account.

Once you earn the points, you can redeem them for gift cards, hotel stays, or transfer them to airlines!

Earning Points With Credit Cards

1. Choice Privileges Credit Cards

The best cards to earn Choice Privileges points directly are the new Choice Privileges® Mastercard® and Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®, issued by Wells Fargo.

The Choice Privileges card offers these benefits:

  • A welcome bonus of 60,000 Choice Privileges points
  • Choice Privileges Gold status after activation
  • 5x points on Choice hotel stays
  • 3x points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • Cell phone protection
  • $0 annual fee

The Choice Privileges Select card offers these benefits:

  • A welcome bonus of 90,000 Choice Privileges points
  • Choice Privileges Platinum status after activation
  • 10x points on Choice stays
  • 5x points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plans from landline and cell phone providers
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • An anniversary bonus of 30,000 points every year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit of up to $100 every 4 years
  • Cell phone protection
  • $95 annual fee, first year waived

As you’ll find out, holding either of these cards is incredibly valuable because of the ability to enjoy a hefty welcome bonus and earn up to 10x points on just credit card spending alone.

Bottom Line: The Choice Privileges credit cards earn 3x to 5x points on everyday purchases, plus 5x to 10x at eligible Choice hotels — what a fantastic deal!

2. Citi ThankYou Points Credit Cards

Citi ThankYou Rewards‘ first hotel transfer partner launched itself out of the gate at a 1:2 ratio, which means you can transfer 1 Citi ThankYou Point into 2 Choice Privileges points (some cards may transfer at a lower 1:1.5 rate). This can represent a great value, especially when using Choice Privileges points to book pricey hotels in Scandinavia and Japan.

Citi Premier® Card

Citi Premier® Card

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.

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Premier® Card

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
60,000 points
$960
$95
21.24% - 29.24% 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)

The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

Pros

  • 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
  • Access to Citi transfer partners
  • Annual hotel credit
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
  • 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citi Rewards+® Card

Citi Rewards+® Card

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.

This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Rewards+® Card

This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $250 in gift cards at thankyou.com.
20,000 points
$320
$0
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months and on purchases. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.
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 Credit Recommended (670-840)
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
  • Plus, for a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel(SM) portal through June 30, 2024.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
  • The Citi Rewards+® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
  • No Annual Fee

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months and on purchases. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars

Card Categories

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

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.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Double Cash® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
$0
19.24% - 29.24% 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.
Fair to Excellent (580-850)

The Citi Double Cash® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros

  • Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
  • Flexible redemption options
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • No bonus categories
  • 3% foreign transaction fees
  • Lack of premium travel benefits
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Citi Custom Cash® Card

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.

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
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.
Fair to Excellent (580-850)

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

Pros

  • 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
  • No annual fee
  • Multiple redemption options
  • No redemption minimums

Cons

  • Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
  • Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Card Categories

3. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Cards

Amex Membership Rewards is one of the most incredible rewards programs in the world. With the Amex transfer partners (including Choice Privileges) and so many ways to redeem Amex points for fantastic value, there’s a lot to love about Amex Membership Rewards. Plus, there are many ways to earn Amex points easily!

Although it doesn’t make sense to transfer Amex points to Choice Privileges at its 1:1 ratio, it can make sense if you’re just short of the required amount for a specific redemption.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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.

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

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
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)

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • 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.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

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.

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!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express® Gold Card

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!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
60,000 points
$1,320
$250
See Pay Over Time APR
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)

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

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

  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per $1 on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
  • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
  • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Business Owner? Check out our article on the best Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards.

4. Capital One Miles Credit Cards

Choice Privileges is also a 1:1 transfer partner with Capital One Miles.

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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.

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

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

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.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.99% (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.
Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

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

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees

 

Cons

  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

 

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
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.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
19.99% - 29.99% (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 Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounges each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • 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
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase – or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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.

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.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
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)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, the no-annual-fee version of the more popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Ability to use transfer partners
  • Access to Capital One Dining

Cons

  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Earning Points with Choice Privileges Activity

In this next section, we’ll touch on the top ways to earn points with direct activity on Choice Privileges quickly.

5. Choice Hotels Stays

Staying at Choice Hotels is an excellent way to rack up many points on travel you’re already taking. Be sure to pay with your Choice Privileges card to maximize your earnings! Image Credit: Choice Hotels

On base-level stays at Choice Hotels properties (including Radisson Hotels in the Americas), you will earn 10x points as long as you book an eligible rate.

Hot Tip: Choice has an alliance with Penn National Gaming, Inc., that offers reciprocal earning and redemption benefits for Choice Privileges members and Penn’s mychoice loyalty program members.

A few exceptions and distinctions must be made about which hotel rates aren’t eligible to earn points. The following Choice Hotels rates are also ineligible to earn points:

  • Rooms booked at rates below $40 per night
  • Certain hotel-initiated promotions
  • Reward night stays
  • Complimentary rooms
  • Points Plus Cash reservations
  • Rooms paid for as part of a convention or meeting
  • Rooms booked through a travel agent or third-party online retailer, including online travel agencies, wholesale packages, group tours, and stays booked using the employee discount or the friends, family, and associate account (except certain Egencia rate plans)

WoodSpring Suites aren’t eligible for points accrual at all.

In essence, you can only earn points if you make a reservation through Choice Privilege’s toll-free express reservation line (800-521-2121), the program website, mobile app, or directly with the hotel.

You may earn points for up to 4 rooms per night at the same hotel, but the rooms must be in your name, and the reservations must include your Choice Privileges member number. You will only receive elite status bonus points on 1 room per stay, and you must stay in one of the rooms with the rooms paid in full to earn the points.

Bottom Line: Overall, to ensure you’re not missing out on earning any points! But doing so will guarantee you earn at least 10x points on eligible rates.

6. Bluegreen Vacations

If you’re looking for vacation rental properties, check out the partnership with Bluegreen Vacations, which will help you earn lots of Choice Privileges points. Image Credit: Choice Privileges

Bluegreen Vacations is a vacation ownership and timeshare company based in Boca Raton, Florida. Bluegreen Vacations is the official vacation ownership partner of Choice Privileges.

There are currently more than 40 Bluegreen Vacations properties, all of which fall into the broader Ascend Hotel Collection brand, one of the most upscale brands in the portfolio.

While Bluegreen Vacations isn’t currently participating in the Choice Privileges program, you can earn Choice Privileges points by booking a special timeshare presentation stay.

These promotions are typically structured as a massively discounted hotel stay whereby you attend an approximately 2-hour sales presentation and tour of the property you’re booking.

Objectively speaking, this is an excellent deal — if you can sit through a persuasive sales pitch that lasts around 2 hours while you’re at the resort. There are a few criteria to qualify for these deals. You have to:

  • Have at least $50,000 in gross annual household income (income requirement may be waived if you’re 62 or older)
  • Have a minimum FICO credit score of 600
  • Have not filed for bankruptcy or been adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent within the last 7 years

When you book your stay, you’ll usually be able to choose an extra bonus — a prepaid gift card or Choice Privileges points. And you can often get as much as 50,000 Choice Privileges points on top of an excellent deal for a resort stay.

7. Choice Privileges Elite Status Bonuses

Choice Privileges, just like most other hotel brands, has elite status/membership tiers that come with a slew of benefits. And although it’d be easy to see the immense value from its elite tiers, we’ll focus on the elite point bonus.

SCROLL FOR MORE
BenefitsMemberGoldPlatinumDiamond 
Qualifying nights per calendar year0 to 910 to 1920 to 3940
Exclusive member rateXXXX
Your ExtrasXXXX
250 Bonus Points at Cambria HotelsXXXX
Theme park discountsXXXX
Elite point bonus 10%25%50%
Elite gift cards XXX
Early check-in and late checkout XXX
Elite reserved parking XXX
Rollover nights Up to 9 nightsUp to 19 nightsUp to 39 nights
Elite customer hotline XXX
Elite welcome gift XXX
Room Upgrades XXX
Status Match with PENN Play Rewards XXX
Avis Preferred Plus  XX
Guaranteed Room Availability   X
Complimentary Breakfast for you and a guest   X

Depending on your specific Choice Privileges status level, you will earn elite bonus points on your stays. Currently, the elite point bonus is broken down as follows:

  • Member (0 to 9 nights per calendar year): No bonus
  • Gold (10 to 19 nights per calendar year): 10% bonus
  • Platinum (20 to 39 nights per calendar year): 25% bonus
  • Diamond (40+ nights per calendar year): 50% bonus

As you can see, achieving top-tier Choice Privileges Diamond status is a bit easier than other hotel brands — it only requires 40 nights!

You’ll receive a sweet 50% bonus on your points earnings if you can swing that. That means you can earn up to 15x points on Choice Hotels stays.

8. Choice Privileges for Business Meetings and Events

When traveling with Choice Hotels, you can earn a ton of points by utilizing event-ready spaces at select U.S. and Canada properties for your meetings or events via the Choice Privileges Planner Rewards program.

You will earn 3x points on eligible charges, including meeting space, guest rooms, and food and beverages, with no minimum spend requirement!

You can earn a maximum of 150,000 Choice Privileges points through this program, which equates to a maximum of $50,000 in spending as a meeting planner.

“Qualifying Events” are at least 10 rooms on a single night reserved by the meeting planner. Whether booking a wedding, sports travel, or corporate travel, you’ll rest assured that your transactions will earn Choice Privileges points.

You’ll also have the convenience of using the Choice Hotels Group Management Platform, which allows you to easily manage, edit, and review reservations in 1 place when you book 10+ rooms.

Hot Tip: Wait to book your next big event until you see what kind of bonus points you could be earning at major hotels worldwide! We’ll show you how to maximize your earnings in our article on how to earn points and status by holding business events.

9. Choice Privileges Car Rental Partners

Choice Privileges has exclusive partnerships with car rental companies. And while the list may grow or shrink from time to time, its main car rental partners are Avis and Budget.

When you book your Avis or Budget car rental, you have the potential to enjoy 2 unique benefits:

  1. A discount off of your base rate (up to 35% off)
  2. The ability to earn Choice Privileges points on your rental (up to 1,000 points)

To book your car rental with Avis, you will need to enter offer code O418908 to receive the discount.

To book your car rental with Budget, you will need to enter the offer code T134904 to receive the discount.

10. Choice Privilege Cruises

Booking cruises through Choice Privileges Cruises is a great way to earn lots of points. Image Credit: Choice Privileges

Choice Privileges Cruises is a partnership with Cruise411, where you can book cruises directly and earn Choice Privileges points. You can book cruises with the following partners:

You’ll earn 5x Choice Privileges points on Choice Privilege Cruises, plus any other available deals like cruise credits, discounts, and more.

Hot Tip: Earning points is great, but make sure you’re getting the best deal! We detail the best websites to book cruises at the cheapest prices.

Earn Points With Special Offers

11. Golf by Choice

If you’re into golf, Choice Privileges has a program called Golf by Choice that’ll help you earn points on golf-related expenditures. Image Credit: Choice Privileges

Golf by Choice is a unique program set up by Choice Privileges to use and earn Choice Privileges points for golf-related activities. There are 3 main areas where you can earn Choice Privileges points:

  1. Shopping for golf equipment and apparel
  2. Booking tee times
  3. Using golf apps

To find the Golf by Choice shop, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Golf by Choice website
  2. Click the orange button that says Sign In
  3. Enter your Choice Privileges login information
  4. You’ll be redirected to the Golf by Choice catalog, where you can shop for golf merchandise

You can buy anything from golf clubs to shoes and even apparel. You’ll earn 4x points with every Golf by Choice purchase. Choice Privileges elites earn up to 20% more, and closeout items earn 6x points.

You can also earn Choice Privileges points by booking tee times. To do this, you’ll want to follow the steps above to shop for golf merchandise, then:

  1. Scroll down to the GolfNow section
  2. Click the button that says Reserve Now
  3. Book tee times as you wish

When you book tee times at various courses around the world, you can earn 4x points.

All golf-related points will be posted within 45 days of your purchase.

12. Join Vinesse’s American Cellars Wine Club

When you join Vinesse’s subscription club, the American Cellars Wine Club, you can earn 1,000 Choice Privileges points with your first shipment.

After that, you can earn 7x points on subsequent shipments!

Other Ways To Earn Choice Privileges Points

There are a couple of miscellaneous ways to earn Choice Privileges points:

13. Refer a Friend to Choice Privileges

By referring your friends to Choice Privileges, you can earn 500 points after they complete their first points-eligible stay. Plus, they will earn 500 points after their first points-eligible stay is completed, too!

14. Buy or Gift Points

The last way to earn Choice Privileges points is to buy them! You can buy or gift up to 250,000 points before any bonuses. The purchase price is anywhere from 0.99 cents per point to 1.21 cents per point.

If you buy 1,000 to 4,000 points, you will pay 1.21 cents per point. If you buy 5,000 to 9,000 points, you will pay 1.1 cents per point. If you buy 10,000 to 180,000 points, you will pay 0.99 cents per point.

Also, Choice Privileges has, in the past, offered a bonus of up to 50% when purchasing points, so you’ll want to wait for one of these promotions because this can reduce your price to as little as 0.73 cents per point!

We generally don’t recommend buying points, but it can be worth it if you need to top up your balance for a redemption.

Final Thoughts

There are tons of ways to earn Choice Privileges points. From spending on the co-branded Choice Privileges card to booking stays at Choice Hotels and even downloading golf apps, there are many unique ways to rack up a respectable balance of Choice Privileges points.

We hope that this guide is useful to show you some of the more out-of-the-box ways to earn Choice Privileges points. Happy earning!

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.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Choice Hotels

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Choice Privileges reward program?

Choice Privileges is the name of the loyalty program under Choice Hotels. The points you can earn and redeem are known as Choice Privileges points, Choice Privileges points, or even Choice Privileges Rewards points.

How do I get Choice Privileges points?

There are many ways to get Choice Privileges points! You can book paid stays with participating Choice Hotels, make purchases on the Choice Privileges credit cards, or even transfer points from Citi ThankYou Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, or Capital One Miles!

What are Choice Privilege points worth?

Choice Privileges points are worth around 0.6 cents per point, according to our points valuations, but you can often get better value by redeeming them cleverly!

How many points do you need for a free night at Choice Hotels?

You can redeem as few as 8,000 Choice Privileges points for a reward night at Choice Hotels.

Do Choice Privileges points expire?

Yes, they do. Points are valid for 18 months and can be extended with qualifying earning and redemption activity.

Alternatively, you can make a transaction on your Choice Privileges card to reset the expiration timer.

How do I transfer my Choice Privileges points?

How many points do you earn per night at Choice Hotels?

You will earn 10x points as a base member with Choice Privileges on Choice Hotels stays. This number increases when you have elite status or use your Choice Privileges credit card.

Which Choice Hotels brand is the best?

There are many excellent Choice Hotels brands! The most upscale brands are the Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, and Radisson.

About Stephen Au

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