Choice Privileges® Mastercard®: Travel Rewards Made Simple

Turn everyday spending into hotel stays—faster and easier.

The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is designed for travelers who want to earn hotel rewards without paying an annual fee or dealing with complicated rules. Instead of limiting rewards to travel-only purchases, this card allows everyday spending to contribute directly toward future hotel stays, making it practical for both frequent and occasional travelers.

By combining a strong welcome offer, ongoing bonus categories, and automatic elite status, this card creates a balanced travel rewards experience. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or building points over time for a longer trip, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® provides a clear and accessible path to meaningful hotel rewards.

Rewards and Benefits: Full Breakdown

The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® offers a structured rewards system that allows cardholders to earn points quickly through both travel and everyday purchases. These points can be redeemed for free nights at participating Choice Hotels locations worldwide.

Welcome Bonus

New cardmembers can earn a generous welcome bonus in points after meeting a required spending threshold within the first few months of account opening. This initial bonus can be sufficient for multiple reward nights, giving immediate value early in the cardholder experience.

Ongoing Points Earnings

Once the welcome bonus is earned, cardholders continue to accumulate points through regular spending.

Hotel Stays

Earn 5X points on eligible purchases made at participating Choice Hotels® properties. This accelerated earning rate makes hotel stays the fastest way to grow your points balance and reach free night redemptions sooner. In addition, eligible purchases of Choice Privileges® points also qualify for elevated earning, helping you maximize value within the loyalty program.

Everyday Bonus Categories

Earn 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on eligible phone plan services. These categories are designed to reward essential, recurring expenses, allowing everyday spending to consistently contribute toward future hotel stays.

All Other Purchases

Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases. Even when spending outside bonus categories, every transaction continues to add value by building your Choice Privileges® points balance over time.

Elite Status Benefits

Cardholders receive automatic Gold Elite status in the Choice Privileges loyalty program. This status level provides enhanced value during hotel stays and may include bonus points on qualifying stays and recognition benefits that improve the overall travel experience.

Added Card Protections and Features

The card also includes practical benefits that add security and convenience:

• Cell phone protection when the monthly phone bill is paid with the card, subject to terms and conditions
• No foreign transaction fees, making the card suitable for international travel
• World Elite Mastercard® benefits, which may include travel assistance services, enhanced security features, and lifestyle perks

Together, these benefits make the card useful beyond just earning hotel points.

How It Compares to Other Travel Rewards Cards

When compared to other travel-focused credit cards, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® stands out for its simplicity and accessibility.

Feature	Choice Privileges® Mastercard®	Marriott Bonvoy Bold®	Hilton Honors® Card
Annual Fee	$0	$0	$0
Primary Rewards	Hotel loyalty points	Hotel loyalty points	Hotel loyalty points
Everyday Bonus Categories	Yes, on essential spending	Limited	Limited
Elite Status Included	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hotel Network Style	Broad, budget to mid-scale	Mid to upper-scale	Broad, lifestyle to premium
Airline Benefits	Limited	Limited	Limited
Ease of Use	Simple and practical	Simple	Simple
Best For	Frequent Choice Hotels guests	Marriott loyalists	Hilton loyalists

While some travel cards offer airline perks or luxury travel credits, they often come with annual fees and complex reward structures. The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® focuses instead on hotel rewards, everyday usability, and straightforward value.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Approval for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® generally depends on:

• A solid credit history
• Stable income and ability to repay
• Accurate personal and financial information provided during application
• Issuer-specific approval criteria

Applicants with established credit profiles are more likely to be approved.

How to Apply

Applying for the card is simple and can be completed online:

1. Visit the official application page for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard®.
2. Complete the application with your personal and financial details.
3. Submit the application for review.
4. Receive a decision, often quickly after submission.
5. Upon approval, activate your card and link it to your Choice Privileges account.

Once activated, you can immediately begin earning points on eligible purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can Choice Privileges points be used for?

Points can be redeemed for free nights and other eligible rewards at participating Choice Hotels locations.

2. Do points expire?

Points generally remain active as long as your loyalty account is in good standing and shows qualifying activity.

3. Is there an annual fee?

No. The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® has no annual fee.

4. Does the card charge foreign transaction fees?

No. Purchases made outside the United States do not incur foreign transaction fees.

5. Is this card suitable for occasional travelers?

Yes. Because it earns points on everyday purchases and has no annual fee, it works well for both frequent and occasional hotel guests.

Conclusion: A Straightforward Path to Hotel Rewards

The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® offers a practical approach to travel rewards by focusing on hotel stays, everyday earning, and long-term usability. With a strong welcome bonus, automatic elite status, and points earned on both travel and routine purchases, it allows cardholders to build meaningful rewards without added complexity.

For travelers who value hotel flexibility, simplicity, and no annual fee, this card delivers a well-balanced solution. Whether you are planning your next trip or simply earning points over time, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® helps turn everyday spending into memorable stays—without unnecessary friction.