
The Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® was created for travelers who want to go beyond basic hotel rewards and unlock a more premium experience within the Choice Hotels ecosystem. This card builds on everyday usability while adding stronger earning power, elite benefits, and travel-focused value that frequent hotel guests truly appreciate.
By combining accelerated points earning, anniversary rewards, elite status, and valuable travel protections, this card delivers a well-rounded solution for travelers who want meaningful hotel benefits without unnecessary complexity. If hotel stays are a regular part of your travel plans, this card is designed to maximize every trip—and even the spending you do between them.
Benefits and Rewards: Full Breakdown
The Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® offers a robust rewards structure that allows cardholders to earn points quickly and redeem them for free nights and other hotel-related rewards across the Choice Hotels portfolio.
Welcome Bonus
New cardmembers can earn a large welcome bonus in Choice Privileges® points after meeting a qualifying spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. This bonus alone can be enough for multiple reward nights, making it easy to experience value early in your card membership.
Accelerated Points on Hotel Stays
- Earn 10X points on eligible purchases made at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
This elevated earning rate makes hotel stays the fastest way to build your points balance, helping you reach free nights sooner while maximizing the value of every booking.
Bonus Points on Everyday Spending
- Earn 5X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on eligible phone plan services.
These everyday categories allow routine expenses to consistently contribute toward future hotel stays, even when you’re not traveling.
Points on All Other Purchases
- Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
This ensures that every transaction—no matter the category—adds value and helps grow your Choice Privileges® points balance over time.
Anniversary Bonus Points
Each year, cardholders receive a generous anniversary bonus in points, simply for keeping the card open and in good standing. This recurring benefit significantly enhances long-term value and helps offset the annual fee for travelers who use the card regularly.
Elite Status Included
The card includes automatic Platinum Elite status within the Choice Privileges® loyalty program. This status level enhances hotel stays by offering benefits such as bonus points on eligible stays and additional recognition during check-in, making each stay more rewarding.
Rates, Fees, and Key Costs
Below is a clear and objective overview of the primary costs associated with the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®.
| Fee or Rate | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Purchase APR | Variable APR after any introductory period |
| Balance Transfer APR | Variable APR after any introductory period |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Late Payment Fee | Standard fee applies |
| Returned Payment Fee | Standard fee applies |
While this card does carry an annual fee, the combination of elevated earning rates, anniversary bonus points, and elite status can deliver strong net value for frequent hotel guests.
Travel Protections, Assistances, and Insurance
Beyond rewards, the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® includes several protections and assistances that add peace of mind during travel and everyday use.
- Cell Phone Protection
When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card, you may be eligible for protection against damage or theft, subject to coverage limits and terms.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Coverage
Receive coverage for eligible rental vehicles when you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and pay for the rental with your card.
- Travel Accident Insurance
The card includes travel accident insurance for covered travel purchased with the card, providing additional protection while traveling.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
You can use the card internationally without paying extra fees on purchases made outside the United States—making it a strong option for overseas hotel stays.
- World Elite Mastercard® Benefits
As a World Elite Mastercard®, the card also provides access to additional lifestyle and travel-related services, such as concierge assistance and exclusive offers.
Eligibility and How to Apply
Who Is Eligible?
Approval for the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® generally depends on:
- A good to excellent credit profile
- Stable income and ability to repay
- Accurate personal and financial information
- Issuer-specific underwriting criteria
This card is best suited for applicants with established credit histories.
How to Apply
Applying for the card is simple and can be completed online:
- Visit the official application page for the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard®.
- Complete the application with your personal and financial details.
- Submit the application for review.
- Receive a decision, often within minutes.
- Upon approval, activate your card and link it to your Choice Privileges® account.
Once activated, you can immediately begin earning points on eligible purchases and hotel stays.
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 worldwide.
2. Does this card include elite status?
Yes. Cardholders receive automatic Platinum Elite status within the Choice Privileges® loyalty program.
3. Is there an anniversary bonus?
Yes. Each year, cardholders receive bonus points simply for maintaining the card.
4. Are there foreign transaction fees?
No. Purchases made outside the United States do not incur foreign transaction fees.
5. Is this card worth the annual fee?
For travelers who stay at Choice Hotels regularly, the elevated earning rates, elite status, and anniversary bonus points can easily outweigh the annual fee.
Conclusion: A Premium Choice for Hotel-Focused Travelers
The Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® is designed for travelers who want more than basic hotel rewards. With high points earning on hotel stays, strong everyday bonus categories, automatic elite status, and valuable annual bonus points, this card offers a powerful rewards structure tailored to frequent hotel guests.
While it carries an annual fee, the benefits are clearly aligned with travelers who actively use hotel rewards and want consistent, long-term value. If Choice Hotels are a regular part of your travel routine, this card delivers an elevated experience that turns both travel and everyday spending into meaningful rewards.
For those seeking stronger hotel perks, better earning potential, and reliable travel protections, the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® stands out as a smart and rewarding choice.
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