In the realm of travel rewards, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® emerges as a standout option for savvy travelers seeking flexibility, value, and convenience. Offering a substantial 40,000 bonus points after an initial $1,000 spend in the first 3 months, this card opens doors to up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties.

Frequent travelers will appreciate the streamlined earning potential of up to 16X total points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties, backed by an automatic Gold Elite Status that includes perks like bonus points and elite night credits. With benefits extending to no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive cell phone protection, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® caters to both the seasoned explorer and the occasional getaway seeker, promising rewards and peace of mind with every swipe.

Key information about the Choice Privileges Mastercard card

The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is designed to elevate travel experiences with its robust rewards program and valuable perks. Cardholders can earn 40,000 bonus points by spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, translating into up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties.

With no annual fee, the card offers up to 16X total points on stays at Choice Hotels®, including 5X points from the card and additional bonuses for loyalty program members. Other benefits include automatic Gold Elite Status, no foreign transaction fees, and up to $800 in cell phone protection, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking both rewards and practical benefits.

How does the annual fee work?

The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® stands out with its $0 annual fee, which means cardholders are not required to pay any annual charges for maintaining the card. This feature makes the card particularly attractive as it eliminates the ongoing cost typically associated with many credit cards.

Without an annual fee, cardholders can enjoy the benefits of the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® without worrying about additional financial commitments, enhancing its value proposition for both occasional and frequent travelers alike.

How is the credit limit determined?

The credit limit for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is determined by the issuing bank based on several factors, primarily the applicant’s creditworthiness and financial history. For conventional credit cards like the Choice Privileges® Mastercard®, banks typically assess factors such as credit score, income level, existing debts, and payment history. These factors help the bank gauge the applicant’s ability to manage credit responsibly and determine an appropriate credit limit that reflects the perceived risk.

Credit card benefits 

• No annual fee: The card has no annual fee, allowing cardholders to enjoy its benefits without recurring costs.
• Generous sign-up bonus: Offers 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties.
• Automatic Elite status: Automatically receive Gold Elite status, providing 10 elite night credits each calendar year, with benefits such as extra points on qualifying stays.
• Cell phone protection: Coverage up to $800 against damage or theft of your cell phone when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
• Earn points on everyday purchases: Earn up to 16X total points on stays at Choice Hotels®, including 5X points from the card and additional points as a Choice Privileges® member.
• No foreign transaction fees: Enjoy purchases abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees, making it a convenient option for international travelers.

Automatic Gold Elite status

A standout advantage of the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is its Automatic Gold Elite Status. This feature elevates the cardholder’s experience by providing 10 elite night credits each calendar year, qualifying them for enhanced benefits such as room upgrades, priority customer service, and bonus points on stays. Gold Elite status not only enhances the travel experience but also rewards loyalty, making it a significant perk for frequent travelers who value added amenities and recognition during their hotel stays.

Disadvantages

• Redemption limitations: Point redemption options are primarily limited to Choice Hotels® properties, restricting flexibility for those who prefer a wider range of redemption choices.
• Foreign transaction fees: While there is no foreign currency conversion fee, there may be foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States, potentially increasing costs for international travelers.
• Eligibility requirements: Access to the card may be restricted by credit and income requirements, potentially excluding applicants with limited credit history or lower income verification capability.

Limitation on redemption options

A standout disadvantage of the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is its limitation on redemption options. The card primarily allows points to be redeemed at Choice Hotels® properties, which may not offer the variety of locations or types of rewards that some travelers prefer. This restriction can limit the flexibility and appeal of the card for those seeking diverse travel or reward options beyond the Choice Hotels® network.

Who can apply for this card?

To apply for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard®, applicants typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a minimum income that meets issuer requirements, and possess a good to excellent credit history. Residence in the issuing country is usually required, and applicants must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to manage credit responsibly. Other considerations may include providing proof of income and meeting specific eligibility criteria set by the issuing bank.

How to apply for the Choice Privileges Mastercard card

Via WebSite

To apply for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® through the website, the process typically follows a clear and accessible set of steps. First, prospective applicants need to visit the official website of Choice Hotels International or the partnering financial institution that issues the card. There is usually a dedicated section specifically for credit cards where details about the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® are listed, including information about its benefits, fees, and terms.

Once applicants have reviewed the card details and decided to proceed with the application, they will typically find a clearly marked button or link to “Apply Now” or “Apply Online”. Clicking on this link will usually direct them to an online application form. The form will require applicants to enter personal information such as their full name, contact details, date of birth, Social Security number or equivalent identification number, and residential address.

Once the application form is completed and submitted, the financial institution will typically perform a credit check to assess the applicant’s creditworthiness. This process involves evaluating the applicant’s credit history, income level, and other relevant financial factors to determine whether to approve the application and, if approved, what credit limit to assign.

If the application is approved, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® will be issued and sent to the applicant’s mailing address. Upon receiving the card, applicants can activate it as instructed and begin enjoying its benefits, including earning points on purchases, accessing elite status perks, and utilizing additional cardholder benefits like cell phone protection and no foreign transaction fees.