AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.
The Choice Privileges program became a little less valuable today — or whenever it began ignoring its stated points cap on award nights. As first caught by The Points Guy, Choice seems to have devalued its program without notice. Consequently, prices for a free night have already begun creeping upwards.
Here's what you need to know about the Choice Privileges devaluation — and why this one stings a little more than most.
Choice Privileges Increases Maximum Free Night Cost
We'll be the first to admit that the Choice Privileges program isn't the flashiest hotel loyalty program. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing, given that Choice Privileges routinely punches above its weight in terms of value.
Favorable 1:2 transfer ratios from Citi and Wells Fargo Rewards improve the program's value proposition, too. It's not very often you can book a night in the middle of Tokyo, Japan, for just 4,000 credit card points. With Choice Privileges, you still can.
At least for now.
Choice Privileges doesn't publish an award chart. Instead, the terms and conditions list a range of possible award pricing: 6,000 to 35,000 points — except at some Asian Pacific and all-inclusive properties where rates can soar as high as 100,000 points.
However, this cap no longer seems to be in effect. Some properties that previously priced at the max 35,000 points are now pricing at 45,000 points per night. At others, it's worse. And with the points ceiling broken, who knows how much higher rates will be the next time you search for a property.
Final Thoughts
Yes, we're sad about it. Choice Privileges devalued its program by tinkering with the upper end of its points pricing range. As a result of these changes, free nights have instantly started requiring more points. And it's not a surprise. Without the cap of 35,000 points per night, why wouldn't awards cost more? It's a disappointing blow, and the lack of notice doesn't make it any easier to digest.
