{"id":157300,"date":"2025-04-24T20:10:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T20:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=157300"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:13:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:13:22","slug":"choice-privileges-credit-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/choice-privileges\/choice-privileges-credit-card\/","title":{"rendered":"Choice Privileges\u00ae Mastercard\u00ae Credit Card Review: Earn Hotel Points and Pay No Annual Fee"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>  (<a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/choice\/terms\/?FPID=0124CEIXP10LTO&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=CP&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=LS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>) is one of two co-branded credit cards issued by Wells Fargo that earn Choice points. Choice Privileges is the loyalty program for a range of budget-friendly hotel brands, including Clarion, Sleep Inn, Cambria, WoodSpring Suites, and Rodeway Inn \u2014 names familiar to frequent road trippers.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"62\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"http:\/\/merchant.linksynergy.com\/fs\/banners\/40602\/40602_45.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Choice Privileges\u00ae Mastercard\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\">On Wells Fargo's website<br><a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/choice\/terms\/?FPID=0124CEIXP10LTO&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=CP&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=LS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties. Additional fees may apply.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties. Additional fees may apply.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$0<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Earn 5x points on Choice Hotels stays, 3x at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on phone plan services, plus 1x on other purchases. Enjoy 10 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying for at least Gold level status, $800 cell phone protection (with a $25 deductible), no foreign transaction fees, and a $0 annual fee\u2014perfect for Choice Hotels enthusiasts.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>5x points on stays at participating Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>3x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services<\/li>\r\n<li>1x points on other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/ChoiceMC\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-14500d029a#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n<p>While travelers historically associate Choice with budget travel, Choice's upscale portfolio has improved with the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/hotels\/choice-privileges-radisson-rewards-merger\/\" rel=\"noopener\">acquisition of Radisson Hotels<\/a>, growth of Cambria Hotels, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/choice-privileges\/book-choice-preferred-hotels\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Preferred Hotels partnership<\/a>, and upscale hotels in the Nordics. Choice points can go a long way, and the Choice Privileges Mastercard makes it easy to earn a stash you can put toward great redemptions.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s everything you need to know about this card to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your wallet.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Pros\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Pros<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Cons\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Cons<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Welcome_Offer\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Welcome Offer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Benefits\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Benefits<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Complimentary_Choice_Gold_elite_status\">Complimentary Choice Gold elite status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Cell_phone_protection\">Cell phone protection<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#No_foreign_transaction_fees\">No foreign transaction fees<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Secondary_rental_car_insurance\">Secondary rental car insurance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Trip_cancellation_and_interruption_insurance\">Trip cancellation and interruption insurance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Lost_luggage_reimbursement\">Lost luggage reimbursement<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Travel_accident_insurance\">Travel accident insurance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Access_to_Preferred_Hotels_Resorts\">Access to Preferred Hotels & Resorts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Earning_Rates\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Earning Rates<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Redeeming_Points_with_the_Choice_Privileges_Mastercard\">Redeeming Points with the Choice Privileges Mastercard<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Stays_at_Choice_Hotels\">Stays at Choice Hotels<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Preferred_Hotels_Resorts_hotels\">Preferred Hotels & Resorts hotels<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Choice_Privileges_Experiences\">Choice Privileges Experiences<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Gift_cards_merchandise_and_other_redemption_options\">Gift cards, merchandise, and other redemption options<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Application_Restrictions\">Application Restrictions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Cards_That_Compete_With_the_Choice_Privileges_Mastercard\">Cards That Compete With the Choice Privileges Mastercard<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Pros\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Pros<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Complimentary Gold elite status with Choice Privileges<\/li>\n<li>10 elite night credits each calendar year<\/li>\n<li>No annual fee<\/li>\n<li>No foreign transaction fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Cons\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Limited bonus categories<\/li>\n<li>Fewer high-end hotel redemptions than other hotel programs<\/li>\n<li>No introductory APR offers on purchases or balance transfers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Welcome_Offer\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Welcome Offer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Choice Privileges Mastercard<\/a> currently comes with a solid welcome bonus, especially for a no-annual-fee card. New applicants can earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.<\/p>\n<p>What are those points actually worth? On average, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/point-mile-values\/Choice\" rel=\"noopener\">AwardWallet users redeem Choice Privileges points for 1.25\u00a2 each<\/a>\u2014though the value can vary significantly depending on the Choice Hotel brand you book.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-card-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Best Rewards Credit Card Offers for This Month<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Benefits\"><strong>Choice Privileges Mastercard <\/strong>Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Beyond the welcome bonus, the <a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Choice Privileges Mastercard<\/a> comes with a solid set of perks for a no-annual-fee card. And they make the card worth keeping past year one.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Complimentary_Choice_Gold_elite_status\">Complimentary Choice Gold elite status<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Gold is the entry-level elite tier in the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/choice-privileges\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Choice Privileges program<\/a>. It\u2019s not packed with perks, but you will get 10% bonus points on paid stays, plus practical benefits like early check-in, late checkout, and an elite welcome gift.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also receive a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pennentertainment.com\/partners\/choice-hotels\" rel=\"noopener\">status match to PENN Play Rewards\u2019 Advantage level<\/a>, which grants perks at over 20 casino hotels across the U.S.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_77771\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-77771 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/choice-hotels-comfort-inn-suites-featured.png\" alt=\"a Comfort Inn & Suites hotel with logo above the entrance\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/choice-hotels-comfort-inn-suites-featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/choice-hotels-comfort-inn-suites-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/choice-hotels-comfort-inn-suites-featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Choice Hotels<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Cell_phone_protection\">Cell phone protection<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Like other Wells Fargo cards, the Choice Privileges Mastercard includes built-in cell phone protection. If you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card, you\u2019ll be covered for damage, theft, or accidental loss \u2014 up to $800 per claim, with a $25 deductible. You\u2019re limited to two claims per 12-month period.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-credit-cards-with-cell-phone-protection\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Get Free Cell Phone Insurance With Credit Cards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"No_foreign_transaction_fees\">No foreign transaction fees<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/no-foreign-transaction-fee\/\" rel=\"noopener\">no foreign transaction fees<\/a> when using the card abroad. This benefit is especially useful if you\u2019re planning to use your card at Choice Hotels outside of the United States.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Secondary_rental_car_insurance\">Secondary rental car insurance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you rent a car for 15 consecutive days or less and it\u2019s damaged or stolen, this benefit provides up to $50,000 in secondary coverage after your primary insurance kicks in.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Trip_cancellation_and_interruption_insurance\">Trip cancellation and interruption insurance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason and you paid with your Choice Privileges Mastercard, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Coverage is capped at $5,000 per trip and $20,000 per year. Be sure to review <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/choice\/guide-to-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener\">your card's Guide to Benefits<\/a> for the full terms for exclusions and eligible scenarios.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Lost_luggage_reimbursement\">Lost luggage reimbursement<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If your bags are lost while traveling on a common carrier, you\u2019re covered for up to $3,000 in losses per trip (or $2,000 if you're a New York resident). Exclusions apply, especially for high-value items like jewelry, but this can still come in handy when your luggage doesn\u2019t arrive when it's supposed to.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Travel_accident_insurance\">Travel accident insurance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This card also includes up to $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance when traveling on a common carrier. It\u2019s the kind of benefit you hope never to need, but it covers serious injury or death while traveling, and it\u2019s good to have just in case.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Access_to_Preferred_Hotels_Resorts\">Access to Preferred Hotels & Resorts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Choice is mainly known for budget-friendly brands, but through its partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, you\u2019ll also have access to a range of upscale independent hotels. Preferred Hotels & Resorts includes over 650 properties across 80+ countries. Not all properties participate in the partnership, but many do.<\/p>\n<p>You can <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/choice-privileges\/book-choice-preferred-hotels\/\" rel=\"noopener\">book eligible Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties online<\/a> with your Choice Privileges points. If you\u2019re aiming to book an aspirational stay, this is one of the most compelling ways to use Choice points.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_137393\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-137393 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/I-Prefer-Promotion-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"a hotel room at a Preferred Hotels corner room with large windows\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/I-Prefer-Promotion-Feature.jpg 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/I-Prefer-Promotion-Feature-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/I-Prefer-Promotion-Feature-325x260.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Preferred Hotels<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Choice_Privileges_Mastercard_Earning_Rates\">Choice Privileges Mastercard Earning Rates<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Everyday purchases earn Choice Privileges points at the following rates:<\/p>\n<p><ul>\r\n<li>5x points on stays at participating Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>3x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services<\/li>\r\n<li>1x points on other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/p>\n<p>You'll get the most value when using the Choice Privileges Mastercard for stays at Choice Hotels. If you're someone who regularly redeems Choice points for great value, there\u2019s also potential value in using the card for gas, grocery, and phone plan services.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-cards-for-bonus-spending-categories\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Best Rewards Credit Cards for Each Spending Category<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Redeeming_Points_with_the_Choice_Privileges_Mastercard\"><strong>Redeeming Points with the Choice Privileges Mastercard<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at how you can use the Choice Privileges points you earn with the Choice Privileges Mastercard.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Stays_at_Choice_Hotels\">Stays at Choice Hotels<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most straightforward way to redeem Choice points is for award nights at Choice Hotels. Redemption rates vary by property, but standard reward nights start at 8,000 points. This means the welcome bonus from the Choice Privileges Mastercard could cover up to seven free nights \u2014 or more if you take advantage of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/choice-privileges\/program-changes\/\" rel=\"noopener\">RewardSaver award nights<\/a> or <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/choice-privileges\/sweet-spot-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Choice Sweet Spot Rewards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_159020\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/459\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-159020 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Choice-Privileges-The-Federal-Pointe-Inn-Gettysburg-Ascend-Hotel-Collection-featured-300x230.jpeg\" alt=\"Looking at the front of The Federal Pointe Inn Gettysburg, Ascend Hotel Collection\" width=\"600\" height=\"459\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Choice-Privileges-The-Federal-Pointe-Inn-Gettysburg-Ascend-Hotel-Collection-featured-300x230.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Choice-Privileges-The-Federal-Pointe-Inn-Gettysburg-Ascend-Hotel-Collection-featured-768x588.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Choice-Privileges-The-Federal-Pointe-Inn-Gettysburg-Ascend-Hotel-Collection-featured.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>The Federal Pointe Inn Gettysburg, Ascend Hotel Collection. Credit: Choice Hotels<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Preferred_Hotels_Resorts_hotels\">Preferred Hotels & Resorts hotels<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you're after something a bit more upscale, you can also use Choice points for stays at properties in the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio. This partnership gives you access to hundreds of hotels worldwide, including luxury options like the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, the Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles, and the Hotel New Otani Tokyo.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Choice_Privileges_Experiences\">Choice Privileges Experiences<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Choice also allows you to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/choice-privileges\/experiences\/\" rel=\"noopener\">redeem points for live experiences<\/a>, including access to sporting events like football and basketball games. Not every redemption will provide the best redemption rate, but some experiences cannot be paid for out of pocket \u2014 and in that case, they can deliver great value.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Gift_cards_merchandise_and_other_redemption_options\">Gift cards, merchandise, and other redemption options<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can also redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, or charitable donations, but these redemptions usually offer poor value. These are generally best saved as a last resort if your points are about to expire or you have no travel plans with Choice on the horizon.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/choice-privileges\/do-choice-hotel-points-expire\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Do Choice Privileges Points Expire?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Application_Restrictions\">Application Restrictions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As a card issued by Wells Fargo, the <a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Choice Privileges Mastercard<\/a> is subject to the bank's <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/rewards-card-application-rules\/\" rel=\"noopener\">credit card application restrictions<\/a>. Anecdotally, Wells Fargo takes into account the total number of cards you have open, as well as how frequently you have applied for new cards.<\/p>\n<p>You may also not receive the bonus on this card if you currently have or have had the card, or if you received a bonus on it within the past 15 months. From the offer terms:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;If you opened a Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or a Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Select Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> within the last 15 months, you may not be eligible for an introductory bonus rewards offer.&#8221;<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Moreover, Wells Fargo is unlikely to approve you for more than one card every six months.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/long-term-credit-card-strategy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Plan a Long-Term Credit Card Strategy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Cards_That_Compete_With_the_Choice_Privileges_Mastercard\">Cards That Compete With the Choice Privileges Mastercard<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If this isn't the right card for your wallet, here are some other options to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>If you want more points and benefits with Choice Privileges<\/strong>, look into the <a data-ccid=\"49\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/choice-privileges\/choice-privileges-select-credit-card\/\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Select Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/choice-select\/terms\/?FPID=0123CBIXP10000&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=CE&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=LS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>). It features a solid welcome offer and additional perks, but comes with a $95 annual fee. You'll earn 10X at Choice Hotels, get 30,000 bonus points on each account anniversary, and receive automatic Platinum elite status. This card also offers up to $120 as a statement credit against your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee once every four years.<\/li>\n<li><b>If you want a Wells Fargo card with points you can use at Choice and other programs, <\/b>check out the <a data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo-rewards\/autograph-journey\/\">Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/autograph-journey-visa\/terms\/?FPID=0127E1I0P10000&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=MT&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=IM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>). You won't get any elite status with Choice Privileges, but you can convert points from Wells Fargo to Choice at a 1:2 ratio. The card offers up to $50 in annual credits for airline spending, earns 5X points with hotels, 4X points with airlines, and 3X points on other travel. For more details, check out <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo-rewards\/autograph-journey\/\" rel=\"noopener\">our Wells Fargo Autograph Journey review<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If you aren't eligible for a Wells Fargo card but want Choice Privileges points<\/strong>, consider the <a data-ccid=\"3006151\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-card\/\">Capital One Venture<\/a> card. The card earns Capital One miles that can be used with 22 airline and hotel programs, including the ability to move points to Choice at a 1:1 ratio. This card is one of our favorite options for everyday spending, as it earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. See our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">full Capital One Venture review<\/a> to learn more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-capital-one\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/merchant.linksynergy.com\/fs\/banners\/40602\/40602_47.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Choice Privileges\u00ae Select Mastercard\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Select Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties. Additional fees may apply.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"49\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesSelectMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$95<span class=\"compare-terms\">On Wells Fargo's website<br><a data-ccid=\"49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/choice-select\/terms\/?FPID=0123CBIXP10000&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=CE&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=LS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>10x points on stays at participating Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>5x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on phone plan services<\/li>\r\n<li>1x points on other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/CardArt-WellsFargoAutographJourneyCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months \u2013 that\u2019s $600 toward your next trip.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Wells Fargo Autograph Journey\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-WellsFargoAutographJourneyVisaCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$95<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/autograph-journey-visa\/terms\/?FPID=0127E1I0P10000&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=MT&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=IM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent\/Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X points per $1 spent with hotels<\/li>\r\n<li>4X points per $1 spent with airlines<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points per $1 spent on other travel and restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>1X points per $1 spent on other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/dfed8cb4-d376-4c8b-aed4-1997afa3d66a.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card\" class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. <\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a data-ccid=\"3006151\" class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card' href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-COV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$95<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>5X miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment <\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per dollar on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/hotels\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Best Hotel Credit Cards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you regularly stay at any of the Choice Hotels brands or are planning a trip to the Nordics or Japan (both of which offer excellent uses of Choice points), the <a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> is worth considering &#8212; especially as the card offers automatic Gold elite status and charges no annual fee. The welcome bonus isn\u2019t massive, but it can still cover several free nights depending on where you redeem. And that's pretty valuable if you want to save on upcoming travel.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"62\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"http:\/\/merchant.linksynergy.com\/fs\/banners\/40602\/40602_45.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Choice Privileges\u00ae Mastercard\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ChoicePrivilegesMastercard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\">On Wells Fargo's website<br><a data-ccid=\"62\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsfargo.com\/credit-cards\/choice\/terms\/?FPID=0124CEIXP10LTO&product_code=CC&subproduct_code=CP&sub_channel=AFF&vendor_code=LS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties. Additional fees may apply.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Choice Privileges<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties. Additional fees may apply.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$0<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Earn 5x points on Choice Hotels stays, 3x at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on phone plan services, plus 1x on other purchases. Enjoy 10 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying for at least Gold level status, $800 cell phone protection (with a $25 deductible), no foreign transaction fees, and a $0 annual fee\u2014perfect for Choice Hotels enthusiasts.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>5x points on stays at participating Choice Hotels<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>3x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services<\/li>\r\n<li>1x points on other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/ChoiceMC\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-14500d029a#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you regularly often stay at Choice hotels \u2014 or have a trip planned to Japan or the Nordics \u2014 the Choice Privileges\u00ae Mastercard\u00ae can be a great option to add to your wallet. It lets you earn Choice Privileges points with no annual fee, along with granting complimentary Choice Gold elite status. Is this the right card for your wallet? Let&#8217;s take a look.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":77771,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12055],"tags":[12620,12781],"coauthors":[36404,36469],"class_list":["post-157300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-credit-cards","tag-card-reviews","tag-wells-fargo"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157300","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/55"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=157300"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157300\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":253125,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157300\/revisions\/253125"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77771"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=157300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=157300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=157300"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=157300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}