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Best Western Rewards members seeking to upgrade or maintain their elite status through 2027 can do so with just a few nights completed in 2026. The brand is maintaining the straightforward qualification requirements that make it attainable to achieve higher tiers. Here's what you need to know about how to qualify for elite status in 2026 and what benefits you can enjoy.
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Best Western Elite Status Requirements for 2026
Best Western Rewards is free to join, and most benefits start at the Blue (basic) level. The program offers multiple tiers of elite status, and the thresholds are nothing short of straightforward. Members must complete a set number of nights within a calendar year to move up the status tiers. Here is the qualification criteria for 2026:
- Gold: 5 nights
- Platinum: 7 nights
- Diamond: 15 nights
- Diamond Select: 25 nights
For those looking to maximize their stays or achieve status with minimal nights or spending, Best Western has also extended its hotel status match through 2027. This is a worthwhile offer if you have hotel elite status with another brand but want to pick up some Best Western perks.
Alternatively, you can apply for a Best Western credit card. Depending on the card you get, you can unlock Platinum or Gold status — for an $89 annual fee or less.
How to Get Best Western Elite Status with a Credit Card
Two co-branded Best Western credit cards come with complimentary Best Western Rewards elite status as one of their perks.
The entry-level Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card gives you automatic Best Western Gold status, along with a handful of other perks — for no annual fee. Other benefits include:
- Earn 4X points on Best Western stays and qualifying purchases
- Earn 2X points on all other purchases
- Receive a 10,000-point anniversary bonus when you make $5,000 in net purchases your cardmember year
- Visa Signature benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
The more-premium Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card has a higher $89 annual fee, but it comes with higher-tier Best Western Platinum status. The card also comes with several other benefits that are worth considering if you regularly stay at Best Western properties:
- Earn 10X points on Best Western stays and qualifying purchases
- Earn 4X at grocery stores and gas station purchases
- Earn 2X on all other purchases
- Receive a free night award every cardmember anniversary
- Receive a free night award on every card anniversary when you spend a minimum of $10,000 net annually
- Visa Signature benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
Benefits of Best Western Elite Status
Best Western Rewards elite tiers provide additional perks for members, which scale with your status level. While the program may not offer as many luxury-focused benefits as some competitors, the rewards can add value to frequent guests. Here's what you can expect through 2027 if you qualify in 2026:
- Gold: 10% bonus points
- Platinum: 15% bonus points
- Diamond: 30% bonus points
- Diamond Select: 50% bonus points
In addition to bonus points, elite members are often given complimentary bottled water at check-in, but some locations may offer small additional amenities. If you register for a Best Western Rewards account in Europe, early check-in/late check-out is a Gold benefit rather than a Platinum benefit.
Plus, Best Western Rewards points never expire, which is a helpful aspect of the program, as you don't have to worry about your hard-earned points disappearing.
These benefits come with a few caveats. First, room upgrades are not automatic. Members must request them, and then they are based on availability. The thank you gift of points is not available as airline miles or any other rewards. Members must redeem at least 5,000 Best Western Rewards points when using Pay with Points. Every 1,000 points you redeem takes $5 off your room rate. And finally, the early check-in/late check-out benefit is subject to availability.
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Leveraging Best Western Elite Status
One of the overlooked advantages of Best Western elite status is the ability to leverage it for status with other hotel loyalty programs. Given the relatively attainable qualifications, this can be a strategic way to unlock benefits across different brands.
In other words, travelers can potentially match their Best Western status to programs like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, which could mean more lucrative benefits.
Best Western's status match program is called “Status Match…No Catch”, providing a straightforward way to match from other hotel loyalty programs. For more details on matching, it's worth referring to our guide on the current hotel status match opportunities or checking StatusMatcher for unpublished opportunities.
Related: How to Get Hotel Elite Status for Free (or Almost Free)
Final Thoughts
While Best Western Rewards may not offer the most extensive elite benefits, it provides consistent value, especially for travelers who frequently stay at the brand's properties. If you are a Best Western Rewards member, 2026 presents another opportunity to enjoy reasonable benefits and re-up through 2027.
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