The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is a rewards credit card that provides travel benefits and rewards points to cardholders, specifically catering to those who frequently stay at hotels within the Choice Hotels network.
This includes popular brands such as Comfort Inn®, Quality Inn®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, and Cambria® Hotels.
As a reward-based card, it allows users to earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for hotel stays, travel experiences, and other perks.
Issued by Citibank, the Choice Privileges Mastercard is perfect for individuals who travel often and prefer staying at Choice Hotels properties.
With its focus on earning points for hotel stays and offering exclusive benefits, this card provides added flexibility and value to those who want to enjoy premium rewards with each purchase.
About the Issuer
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is issued by Citibank, one of the largest and most recognized financial institutions globally.
Citibank has an extensive range of financial products, including credit cards that cater to a variety of needs and preferences.
Known for offering excellent customer service and financial solutions, Citibank works closely with travel partners like Choice Hotels to provide valuable rewards programs such as the Choice Privileges® program.
Through partnerships with global hotel chains and travel brands, Citibank aims to provide its customers with the ability to earn points and access a variety of exclusive rewards, making travel easier and more affordable.
With its reputation for trustworthy banking, Citibank offers credit cards that help customers maximize their travel rewards and make the most of their spending.
Who Is This Card For?
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers who regularly stay at Choice Hotels properties and want to earn rewards points for their stays.
- Loyal Choice Hotels customers who are already a part of the Choice Privileges program and want to enhance their rewards earning potential.
- Budget-conscious travelers who want to maximize their rewards and save money on hotel stays, as this card offers earnings on every purchase.
- Consumers who enjoy travel rewards but don’t want to deal with high annual fees or complicated rewards systems.
Who Should Avoid This Card?
- Individuals who don’t travel often or prefer to stay in hotels outside the Choice Hotels network may not benefit from the card’s rewards system.
- People looking for more flexible, non-hotel-specific travel rewards might find this card too niche for their needs.
Top Benefits of the Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Welcome Bonus
- Earn 32,000 points after making your first purchase on the card. These points can be redeemed for free hotel nights or other exciting rewards through the Choice Privileges program.
Earn Points on Every Purchase
- Earn 2 points per dollar spent on eligible Choice Hotels purchases (which includes stays at over 7,000 locations worldwide).
- Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, gas, or shopping online, you’ll keep accumulating Choice Privileges points.
Special Discounts and Benefits for Cardholders
- Earn 10% extra bonus points when staying at Choice Hotels with your Choice Privileges® Mastercard®.
- Elite membership status: As a cardholder, you can automatically enjoy Elite status in the Choice Privileges program, which offers additional perks like room upgrades, late checkouts, and early check-ins at participating hotels.
No Annual Fee
- The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® comes with no annual fee, meaning you can enjoy all the rewards and benefits without having to pay for the privilege of owning the card.
Fees & Interest Rates
Annual Fee: $0
APR (Interest Rate): 16.99% – 23.99% variable (for purchases and balance transfers)
Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the cash advance, whichever is greater
Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Minimum Payment: The greater of $25 or 1% of the balance (plus fees and interest)
Is the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® Worth It?
For anyone who frequently stays at Choice Hotels or is a member of the Choice Privileges program, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® is an excellent option. Here’s why:
Pros:
Earn valuable points with every purchase, especially with bonus points for Choice Hotels stays.
Automatic Elite membership status in the Choice Privileges program, giving you special benefits like room upgrades.
No annual fee, which means no upfront costs for enjoying the card’s benefits.
Cons:
Points are best redeemed for hotel stays, so if you prefer more versatile travel rewards, this card might not be ideal.
Higher APR once the introductory 0% APR period ends, making it less ideal for carrying a balance long-term.
Limited to the Choice Hotels network for maximum rewards, so it’s not the best option for those who prefer other hotel chains.
Fees and charges
Late Payment: Up to $40;
● APR: 19.99% - 29.24%;
● Balance Transfer Fee: 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5;
● Cash Advance: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction.
Expert review
The Choice Privileges Mastercard is ideal for those who frequently stay at Choice Hotels.
It offers 2x points on hotel purchases and 1x point on all other purchases, allowing for quick accumulation towards free stays.
Additionally, the card provides a free night after reaching a certain number of annual purchases.
The lack of an annual fee is a plus, but the variable APR can be high.
While great for hotel stays, it doesn’t offer rewards in other spending categories.
You will remain on this site
+Positive points
- 2x Points on Hotel Purchases: Earn double points for spending at Choice Hotels.
- 1x Point on All Other Purchases: Get 1 point for every dollar spent on non-hotel purchases.
- Free Night: Earn a free night after meeting the required annual spend.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of the card without having to pay a yearly fee.
- Points Redemption: Redeem points for free hotel stays or other rewards through the Choice Privileges program.
- Negative points
Negative Points
- Variable APR: The interest rate can be high if you carry a balance.
- Limited Rewards Categories: The card mainly rewards hotel spending, with no extra rewards in other categories.
- Free Night Requirement: The free night offer requires meeting a specific spend threshold, which may not be suitable for all users.