Choice Hotels Credit Card: Rewards, Benefits, and How to Apply
The Choice Hotels credit card is a great option for travelers who frequently stay at Choice Hotels properties. With this card, you can earn points on your everyday purchases, redeem those points for free nights at Choice Hotels, and enjoy other valuable benefits.
Choice Hotels Credit Card Rewards
The Choice Hotels credit card offers a robust rewards program that lets you earn points on your everyday spending. Here’s a breakdown of how you can earn points:
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent at Choice Hotels. This is the primary way to rack up points with the card.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. This provides a solid return on your non-Choice Hotels spending.
In addition to these earning rates, the card offers a generous welcome bonus:
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus can be redeemed for a significant number of free nights at Choice Hotels.
Choice Hotels Credit Card Benefits
The Choice Hotels credit card offers a number of benefits that make it even more appealing to travelers:
- Free Choice Privileges Gold Status: Upon approval of the card, you’ll automatically receive Choice Privileges Gold status. This status grants you access to various perks, such as:
- Late checkout (subject to availability)
- Complimentary breakfast at select hotels
- Preferred room selection
- Free Wi-Fi
- Choice Hotels Free Night: When you reach 10,000 Choice Privileges points, you’ll receive a free night certificate that can be redeemed at participating hotels.
- Anniversary Free Night: Every year on your card anniversary, you’ll receive a free night certificate to use at any Choice Hotels property.
- Global Acceptance: The Choice Hotels credit card is accepted worldwide, allowing you to use it for your travel and other purchases.
- Travel Accident Insurance: This insurance covers you for accidents while you’re traveling with your Choice Hotels credit card.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: If your checked luggage is delayed for more than six hours, you’ll be reimbursed for essential items.
- Purchase Protection: This benefit provides protection against damage or theft for your eligible purchases for 90 days.
- Extended Warranty Protection: This protection extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases by an additional year.
Choice Hotels Credit Card Fees
The Choice Hotels credit card comes with the following fees:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $39
- Overlimit Fee: Up to $39
Choice Hotels Credit Card Eligibility
To be eligible for the Choice Hotels credit card, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Credit Score: You’ll need a good credit score, typically 670 or higher.
- Income: You’ll need a steady income to demonstrate your ability to repay the debt.
- Credit History: You’ll need a positive credit history with no major delinquencies or defaults.
How to Apply for the Choice Hotels Credit Card
You can apply for the Choice Hotels credit card online, by phone, or through a Choice Hotels branch. To apply online, simply visit the issuer’s website and follow the prompts. To apply by phone, call the customer service number on the issuer’s website.
Pros and Cons of the Choice Hotels Credit Card
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus
- Excellent earning potential at Choice Hotels
- Free Choice Privileges Gold status
- Free night certificates
- No annual fee
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
Cons
- Foreign transaction fee
- Limited earning potential outside Choice Hotels
Is the Choice Hotels Credit Card Right for You?
The Choice Hotels credit card is a great option for frequent Choice Hotels travelers who value the convenience and benefits it provides. Its generous welcome bonus and free night certificates can help you save money on your stays at Choice Hotels. However, if you don’t frequently stay at Choice Hotels, this card might not be the best choice for you.
If you’re looking for a credit card that offers higher earning potential outside of Choice Hotels, consider exploring other travel rewards credit cards that offer bonus categories for dining, groceries, or other spending categories.
Conclusion
The Choice Hotels credit card is a valuable tool for travelers who frequently stay at Choice Hotels properties. Its generous rewards program, free Choice Privileges Gold status, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage can enhance your travel experiences and help you save money. Consider applying for the Choice Hotels credit card if you’re a frequent traveler and looking for a rewarding way to earn points and redeem them for free nights.
