rewardopedia
Card reviewWells Fargo
Updated Aug 13, 2026 · research
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® with chip and contactless tap to pay technology - LIMITED TIME INTRO OFFER
Wells FargoChoice Privileges Rewards Program

Choice Privileges® Mastercard®

A no-annual-fee Choice Hotels co-branded Mastercard that earns up to 5X Choice Privileges points and includes automatic Gold Elite status.

Mid TierPersonal
Mastercard
$0
Annual fee
5x pts choice privileges point purchases
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating

Current Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 points

Spend $1,000 in 90 days

Verifiedissuer product page
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Card Offers

public

Earn 60,000 points

Verified

Spend $1,000 in 90 days

issuer product_page

Earning Rates

Choice Privileges point purchases
5xpoints

Qualifying net purchases of Choice Privileges points made on the card account.

Stays at participating Choice Hotels properties
5xpoints

Qualifying stays must be made on the card account at eligible Choice hotel locations; eligible Choice brand hotel stays must be booked through choicehotels.com, directly with an eligible Choice hotel, or by calling the Choice Hotels Service Center.

Gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services
3xpoints

Retailer must be classified under eligible Mastercard merchant codes. Purchases through third-party payment accounts, online marketplaces, mobile/wireless card readers, or mobile/digital wallets may not earn bonus points.

Other purchases
1xpoints

Net purchases; cash advances and cash equivalents do not earn points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • 5X points on Choice Hotels stays and point purchases
  • 3X points on gas, groceries, home improvement, and phone services
  • Automatic Gold Elite status

Cons

  • Good credit required
  • Cell phone protection limited to 2 claims per 12 months
  • Rewards specific to Choice Privileges program
  • No introductory APR offered

Key Takeaways

  • Earn 40,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 3 months
  • 5X points on Choice Hotels stays and point purchases
  • Automatic Gold Elite status with 10% stay bonus and 10 EQN yearly
  • No annual or foreign transaction fees
  • Cell phone protection up to $800 per claim

Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Annual Fee$0
Foreign Transaction Fee0%

Card Benefits

5 benefits

Elite Status

Purchase Protection

Lifestyle Benefits

Coverage Tier Legend

Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average

Hidden Gems

Cellular Telephone Protection

Offers up to $800 reimbursement for phone damage or theft when bill is paid with the card, subject to a $25 deductible and claim limits.

Automatic Gold Elite Membership

Provides immediate Gold Elite status, worth 10% bonus points on hotel stays and 10 Elite Qualifying Nights each year.

Mastercard World Elite Benefits

Includes access to concierge, security features, and exclusive travel and lifestyle offers not always highlighted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the Choice Privileges Mastercard?
The Choice Privileges Mastercard has no annual fee. This applies from the first year onward.
How does earning work on this card?
Earn 5X points on qualifying stays at Choice Hotels and Choice Privileges point purchases. Get 3X points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services. All other purchases earn 1X points.
Are there foreign transaction fees?
No foreign transaction fees apply to purchases converted to USD.
What cell phone protection is provided?
Up to $800 coverage per claim for damage or theft when the bill is paid with the card, subject to a $25 deductible. Maximum 2 claims per 12 months and $1,000 per 12 months. Terms apply.
What is automatic Gold Elite membership?
Cardholders receive automatic Gold Elite status in Choice Privileges. This includes a 10% bonus on points earned from stays and 10 Elite Qualifying Nights per year. A linked Choice Privileges account is required.
What credit score is required?
Good credit is required to qualify.
What Mastercard World Elite benefits are included?
Access to security benefits, exclusive offers, concierge, and travel and lifestyle services. Benefits vary and terms apply.

About This Card

Best for Choice Hotels loyalists and consumers with routine spending on gas, groceries, home improvement stores, or phone bills who want elevated rewards and automatic elite status without a fee.

The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns Choice Privileges points, including 5X at participating Choice Hotels properties and on Choice Privileges point purchases, 3X at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services, and 1X on other purchases. It has a $0 annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, automatic Choice Privileges Gold Elite membership, and cellular telephone protection.

It differentiates in the no-annual-fee category with automatic Gold Elite hotel status and targeted 5X earning on Choice properties.

Ready to Decide?

Apply for the Choice Privileges® Mastercard®

Earn 60,000 points with no annual fee.

Spend $1,000 in 90 days

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Sources & Methodology

Data Collection

We collect card details from official issuer pages, then verify them with automated checks.

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  • 3 of 5 benefits rated high confidence
  • 3 source citations across benefits
  • 1 of 1 offer verified
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