Card reviewWells Fargo
Updated Jul 3, 2026 · research
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® with chip and contactless tap to pay technology - LIMITED TIME INTRO OFFER
Wells FargoChoice PrivilegesEditorially reviewed

Choice Privileges® Mastercard®

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months, with a $0 annual fee and rewards on Choice Hotels stays and everyday categories.

Mid TierPersonal
Mastercard
$0
Annual fee
5x pts choice hotels stays
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating

Current Welcome Offer

60,000 points

Spend $1,000 in 90 days

Verifiedproduct page

Card Offers

public

60,000 points

Verified

Spend $1,000 in 90 days

product page

Earning Rates

Choice Hotels stays
5xpoints

Qualifying stays at eligible Choice hotel locations billed by eligible Choice brand hotels as merchant of record and booked through choicehotels.com, directly with an eligible Choice hotel, or by calling the Choice Hotels Service Center.

Choice Privileges point purchases
5xpoints

Qualifying net purchases of Choice Privileges points made on the Card Account.

Gas Stations
3xpoints

Purchases at retailers whose Mastercard merchant code is classified as gas stations, automated fuel dispensers, or electric vehicle charging stations. Purchases not processed using the listed Mastercard merchant codes may not qualify.

Grocery stores
3xpoints

Purchases at retailers whose Mastercard merchant code is classified as grocery stores, supermarkets, delis, or bakeries. Purchases not processed using the listed Mastercard merchant codes may not qualify.

Home improvement stores
3xpoints

Purchases at retailers whose Mastercard merchant code is classified as home improvement stores, hardware stores, nurseries and garden supply stores, furniture and household appliances stores, home accessories stores, floor, glass, paint and wallpaper stores, lease/rental services for furniture and household appliances, swimming pool sales and supplies, contractors, or specialists providing home improvement services. Purchases not processed using the listed Mastercard merchant codes may not qualify.

Phone plan services
3xpoints

Purchases at retailers whose Mastercard merchant code is classified as landline and cell phone providers considered telecommunication services. Purchases not processed using the listed Mastercard merchant codes may not qualify.

Other purchases
1xpoints

Other net purchases earn 1 rewards point per $1 spent. Cash advances and cash equivalents of any kind do not earn points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • 40,000-point welcome bonus
  • 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

6 benefits (1 strong or better) including 1 hidden gems

Travel Access & Perks

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.
What is the welcome bonus offer?
Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. These points can redeem for up to 5 reward nights at select Choice Hotels properties.
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® is a Wells Fargo personal travel rewards card with a $0 annual fee. It earns Choice Privileges points, including 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels properties and Choice Privileges point purchases, 3X points at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services, and 1X points on other purchases. The card includes no foreign transaction fee, Cellular Telephone Protection, automatic Choice Privileges Gold Elite membership, and Mastercard World Elite benefits.

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®

60,000 points with no annual fee.

Spend $1,000 in 90 days

Sources & Methodology

Data Collection

We collect card details from official issuer pages, then verify them through editorial review.

Last updated:

Editorial Review

Pending editorial review.

Data Quality
  • 5 of 6 benefits rated high confidence
  • 1 of 1 offer verified
Learn More

Read our full methodology for how we collect, verify, and rate credit cards.

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