Wells Fargo
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 60,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-5x Points |
| Network | Mastercard |
About this card
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5.0, positioning it as a 'Good' card with clear strengths for its target audience, but notable limitations. The card excels in its fee structure, boasting a superb 4.7/5.0 rating due to its $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a highly cost-effective option for both everyday spending and international travel. The rewards program, rated 3.4/5.0, is quite strong for a no-annual-fee card, offering a generous 60,000-point sign-up bonus, 5X points on Choice Hotels stays, and 3X points on valuable categories like gas, groceries, home improvement, and phone plans. Benefits such as automatic Gold Elite status and cellular telephone protection further enhance its value proposition, particularly for loyal Choice Hotels guests. However, the card's most significant drawback is its APR, which received a low 1.5/5.0. The absence of an introductory APR offer and a high regular purchase APR make this card an expensive choice for anyone who carries a balance, severely diminishing its overall appeal for a significant segment of consumers. The rewards, while strong in earning, are largely confined to the Choice Hotels ecosystem, limiting flexibility compared to general travel rewards cards. Furthermore, while the card itself serves its niche well, the issuer's (Wells Fargo) past reputation issues can temper overall consumer trust. In summary, this card is an excellent choice for frequent Choice Hotels travelers who consistently pay their balance in full, leveraging its fee-free structure and strong category bonuses. For those who might carry a balance or prefer more flexible rewards, its high APR and niche redemption options present considerable limitations.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate on hotel stays and common spending categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic elite status with partner hotel chain
- Valuable cardholder benefits including cell phone protection
Things to consider
- No introductory APR offer
- Rewards are tied to a specific hotel loyalty program
What this card offers
Sign-up bonuses
- Earn 40,000old bonus 60,000new bonus bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees and terms may apply.
- To qualify for the 60,000 bonus points, a total of at least $1,000 in net purchases (purchases minus returns/credits) must post to your account within 3 months from the date your account is opened.
Rewards
- 5X Points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties plus on Choice Privileges point purchases
- 3X Points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services
- 1X Points on other purchases
Other features
- Automatic Gold Elite membership
- Enjoy the perks of the Gold Elite status and earn 10% bonus points every time you book a qualifying stay at Choice hotels.
- Receive 10 Elite Qualifying Nights guaranteeing you Choice Privileges Gold Elite status and benefits each calendar year.
- NEW! Fast track your status and rewards
- Upgrade to higher Choice Privileges Elite status and earn rewards faster with points earned using your card on everyday purchases.
- NEW! Introducing Milestone Rewards!
- Earn rewards more frequently throughout the year - such as bonus points or gift cards.
- Cellular Telephone Protection
- Get up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Choice Privileges® Mastercard® (subject to a $25 deductible). Terms apply.
- No foreign transaction fee
- When you use your card for travel, you won’t pay a foreign currency conversion fee for purchases converted to U.S. dollars.
- Mastercard® World Elite benefits
- Get access to additional security benefits, exclusive offers, concierge, travel & lifestyles services, and more.
Additional Notes
Offers may differ from time to time and depend on the marketing channel, such as phone, email, online, direct mail, or in branch. You must select Apply now to take advantage of this offer. This offer is not a guarantee of credit. Credit card is subject to credit qualification. You may not be eligible for the introductory bonus rewards offer if you opened a Choice Privileges Mastercard Credit Card or a Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Credit Card within the last 15 months from the date of this application, even if that account is closed and has a $0 balance. You may not be eligible for a Choice Mastercard product if you currently have an open Choice Privileges or Choice Privileges Select Mastercard account.