Choice Privileges Loyalty Program Improvements
Choice Privileges is a program that is often overlooked in the points and miles world. Many of their properties are not the most desirable, but can come in handy in a pinch. They've also got the Ascend Collection, which is a surprisingly robust selection of high-end hotels, and recently added Radisson Hotels as well. Plus, you can even book Preferred Hotels with their points. It looks like Choice Privileges has designs for even more improvements to their loyalty program in 2026. While we don't have a ton of details on the changes, here's what we know so far.
Choice Privileges Adds Titanium Elite Level
Currently, Choice has Gold, Platinum, and Diamond elite levels. Starting in 2026, there will be a new level, dubbed “Titanium.” Members will earn Titanium at 55 nights or 110,000 credits in a calendar year.
At time of writing, the key differentiator for this elite level is a Titanium Award. This perk will allow Titanium members to save 50% on reward nights, up to 7 consecutive nights, at a curated list of high-end properties. This could be a big game-changer for longer trips over spring break or the holidays.
Existing Status Will Be Easier To Earn
Another announced change for the program is that existing elite levels will be easier to achieve. Every elite level will reduce their requirements by five nights, starting in 2026. Here are the new stays required for each level:
- Gold: 5 elite nights
- Platinum: 15 elite nights
- Diamond: 35 elite nights
- Titanium: 55 elite nights
Note, there is no change to the number of elite-qualifying points required for each level. If you have the Choice Privileges® Mastercard®, you'll earn Gold status just for having the card. The Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® offers Platinum status for holding the card.
Other Changes
There are a few other miscellaneous changes that might be enticing for Choice members. They include:
- Milestone rewards earned every five elite nights, like points and gift cards
- 1,000 bonus points after the second and third elite night each year
- Points pooling is coming for friends and family
- No points expiration for elites
- A “soft landing” of sorts for elite members in 2027- if you don't re-qualify for your status
Choice Privileges Loyalty Program Improvements: ToP Thoughts
It's rare to see announced changes for a loyalty program that are so largely positive. The brand is reducing elite requirements, delivering more bonus points, and even stopping points expiration for elites. What remains to be seen if there are any other announcements coming after this one, like a devaluation on award nights. It seems that more points are entering the Choice Privileges ecosystem, so hopefully this doesn't mean higher award rates for free nights in the future. Let us know your thoughts on these changes over in the ToP Facebook Group.
