10 Best Credit Cards for Choice Hotels of October 2026
Top picks for Choice Hotels from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Choice Hotels. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard earns the top spot for Choice Hotels purchases at 8.0¢ per dollar at choice hotels — a $95 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Choice Hotels purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
Wells Fargo
- +Official cobrand card — earns Choice Privileges on all purchases
- +10x on Choice Privileges — points worth 0.8¢ each
- +Est. $30/yr value — Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit
Choice Privileges Mastercard
Wells Fargo
- +Official cobrand card — earns Choice Privileges on all purchases
- +5x on Choice Privileges — points worth 0.8¢ each
- +60,000 points bonus (~$480 value)
Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi
- +10x on Hotels & Lodging booked through the required portal — points worth 1.6¢ each
- +Lost or Damaged Luggage Insurance
- +Trip Delay Protection
Why Choice Privileges Select Mastercard wins for Choice Hotels
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard earns 8.0¢ per dollar at Choice Hotels, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 8.0¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $95 fee after about $1,190 a year in Choice Hotels spending. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Hotels Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Privileges Select MastercardWells Fargo | 10x Choice Privileges | 8.0¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| Choice Privileges MastercardWells Fargo | 5x Choice Privileges | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 10x ThankYou Points | 16.0¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 10x Capital One Miles | 13.0¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend MastercardCiti | 12x AAdvantage | 12.0¢/$ | $695 | — | mastercard |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards | 7.5¢/$ | $895 | $632.50 | amex |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $588 | visa |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 5x Wells Fargo Rewards | 6.3¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Citi Strata Credit CardCiti | 5x ThankYou Points | 8.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Capital One Miles | 6.5¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
More Options
How to maximize value at Choice Hotels
- Use Choice Privileges Select Mastercard for Choice Hotels purchases — it earns 8.0¢ per dollar at Choice Hotels in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Choice Hotels; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair Choice Privileges Select Mastercard with Choice Privileges Mastercard to cover categories where it earns more — diversifying your spend can lift your blended return.
- Plan a major Choice Hotels purchase around your card's welcome offer window — Choice Privileges Select Mastercard's sign-up bonus is worth roughly $480 on top of base rewards.
- Pay your statement in full each month — interest charges almost always exceed the rewards you'd earn.
Similar Brands
Other brands in Hotels where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at Choice Hotels?
- Choice Privileges Select Mastercard ranks #1 for Choice Hotels in our list at 8.0¢ per dollar at Choice Hotels — $95 annual fee. Order uses the full scoring key described above the list (earn rate, redemption value, fee/credit balance, portals, and co-brand fit); welcome offers are not part of that default brand ranking.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at Choice Hotels?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Choice Hotels; check current portal rates before you buy.
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