Written by the Movtivating Pennies Team
July 17, 2025 @ 6:42 PM CDT
Dreaming of that perfect getaway but a few points shy? Or perhaps you’ve spotted an incredible redemption opportunity that requires a quick points top-up. Whatever your reason, buying Choice Privileges points can be a valuable strategy for savvy travelers. But like any good travel hack, it pays to understand when and how to maximize your purchase.
Choice Privileges, the loyalty program of Choice Hotels, boasts a vast portfolio of brands, from budget-friendly EconoLodge and Quality Inn to upscale Ascend Hotel Collection and the recently integrated Radisson brands. This diverse offering means there are redemption opportunities for almost every travel style.
When Does Buying Points Make Sense?
While the general rule of thumb is to earn points through stays or credit card spend, there are several scenarios where purchasing Choice Privileges points can be a smart move:
- To Top Off Your Account for a Specific Redemption: This is arguably the most common and often the most valuable reason. If you’re just short of enough points for a reward night at a fantastic property, buying the difference can be much more cost-effective than paying the cash rate.
- During Sales and Promotions: Choice Privileges frequently offers promotions, such as bonuses or discounts, when buying points. If you can snag points at a significantly reduced rate, it opens up opportunities for outsized value, especially if you have a high-value redemption in mind.
- For High-Value Redemptions: Choice Privileges uses dynamic pricing for reward nights, meaning the points required can vary. However, there are often “sweet spots” where the points cost is disproportionately low compared to the cash price, particularly at higher-end properties or during peak seasons. If you’ve identified such a redemption, buying points can be a gateway to significant savings.
- To Prevent Points Expiration: Choice Privileges points expire after 18 months of inactivity. Buying a small number of points can reset the clock and keep your entire balance alive. However, other qualifying activities like a paid stay or redeeming points also count.
The Cost of Points: What to Expect
Outside of promotions, Choice Privileges points typically cost around $0.65 – $1.00 per point. However, as mentioned, promotions can bring this down significantly. It’s always crucial to compare the cost of buying points with the cash rate of the room you’re looking to book. NerdWallet, for instance, values Choice Privileges points at approximately 0.8 cents each on average when redeemed for hotel stays. If you can buy them for less than that and redeem them for more, you’re getting a good deal.
How to Maximize Your Purchased Points
- Target High-Value Redemptions: Research the cash price of hotels you’re interested in and compare it to the points required for a reward night. Look for instances where the “cents per point” value is significantly higher than what you paid for the points.
- Look for Elite Status Benefits: If you hold Choice Privileges elite status (Gold, Platinum, or Diamond), you’ll earn bonus points on stays and may receive perks like early check-in, late checkout, and even complimentary breakfast at select brands for Diamond members. These benefits enhance the overall value of your stay, whether paid with cash or points.
- Be Mindful of Expiration: While buying points resets your activity, remember to keep your account active to avoid forfeiture.
Other Ways to Earn Choice Privileges Points
Before you hit the “buy” button, remember there are many other ways to accumulate Choice Privileges points:
- Hotel Stays: Earn 10 points per dollar on most stays at participating Choice Hotels brands. Elite members earn even more.
- Credit Cards: Co-branded Choice Privileges credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses and ongoing earning rates. You can also transfer points from other flexible rewards programs like Citi ThankYou Rewards (at an enhanced 1:2 ratio), American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles (both at 1:1).
- Dining Programs: Enroll in the Choice Privileges Eat & Earn program to earn points when dining at participating restaurants.
- Car Rentals, Cruises, and More: Choice Privileges partners with various companies, allowing you to earn points on car rentals, cruises, and even gift card purchases.
In conclusion, buying Choice Privileges points can be a strategic tool for enhancing your travel experiences, especially when leveraged during promotions or for high-value redemptions. Always do the math to ensure you’re getting a good return on your investment, and remember to explore all the ways to earn points to truly unlock the full potential of your Choice Privileges membership. Happy travels!
