How to Apply for your Choice Privileges Wells Fargo Credit Card
The Choice Privileges Wells Fargo, proudly issued by Wells Fargo in partnership with Choice Hotels, is specifically crafted for frequent travelers and hotel loyalty enthusiasts in the United States. As a co-branded card, it harmonizes the strengths of Wells Fargo’s financial pedigree with Choice Hotels’ extensive hospitality network, empowering cardholders to unlock valuable travel and everyday purchase rewards. Whether your journeys are for business or leisure, this card is structured to transform expenditures into points redeemable for free nights across a vast portfolio of Choice Hotels’ properties.
The card’s primary draw is its robust yet accessible rewards program, with no annual fee and accelerated earning for hotel stays, along with bonus categories such as gas stations, groceries, and even phone service providers. Beyond point accumulation, users gain travel-friendly features—including cellular telephone protection and no foreign transaction fees—ensuring peace of mind domestically and abroad.
Detailed List of Card Benefits
- Accelerated Points Earning: Earn 5x points per $1 at eligible Choice Hotels and 3x points in key everyday categories, making the card valuable even for non-travel purchases.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of card opening—enough for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels (subject to current offers).
- No Annual Fee: The card’s $0 annual fee provides barrier-free entry to hotel-based rewards without the pressure of recouping membership costs.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use the card abroad without penalty, making it ideal for overseas travel.
- Cellular Telephone Protection: Coverage up to $800 per claim (minus a $25 deductible) on phones paid month-to-month with the card.
- Automatic Gold Elite Membership: Receive 10 Elite Night Credits yearly with an open Choice Privileges Rewards account, jumpstarting loyalty status and its associated perks.
- Mastercard World Elite Benefits: Access to additional security benefits, concierge, travel & lifestyles services, exclusive offers, and more.
Prerequisites and Requirements to Apply
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (may vary in different states) and provide key identification details, such as Social Security Number, U.S. address, and a valid government-issued photo ID. U.S. legal residency is necessary.
Approval is subject to a credit check; a good to excellent credit score is advised for best results. You must also not have opened a Choice Privileges Mastercard or Select Mastercard within the past 15 months and received an introductory bonus on either.
Read all eligibility criteria and exclusions at the official terms page.
About Wells Fargo: The Issuer
Wells Fargo, established in 1852, is one of America’s most iconic and enduring financial institutions. With roots that reach back to serving gold rush pioneers, it has grown into a modern banking powerhouse—delivering personal and commercial banking, investment, mortgage, and credit card services to millions of clients.
Famous for its historic stagecoach emblem, Wells Fargo stands for reliability, innovation, and comprehensive service. Today, Wells Fargo maintains a vast ATM network and advanced digital offerings. This depth and stability make it a trusted partner for both new and experienced credit card users.
Who Is The ‘Choice Privileges Wells Fargo’ Card For?
The Choice Privileges Mastercard caters primarily to frequent travelers, business professionals, and family vacationers who align with the Choice Hotels brand. It’s ideal for those seeking travel rewards without commitment to annual fees, who value flexible redemption options, and who wish to build or maintain hotel elite status.
Additionally, the card’s everyday-category bonuses attract consumers spending regularly at grocery stores, gas stations, or phone service retailers, allowing them to accumulate rewards quickly, even outside of hotel stays.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- Visit the Application Page: Go to the official Choice Privileges Mastercard application page.
- Review Terms and Eligibility: Read the terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements thoroughly.
- Prepare Your Information: Have your Social Security Number, U.S. address, employment, and financial details on hand.
- Fill Out the Application: Enter all required information accurately.
- Submit and Await Decision: After submission, you may receive an immediate decision, or Wells Fargo may contact you for additional documentation.
- If approved: Review your welcome materials, activate your card, and connect your Choice Privileges Rewards account to unlock elite benefits.
Pros and Cons of the Card
Pros:
- Strong rewards (5x at Choice Hotels, 3x in key spend categories).
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
- Automatic Gold status through Elite Night Credits—a rarity among no-fee travel cards.
- Comprehensive travel protections, including cell phone insurance and Mastercard World Elite privileges.
Cons:
- Depends heavily on the Choice Hotels network for maximizing rewards value; less appealing if you rarely use their properties.
- Bonus earning requirements on the welcome offer must be met in a 3-month window.
- Standard high interest rates if you carry a balance (19.99%–29.24% APR variable).
- No direct cashback or non-hotel reward flexibility; points are best redeemed within the Choice Privileges ecosystem.
How to Activate the Card
After receiving your card in the mail, activate it by calling the activation number provided in your welcome kit, or via your Wells Fargo online account. For fastest activation, log in to wellsfargo.com or use the app. Be sure to link your Choice Privileges Rewards account immediately to benefit from automatic Gold status and begin earning accelerated points.
Fees and Charges
- Annual fee: $0.
- Purchase APR: 19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24%, variable, based on creditworthiness.
- Balance transfer fee: 5% of the amount transferred, minimum $5.
- Cash advance: Either $10 or 5% per advance, whichever is higher.
- Foreign transaction fee: None.
- Late payment: Up to $40.
- Minimum interest charge: $1.
Full details: Credit Card Terms.
Customer Service and Support
- Wells Fargo Customer Service Phone: 1-800-642-4720
- Online account access: wellsfargo.com
- ATM locator: Wells Fargo ATMs/Locations
- Help and FAQs: Support Center
- Choice Privileges Rewards: Program Info
- Email/Chat: Access via Wells Fargo secure messaging after login.
To recap, the Choice Privileges Mastercard stands out for its fee-free structure, generous hotel rewards, elite benefits, and trusted Wells Fargo backing. With a straightforward application process and broad eligibility, it remains a leading option for maximizing travel rewards within the Choice Privileges ecosystem.
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