Choosing when and where to earn hotel loyalty points has just become more interesting. Choice Hotels’ loyalty platform — Choice Privileges — has revealed a sweeping transformation coming in early 2026, with several program enhancements that reward frequent guests more quickly and open up new ways to redeem.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and why it matters if you stay at economy, mid-scale or upper-scale Choice brands.
🔄 Key Changes for 2026
✅ Faster Elite Status
- Gold Elite now achievable in just 5 nights (down from higher threshold)
- Platinum Elite in 15 nights
- Diamond Elite in 35 nights
These reductions make status more reachable for infrequent travellers or road-trip loyalists.
🏆 New Top-Tier: Titanium
- Achievable after 55 nights or 110,000 Elite Qualifying Credits
- Among its signature perks: the Titanium Travel Award, which lets you redeem up to 7 nights at more than 400 premium properties for half the points of a standard reward.
This level is clearly aimed at high-frequency travellers looking for standout value.
🎁 Milestone Rewards & More Recognition
- Starting in 2026: bonuses every 5 qualifying nights – think bonus points or gift-cards
- “Return and Earn”: Get rewarded after your 2nd and 3rd stays each year
- For Elite members: Points won’t expire, and starting 2027 a “soft-landing” means you’ll drop only one tier per year if your travel dips
- Later in 2026: Points-sharing with friends/family and pooling between accounts will roll out
📊 Why This Update Matters
- It lowers the bar for status — making elite perks accessible sooner
- Adds a truly aspirational top tier (Titanium) with compelling value in the Travel Award feature
- Introduces more frequent, smaller rewards — keeping members engaged every few stays
- Enhances flexibility with pooling & sharing — especially useful if you combine stays/families
- For mid-scale loyalty players, this is a strong move away from “status only for business travellers” toward “recognition for all stays”
🧭 What to Do If You’re a Choice Member
- If you currently chase Choice status: this may alter your tier path, so plan stays accordingly in 2025 to maximize your transition
- If you stay at Choice brands occasionally: the new 5-night Gold threshold means you might hit status sooner than you thought
- If you’re targeting Titanium (55 nights): this top tier could deliver outsized value if you can commit
- Review your points-sharing/pooling strategy: once live, you may be able to combine accounts with travel partners or family members
- Redemptions: The Travel Award at half-points is a high-value feature — consider planning for premium stays once the terms are clarified
✅ Final Thoughts
Choice Privileges’ 2026 revamp is ambitious, generous in parts, and thoughtfully targeted. By offering faster status, a brand-new elite level, and enhanced ways to use and share points, Choice is positioning itself as a more flexible, modern loyalty program. For regular and occasional stayers alike, this update deserves attention — especially if you aim to maximize mid-scale hotel travel or frequent road trips.
Whether you stay once a year or once a week, it’s a good time to revisit your Choice strategy.
pointmetoluxury.com 
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