You can now earn and redeem Choice points at dozens of casino resorts
Earlier this week, Choice Hotels announced it was entering an alliance with Penn National Gambling, which operates casino resorts across 19 states.
Members of both Choice Privileges and Penn's mychoice loyalty program will have access to new and expanded benefits.
"Teaming up with Penn positions our [Choice Privileges members] to easily book a casino resort directly with Choice while continuing to earn points," said Robert McDowell, chief commercial officer of Choice Hotels, in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Plus, there are more than 1,500 Choice-branded hotels within an hour's drive of one of Penn's casinos, racetracks or sports betting locations."
When the partnership comes online (it's expected to be implemented in phases), you'll be able to earn and redeem Choice Privileges points at 22 participating Penn locations in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico and West Virginia.
The Penn properties will become part of Choice's Ascend Hotel Collection, which the brand considers its upscale portfolio.
You could even use your elite night credits for a free stay (think: a free night at Boomtown New Orleans, River City Casino in St. Louis or L'Auberge Baton Rouge).
You'll also earn mychoice tier points when you book a stay at a Choice property, and mycash (Penn's currency) can be redeemed for Choice hotel stays.
Choice Privileges members and mychoice members will also enjoy reciprocal status in both programs. Choice has four tiers of status, while mychoice has five, and it's not clear at this time how the brands will handle that discrepancy.
And travelers who match their Choice status might discover some unexpected perks of leveling up in the mychoice program, even if you've never gambled in your life.
Related: Why I often choose IHG and Choice hotels, despite limited elite perks
Mid-level Preferred members in the mychoice program and up can enjoy discounts on Norwegian Cruise Line bookings (and even an annual sailing as you achieve higher status), a stay at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino and offers for stays at Tropicana and the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas.
Matching your way to top-tier casino status is a popular way to enjoy elite perks even if you only roll the dice once a year. For example, you can match your Hyatt Explorist or Globalist status to MGM M Life Gold — and from there, match to Caesars Diamond.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.