How to apply for your Wells Fargo Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
As a premium co-branded credit card, the Wells Fargo Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is designed for people who enjoy travelling around prioritizing comfort, while staying at one of the many Choice Hotels properties. Offered through a partnership with the American bank Wells Fargo, this option may be ideal for those who want to experience elite benefits and to accelerate their rewards earnings while enjoying their lives coming and going from here to there.
Particularly valuable for people who are frequent travelers (doesn’t matter if you do it for personal or work purposes), it has an annual fee of $95 and is also a way to receive points on daily activities, such as while going out for gas, groceries, and others. In this article we will dive a little deeper into the characteristics of this product to help you identify if it is the best option available for your financial profile.
What are the key benefits available for me in this card?
Like any other credit card available around there, the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard does offer its own particularities. Some of the benefits may be more important and desirable than others, but here is a comprehensive list of the main advantages you may find while using it:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months, which is enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels properties;
- Earn 10X points on stays at eligible Choice Hotels properties, as well as on Choice Privileges point purchases.
- 25% bonus points from Choice Privileges with Platinum Status;
- Earn 30,000 bonus points every account anniversary, which is enough to redeem up to 3 reward nights at the properties;
- You can also get 5x points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and on phone plan services, and more;
- Enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and receive one statement credit up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application or renewal fee charged to your card.
What are the requirements to get this card?
- Minimum age of 18 (or 21 in some states);
- You must have a U.S. residency;
- You must have a good credit score;
- You must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
More information about Wells Fargo
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is issued by Wells Fargo, one of the largest and most established financial institutions in the United States. Wells Fargo traces its roots back to 1852, when Henry Wells and William Fargo founded the company to provide banking and express services at the time of the California Gold Rush.
Over the decades, the bank has evolved into a nationwide provider of consumer and commercial banking, credit cards, loans, investment services and digital banking.
Today, Wells Fargo operates a large branch and ATM network and offers comprehensive online and mobile banking, including the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, which allows customers to manage accounts, pay bills, check rewards and more from their phone.
The partnership with Choice Hotels leverages Wells Fargo’s credit-card issuing capabilities and Choice’s hotel network to deliver co-branded rewards cards such as the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard.
What are the pros and cons of getting this card?
As you may have noticed while taking a look at the list of benefits presented above, many are the pros you can get when you become a user of this card. Other privileges may also include:
- Get access to additional security benefits, exclusive offers, concierge, travel and lifestyle services;
- 1x points on other purchases;
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage, theft, or unintended separation (subject to a $25 deductible)
On the other hand, there are obviously cons, like any other product available out there. They are usually related to the fees and charges you will have to pay. Here are some things to pay attention to:
- $95 annual fee (not waived in the first year)
- Limited redemption flexibility
- High interest rates
- Balance transfer fee
What is the step by step for me to apply for this card?
To apply for the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard, you will need to:
- Visit the official website;
- Click in “Apply Now” and select the card;
- Enter your personal and financial details, providing all the information required;
- Review all the terms and conditions before submitting your application;
- Wait for the decision (in many times it is received immediately);
- Receive your card within 7 to 10 business days.
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard – Key rates and fees
- Purchase APR: 19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24% (variable, based on creditworthiness)
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.99%, 24.24%, or 29.24% (variable, based on creditworthiness; subject to eligibility)
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (variable)
- Minimum Interest Charge: $1.00 (if interest is charged)
- Annual Fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% per transfer (minimum $5)
- Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
What is the target audience for this credit card?
The Choice Privileges Select Mastercard is ideal for those who are frequent travelers and enjoy staying at the Choice Hotels while getting benefits from it; people who travel a lot for business; international travelers who want a no foreign transaction fee; people who are looking for ways to maximize their rewards and benefits.
What can I do to unlock my card?
You can activate your card by calling the activation number provided on the sticker attached to your new card. During the call, you will be asked to verify your identity. You will also be prompted to set up a secure PIN, which you’ll use for ATM withdrawals and certain transactions.
Alternatively, you can complete the activation process through the official Wells Fargo mobile app or online banking platform, where you’ll follow similar steps to confirm your identity and enable your card for use.
Customer Service
If you need any assistance or support, you can contact Wells Fargo through:
- Account Management: 1-800-642-4720
- International Collect Calls: 1-925-825-7600 (24/7)
- Application Status (Wells Fargo): 1-800-967-9521 (24/7)
- Redeem Rewards: 1-877-517-1358
Online and mobile support
- Official website
- Credit cards overview: starting point for products like the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard)
- Wells Fargo Mobile® app: for iOS and Android
You can also schedule a branch appointment from the Wells Fargo website if you prefer to speak to someone in person.
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