What Are Choice Points Worth?

The short answer: After a deep-dive analysis, NerdWallet values Choice points at 1 cent each. This is a baseline value, drawn from real-world data, not a maximized value. In other words, you should aim for award redemptions that offer 1 cent or more in value from your Choice points.

We determined that Choice points are worth 1 cent each by comparing several real-world redemptions when paying with cash or points.

Consider this the baseline value for making your reward redemptions. If you’re getting more than 1 cent per point in value, you found a good deal on points. If you’re getting less, consider looking for another redemption option (or just paying cash instead of using points).

Keep in mind that this is only an estimate, and not a hard-and-fast cash value.

Choice hotel points are the third most valuable hotel points after World of Hyatt and Wyndham Rewards. It still beats some other big programs, such as Marriott, Hilton and IHG.

Choice uses dynamic pricing to set the redemption rates for an award night. Nights start at just 8,000 points and could go as high as 100,000 points for all-inclusive resorts. You may also be able to use a combination of cash and points if you have at least 6,000 points.

Use the calculator below to figure out how much your trove of miles (real or hypothetical) is worth, based on this value.

Or likewise, use the calculator to evaluate the value of points required to book a room. Then, compare that to the advertised cash price to decide whether it’s better to book your room on cash versus points.