In 2022, Choice Hotels acquired Radisson Hotel Group Americas. The deal was worth around $675 million, and with this, Choice Hotels acquired nine new brands, 624 hotels, and over 67,000 rooms.
In early 2023, we saw reciprocal points transfers introduced between the two programs. Today, more details have been shared about when we can expect the programs to be merged, and what that process will look like. Let’s cover all the details.
Choice & Radisson reciprocal points transfers
It’s currently possible to transfer points freely between Choice Privileges and Radisson Rewards Americas. For the purposes of these transfers, each Choice Privileges point is worth two Radisson Rewards Americas point. Based on my valuation of points, that transfer ratio is fair. I value Choice Privileges points at 0.6 cents each, and Radisson Rewards Americas points at 0.3 cents each.
In order to transfer points, you need to be a member of both programs. You can then access the points transfer function at this link.
The process of transferring points is pretty easy and self-explanatory from there.
Keep in mind that on top of this functionality, it’s also possible to transfer points between Radisson Rewards Americas and Radisson Rewards (the non-Americas program). Presumably that will be eliminated at some point in the not-too-distant future, given that Radisson properties in the Americas no longer have a connection to non-Americas properties.
One other interesting angle here is that Citi ThankYou is transfer partners with Choice Privileges, and points transfer at a 1:2 ratio. That means you could indirectly convert Citi ThankYou points into Radisson Rewards Americas points at a 1:4 ratio. Personally I still don’t think that’s worth it in most situations, though it is something to be aware of.
For what it’s worth, Capital One is also transfer partners with Choice Privileges, but those transfers only happen at a 1:1 ratio, which isn’t nearly as good of a deal.
Should you transfer points between Choice & Radisson?
It’s great that this points transfer functionality is available. So, do I recommend transferring points?
- In general I see more value with Choice Privileges than Radisson Rewards Americas; however, there’s no rush with transferring points in that direction, since when the programs are merged, points will be transferable at the same ratio, so this isn’t some limited time opportunity
- Arguably the only limited time opportunity here is if you want to transfer Choice points to Radisson Rewards Americas, and then transfer them to the main Radisson Rewards program, since that option will eventually be eliminated
Personally I think Choice Privileges is an all-around more lucrative program, as you can redeem points directly for Choice’s properties globally. So by all means compare award pricing and look at how you might want to redeem, but I wouldn’t consider there to be some huge rush to make a decision one way or another.
Choice & Radisson loyalty programs merging soon
The ability to make reciprocal points transfers is the first step to the two loyalty programs being integrated. It’s expected that later in 2023 (no exact date has been provided yet), we’ll see the Choice Privileges and Radisson Rewards Americas loyalty programs merge. Based on what is being shared with members:
- Choice Privileges will be the surviving program, so Radisson Rewards Americas will eventually be integrated into the program; it’s anyone’s guess if we see any fundamental changes to Choice Privileges
- Radisson Rewards Americas elite status and elite night credits will automatically transfer over to Choice Privileges when the programs merge
- Any award nights already booked will be honored with the new program, with no need to reconfirm reservations
Bottom line
With Choice having purchased Radisson’s portfolio in the Americas, we’re now seeing more opportunities for loyalty program members. It’s currently possible to transfer points between Choice Privileges and Radisson Rewards Americas, with each Choice point getting you two Radisson points.
On top of that, later this year we can expected the Radisson Rewards Americas program to be merged into the Choice Privileges program. Elite status and elite night credits will transfer over, and all award reservations will be honored.
Do you plan on taking advantage of this points transfer functionality?
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