Choice Privileges Status Match now official

As reported by Loyalty Lobby, Choice Privileges will now officially match status from other hotel chains.  They have long accepted status match requests via email, but they now advertise that fact on their website:

Choice Privileges Status Match: How to

As copied from Choice Privileges website:

Simply email Status_Match@choicehotels.com with the following information:

1. Full Name
2. Choice Privileges Member Number
3. Proof of Elite status in other hotel program:
4. • Screenshot or copy of your other program’s loyalty card (with expiration date)
   • Or, screenshot or copy of other program’s current statement or account status page

Why bother

The main reason to seek elite status, in my opinion, is so that you can book award stays further in advance.  Basic members can book award nights only 30 days in advance of their stay in the US and Canada (60 days International). Gold members can book 50 days in advance in the US and Canada. Platinum members can book all awards 75 days in advance, and Diamond members can book 100 days in advance.

Key status match terms

• Status match valid for members in the US only
• Platinum is the highest level they’ll award based on a match
• One Elite Status Match per member per lifetime
• Status Match is valid for current and following year only

Status match recommendations

1. Wait until you really need it: Since the status match is only available once per lifetime, I’d recommend waiting until you’re pretty sure you need it.
2. Match early (in calendar year): The status match lasts the rest of the current calendar year and all of the next calendar year.  So, if you’re thinking of doing a status match near the end of a year, you may be much better off waiting until January 1 of the following year to request the match.  That will extend the match by almost a full year.

What matches to what?

As of the time of this writing, StatusMatcher.com shows the following matches in the past year:

• Best Western Diamond –> Choice Privileges Platinum
• Club Carlson Concierge –> Choice Platinum
• Hilton Gold –> Choice Platinum
• Hilton Diamond –> Choice Platinum
• Hyatt Diamond –> Choice Platinum
• IHG Platinum –> Choice Platinum

Denied matches:

• Marriott Platinum

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