Complete guide to current hotel elite status match and challenge offers
Editor's Note
Hotel elite status carries benefits that can make every stay more comfortable, more rewarding and more affordable. Hopefully, you already have a plan regarding elite status qualification (or requalification) for your favorite hotel chains.
Remember, you can obtain elite status in some of the major hotel programs just by having the right hotel credit card.
However, you can also leverage your existing airline, rental car and hotel status to unlock the benefits of new hotel status through elite status matches. This is when a hotel awards complimentary elite status due to your existing status with another program — and potentially provides a shortcut to extend that status for a number of additional months.
We've covered the various status match and challenge options currently offered by the major U.S. airlines, so let's shift our attention to hotel programs to see if one of them makes sense for you.
Things to know about status matches and challenges
For starters, it's worth pointing out that these offers aren't an invitation to mislead a company, as hotel programs will likely verify that your request is legitimate. A status granted or obtained through hotel credit cards or nontraditional methods may not be enough to enroll in a status match or status challenge. Also, falsifying hotel status credentials is dishonest and unlikely to work.
Make sure you understand the match or challenge requirements before opting in. With some programs, you don't need status with another hotel chain, while others require proof. Some programs will give you temporary status as you work toward qualifying for more permanent status by completing a certain number of stays.
Even the most legitimate requests for status can be waylaid by misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the rules. So, take time to consider the options and the timing before jumping in.
Having the highest status with the maximum number of programs is not the best approach, even though it may seem that way at first glance. That's because all programs restrict how frequently you can utilize a match or challenge. For some, it's every five years, while others only allow it once per lifetime of the account. As a result, you need to be strategic about how you use it.
The timing of your status match or challenge is also critical. You may be able to extend your status even longer by requesting it or earning it at the right time. Submit the request before your current status or the status match promotion expires.
Finally, remember that there are many ways to earn status without staying at hotels or going through a status match or challenge.
So, where do the major hotel programs currently stand on status matches and challenges? Unfortunately, only a few make this information publicly available, and many will grant a match or challenge on a case-by-case basis. A great site with user-submitted data is StatusMatcher, which will give you an idea of your options. You can also check specific hotel chain forums on FlyerTalk.
Here's a rundown of what you'll currently find — but remember that there are always exceptions.
Best Western Rewards
Best Western Rewards has a well-known "Status Match ... No Catch" program where you fill out a form with your contact information and competitor elite tier. After you submit your request, Best Western will generally match you to one of its status tiers without hesitation.
The program doesn't have any high-end properties for award redemptions. Still, if you're considering a trip to a place off the beaten path, Best Western elite status is handy.
Choice Privileges
You can complete a standard status match before staying in any Choice property. This is a phenomenal way to get benefits starting from day one, and it isn't limited to just one participating brand.
To take advantage of this promotion, submit proof of elite status with another program and your Choice Privileges number through the promotion's landing page. (Pressing the "Upgrade Status" button on the landing page will draft an email to Status_Match@choicehotels.com with the subject line "Choice Privileges Status Match.")
Choice also offers a Diamond Elite Status Jump opportunity for those with elite status in another program to attain top-tier Diamond Elite status within Choice Privileges. All you have to do is stay at least one points-eligible night at a Cambria hotel.
To submit a Diamond Elite Status Jump request, simply go through Choice Privileges' usual status match upgrade process by emailing Status_Match@choicehotels.com with the relevant information. You'll need one extra piece of information — a screenshot or copy of your Cambria hotel guest folio/receipt — to make the jump to Diamond Elite status.
Choice elite status can be particularly useful for those with transferable points. Choice Privileges partners with multiple credit card programs, including:
- American Express Membership Rewards: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Capital One miles: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Citi ThankYou Rewards: 1:2 transfer ratio
- Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards points: 1:2 transfer ratio
This means you can leverage some of the top travel credit cards to book award nights by redeeming Choice points.
Hilton Honors
While Hilton no longer matches status, its status challenge program is a great way to get benefits at Hilton properties.
Plus, the hotel chain just extended its status challenge program perks for another year.
Related: Hilton Honors elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Hilton has extended its status challenge to be valid through 2026, though it hasn't updated its landing page to reflect the recent change. Here's how you can leverage this opportunity.
Immediately after requesting the status challenge on the landing page, your Hilton Honors account will be upgraded to Gold status. Within 90 days of requesting the status challenge, your Gold status will be extended through March 31, 2026, if you stay eight nights. If you stay 14 nights within 90 days, your account will be upgraded to Diamond status through March 31, 2026.
If you don't stay at least eight nights in the 90-day trial period, your status will be removed, returning your account to general member status.
If you've previously participated in a status challenge with Hilton, there's no harm in checking the landing page to see if this offer is available to you.
Instead of completing a status match or challenge, you can open a credit card that includes elite status outright. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($550 annual fee; see rates and fees) provides automatic top-tier Hilton Diamond status, while holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees) and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card ($150 annual fee; see rates and fees) enjoy automatic Gold status. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Surpass cardholders can upgrade to Diamond status by spending $40,000 on their card in a calendar year.
The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Best Hilton credit cards
IHG One Rewards
IHG One Rewards occasionally offers a status match opportunity up to its top-tier Diamond Elite status, though it's not currently promoting one. When available, this is a great way to snag top-tier Diamond Elite status. However, there are many other ways to achieve status with IHG (or some of its brands).
You can buy InterContinental Ambassador status for $200 and be matched to Platinum Elite status. Or, you can apply for an IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card with automatic Platinum Elite status.
In 2022, IHG launched a promotion allowing United Club℠ Infinite Card holders to receive a status match to IHG Platinum Elite. As a result, you can enroll on this landing page to earn a 60% bonus on top of base points, complimentary room upgrades and extended checkout as available — all thanks to your card.
Related: IHG elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy once had a generous status challenge for those looking to earn Gold Elite or Platinum Elite status. Unfortunately, it was discontinued.
However, you may have luck calling Marriott Bonvoy to see if your account is eligible for a targeted status challenge. For example, some Marriott Bonvoy members have reported receiving the challenge of staying 16 nights in 90 days for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. If you call Marriott, mention if you have competing hotel elite status with another major program.
There is also a status match opportunity with Singapore Airlines, where elite members in the Singapore KrisFlyer program (PPS Club, Solitaire PPS Club or KrisFlyer Elite Gold) can instantly receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status without any stay requirements through February 2025.
Additionally, mid- and upper-tier KrisFlyer members can opt for a status match opportunity to qualify for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. All you'd need to do is stay 10 eligible nights within six months to upgrade from Gold Elite to Platinum Elite.
There are also multiple ways to leverage credit cards for Marriott status. You can get automatic Platinum Elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee; see rates and fees) and Gold Elite status with The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required) or the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. You'll get automatic Silver Elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. If you spend $35,000 on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card in a calendar year, your status is upgraded to Gold Elite.
Most Marriott cobranded cards award 15 elite qualifying nights to cardholders yearly (25 on the Bonvoy Brilliant), though you can't combine them across personal cards. You can, however, combine elite qualifying nights earned from personal Marriott cards with those from the business card, giving you the potential to earn up to 40 elite nights.
It's also worth noting that United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Likewise, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members receive a status match to low-tier United MileagePlus Premier Silver status.
Related: Marriott elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Omni Select Guest
While Omni does not status match, FoundersCard members are eligible for Omni Select Guest Platinum elite status for one year.
Those who hold JetBlue's newest Mosaic+ status are eligible for a complimentary FoundersCard Blue membership, which can be used to status match to Omni Select Guest Platinum elite status.
This is an example of how airline status can get you hotel status, even when an intermediary like the FoundersCard is involved.
The information for the FoundersCard credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
World of Hyatt
Hyatt has always been rather conservative about status matches and challenges and has no offers publicly available at the time of publication. However, that doesn't mean there isn't a shortcut to World of Hyatt status.
First, employees of certain companies have been offered challenges for immediate Explorist status or even Globalist status with 10 stays in 90 days. Check with your company's travel office to see if your company qualifies.
If you're not lucky enough to work for one of those companies, the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers Discoverist status as long as your account is open. Cardholders also earn five elite qualifying nights per year, plus two additional elite nights for every $5,000 spent on the card in a calendar year. This can be a great option to spend your way to status outright or combine credit card spending with semifrequent hotel stays to boost your status accordingly.
Related: World of Hyatt elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Wyndham Rewards
Wyndham Rewards offers a published status match offer for all of the major hotel loyalty programs, and it's among the most generous offers out there.
For starters, you don't even need to have any existing status; entry-level members can enjoy Gold, Wyndham's lowest status, for 90 days. Low-tier elite members from other programs will match Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, while mid- and top-tier elite members will enjoy Diamond status. You can view the full breakdown on this page.
Even better? The terms allow you to do this once per calendar year.
Once your status match has been processed, you'll enjoy the perks for 90 days, but you'll need to complete the following requirements to extend it:
- Gold: One night
- Platinum: Four nights
- Diamond: 10 nights
However, if you successfully meet your applicable threshold, you'll enjoy it for quite some time. Here are the terms:
In the event that Member completes the requisite number of Qualifying Night within their ninety (90) day period, his/her/their Awarded Level will remain in effect through December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such Qualifying Night(s) were completed, unless it is extended or superseded in accordance with the Wyndham Rewards Terms.
For example, let's say you initiate the match in January 2024 and are granted Diamond status. You then complete your 10 nights on March 10, 2024. Your Diamond status would then be extended throughout the rest of 2024 and all of 2025.
Once you have Wyndham Rewards status, you can instantly match to Caesars Rewards status (or vice versa).
Wyndham Diamond status equates to Caesars Rewards Diamond status, which waives resort fees at all Caesars properties. The inverse is also the case: If you have Caesars status, you are eligible for a status match to Wyndham elite status.
Bottom line
A status match or challenge can be a great way to leverage current status with a hotel chain and turn it into status with another. This gives you a great opportunity to try another program before fully committing. It can also unlock valuable rewards like suite upgrade certificates.
Remember that these programs have various restrictions, so do your homework before initiating the request.
For the rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
For the rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Aspire card, click here.
For the rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Surpass card, click here.
For the rates and fees of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, click here.