Transfer Radisson Americas Points
In August, we heard that Choice Hotels is buying Radisson Hotels Americas. I consider this good news, one reason being “Radisson Hotels Americas” is one of the clunkier hotel chain names out there. But really, I’m more into it because I’m a fan of niche hotel programs and mid-tier chains. I took advantage of the stellar 1:2 Citi ThankYou to Choice Hotels point transfer ratio for quite some time, and it still lasts. Also, I recently wrote about how to share various hotel point currencies and learned one big thing new to me. Here’s why you should transfer Radisson Americas points to your Choice Privileges account now and how to do so.
Why You Should Care
Again, I shared in my hotel points transfer article various benefits for combining hotel points with others. Beyond those factors, Choice acquiring Radisson and both parties’ points transfer policies give many a huge reason to transfer Radisson Americas points now.
It comes down to this. Radisson Rewards Americas members can transfer to others in their household, and elites can transfer to anyone. But Choice Privileges does not allow point transfers to other individuals at all.
By transferring Radisson points now, members can aggregate future-Choice points in the optimal account without being subject to Choice’s draconian policy when the programs and currencies combine. And doing so is tremendously easy.
Our Radisson Americas Points Transfer Experience
Since I’m a busier traveler than my wife and I generally enjoy Radisson and Choice properties more than she does, we wanted to transfer her Radisson Americas points to my account. She called Radisson Americas at 888-288-8889 and was quickly connected to a phone rep. The rep asked for my wife’s full name, Radisson Rewards Americas number, and the points amount she wanted to transfer. My wife stated “all of them” but also confirmed the exact amount in the account.
The rep asked her for my info next – just my name and Radisson Rewards Americas number. Before submitting the transfer, the rep told my wife what my new points balance would be and advised that transfers occur within 24 hours. My wife authorized the transfer, and I then checked my Radisson balance during the still-active phone call. The points arrived immediately! My wife thanked the rep, and the call ended. The call took under five minutes.
Conclusion
Beyond an online method, the phone transfer couldn’t have been simpler. If you’re in a similar situation, I strongly recommend a Radisson points transfer now to leverage their quite flexible, easy process. Of course, it’s possible that Choice eventually updates their terrible points transfer policy, but we certainly cannot count on that. Have you transferred Radisson Americas points? How was the process for you?
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Sorry I am confused by part of this post. I understand the suggestion to consolidate the Radisson points of a couple into one account, done by making a phone call. But I think you may also be recommending then transferring all the combined Radisson points into one’s Choice accounts. If that is so, how does one effectuate that and what is your suggestion for when to do so? Thank you.
Pat,
It’s safe to say with Choice’s purchase of Radisson Hotels Americas, they’ll eventually merge into one loyalty program. Likewise, as things develop, I’m confident Choice will provide instructions for members to merge their Radisson and Choice accounts, similar to SPG and Marriott a few years ago.
Choice hotels doesn’t allow booking beyond ~60days w points. Terrible for intermediate and long term planning..
FtRump,
Actually, Choice bookings with points can be made up to 100 days prior to arrival. That works for many travelers, but obviously not everyone.
We transferred the bulk of our points to the International program and booked Fiji. The remainder of the Radisson points were transferred to Choice as you suggested. First CSR said it could not be done. I asked for supervisor. Easy squeezey after that.
Chuck,
I’m glad it worked out.
What was the ratio transferring your points from Radisson Americas to Choice? 1 to 1? 2 to 1? etc?
“ The transfer couldn’t have been simpler.”
Well…I think it could be simpler if they allow it to be done on-line like Chase.
Fathiss,
Fair enough – article updated.
I think this is a good idea for most people in 2 player mode. Too bad you have to call to do it.
It remains to be seen what the transfer ratio will be from Radisson to Choice. If it’s 1:1 then I’m going to transfer to Choice. If it’s crappy like 3:1 or worse I’m moving mine to Radisson international program.
DaninMCI,
I doubt we’ll get a 1:1 ratio. I find 2:1 or 3:1 more likely, and I’m mentally preparing myself for the latter. I’d love to be wrong, though.
Get the Radisson to the Radisson worldwide program
You can always get Choice from Citi later
You can not get radisson abroad so easily
ffi,
Indeed, some can get value out of the global Radisson Rewards program you mentioned. But many others can get more immediate and/or solid value via Radisson Rewards Americas redemptions or in the future with Choice, based on their unique situations and needs. Also, shifting points between Radisson Rewards Americas accounts doesn’t necessarily preclude one from transferring to a Radisson global account later. And for a variety of reasons, many individuals don’t have access to the Citi option.
Agreed. Does anyone know when Radisson will stop permitting transfers from America to the Worldwide program? Thanks!
They haven’t announced an end date for allowing transfers. I hope the non-Americas division gets sold to basically anyone.