PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card vs Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
Both are well-respected travel cards. The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card comes from PenFed at $0/yr; the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard from Wells Fargo at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card | Choice Privileges Select Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 15,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in 90 days | 60,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $128 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,500 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | PenFed | Wells Fargo |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (Gas) | 5x | 5x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Editorial take: Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card or Choice Privileges Select Mastercard?
- The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card has a public bonus (15,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in 90 days, worth roughly $128), while the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard?
- The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard's benefits to clear $95 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card.
- Can I have both the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card and Choice Privileges Select Mastercard?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (PenFed and Wells Fargo) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card: $1,500 spend in 3 months. Choice Privileges Select Mastercard: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.
