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Side-by-side

USAA Rewards American Express vs Choice Privileges Select Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The USAA Rewards American Express comes from USAA 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.

Bottom line

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.

FeatureUSAA Rewards American ExpressChoice Privileges Select Mastercard
Annual fee$0$95
Sign-up bonus2,500 USAA Rewards points60,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$25-
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerUSAAWells Fargo
Card categoryrewardstravel
Best earning category (Dining)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      USAA Rewards American Express
      $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points
      Read the full review
      Choice Privileges Select Mastercard
      $95/yr · 60,000 bonus points

      Editorial take: USAA Rewards American Express

      Editorial take: Choice Privileges Select Mastercard

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, USAA Rewards American Express or Choice Privileges Select Mastercard?
      The USAA Rewards American Express has a public bonus (2,500 USAA Rewards points, worth roughly $25), while the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
      Is the USAA Rewards American Express's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard?
      The USAA Rewards American Express 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 USAA Rewards American Express.
      Can I have both the USAA Rewards American Express and Choice Privileges Select Mastercard?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (USAA 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 USAA Rewards American Express or the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. USAA Rewards American Express: $0 spend in 0 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.