With summer just around the corner, you probably have some upcoming hotel stays and want to make the most out of them. A great way to make the most out of these stays is by signing up for a status match or challenge. Both options let you access valuable perks and make your upcoming stays more rewarding. But what exactly is a status match or challenge and how do you sign up for one? The process and requirements vary by program, but the basics are the same.
A status match grants you the same status level you currently hold with a competing loyalty program, while a status challenge grants provisional status after completing a reduced stay requirement. Bottom line: You can improve your overall hotel experience and end up with a ton of perks by taking advantage of these challenges and matches. It’s a great way to fast-track elite status if you don’t want to be tied down to one program when making hotel reservations.
Luckily, there are plenty of hotel loyalty programs offering status matches and challenges at the moment. Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know to successfully complete your first hotel status match or challenge:
Things to consider before signing up for a status challenge or match
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- You only get one shot: Most hotel loyalty programs will only grant a status match or challenge once per lifetime. Because of this restriction, you should sign up for a match or challenge before a long trip or when you have numerous hotel stays coming up. This ensures you’ll complete the challenge in time and get to take full advantage of the benefits.
- You must show proof of existing status: Most status challenges require proof of existing status with another program. You’ll need to provide a screenshot of your loyalty account, displaying your current status level. Some programs also require you to show your recent stay history.
- You have limited time to get it done: Most status challenges must be completed within a specified time period, ranging from __-___ days. Similarly, status matches are typically valid for a limited time.
What’s the difference between a status match vs. a status challenge?
The main difference between a status match and a status challenge lies in when you’re awarded the higher status level. With a status match, you will be awarded elite status after providing proof of existing status with another program. For example, if you’re a Hilton Honors Diamond status, you can get a status match to Marriott Platinum (????). Many hotel programs also require you to show your recent stay history, to ensure you earned at least part of your status through hotel stays. Once you’ve met the requirements of a status match, you’ll get upgraded status with the program for a specific period of time. If you meet additional stay requirements, you status will be extended beyond this trial period.
Meanwhile, a status challenge does not grant higher status until after you meet the stated requirements. A hotel status challenge lowers stay requirements for earning elite status. For example, you may be able to earn top-tier status after completing just __ stays instead of __. Some programs require you to complete these lower stays within a specific time period. Because of this time restriction, it’s important to be strategic when signing up for a status challenge.
When deciding between a hotel status match and challenge, it’s important to consider your personal needs and preferences. Status matches are easier to get and the benefits are immediate, but not everyone will qualify.
| Status match | Status challenge | |
| Who qualifies? | Existing elites | Anyone? |
| When do benefits go into effect? | Immediately | After the challenge is completed |
| How long is it valid for? | ||
What’s a status match and how is it different from a status challenge?
What is a hotel status match?
Current hotel loyalty program elite status matches and challenges
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Best Western
Text “Best western status match”, “Best western status challenge”
Choice Privileges
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Hilton Honors
Hilton offers a Diamond elite trial if you can prove status with another hotel loyalty program. I recently provided Hilton proof of my Hyatt Platinum status and received confirmation that I was eligible for a Diamond status challenge. I was told I’d have to complete 21 nights within 90 days. Both Points + Cash and award nights would count towards the elite challenge requirements. This means it’s possible to earn top-tier Hilton HHonors status through March 31, 2017 for as little as 105,000 points or 52,500 points + $630 cash. I’d rather earn it through credit card spending, but it might not be easy for everyone.
If spending 105,000 points on a mattress run sounds insane, you can reduce your losses thanks to an underrated little promotion Hilton is running. Through July 6, 2015 registered HHonors members earn an extra 5,000 points per stay. If you were to book a series of 1-night award stays at Category 1 Hilton hotels at 5,000 points per night until the promotion end date, you would break even on 7 of the required 21 nights. Of course, there’s currently only one Category 1 Hilton property in the U.S. and remote check-ins are tough to negotiate with hotels abroad. So realistically, you can knock out four nights free of charge, bringing your total out of pocket cost for Hilton Diamond status (based on the remaining 17 nights) to 85,000 points or 42,500 + $510.
IHG One Rewards
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Marriott Rewards
Marriott Platinum Challenge (18 nights or 9 stays in 90 days)
Marriott doesn’t publicize their Platinum challenge requirements. I messaged the Marriott team on Twitter and got a series of non-responses. Basically, they wouldn’t tell me what’s required for any type of challenge and explained it would vary by account. After providing them with my account number, I was told I qualified for a Silver challenge…but that I would have to accept before they would tell me what the terms are! Seriously, the NSA doesn’t keep this tight of a lid on information.
Clearly, a Google search would have been a better use of my time. I found this thread on Marriott Reward Insiders, where a member received a Platinum challenge requiring 18 nights/9 stays in 90 days.
What I found odd is that while the Twitter reps didn’t extend anything better than a Silver challenge, I did receive an email recently with a fast track to Gold offer. It requires 12 nights within 90 days, which is pretty reasonable considering Marriott’s Gold Elite membership offers benefits that are on par with some programs’ top-tier status.
World of Hyatt
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Wyndham Rewards
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Wyndham status challenge
The Wyndham Rewards status challenge is one of the most generous and attainable around. Qualifying members can fast-track all the way up to Diamond elite status after completing just ten stays.
Valid for:
Other ways to fast-track elite status
Credit cards, mattress running
Should you mattress run for a status challenge?
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Final thoughts
It’s good to know there are specific enrollment periods that may coincide with your travel plans. As cheap and useful as mattress running can be, it’s so much more preferable if you can earn status without incurring additional costs.
If you’re thinking of going for top-tier status with any of these programs, you should definitely consider a status challenge. It requires fewer nights and since most programs limit each member to one challenge per lifetime, you might as well take advantage of it.
Are you taking advantage of any of the above mentioned elite status challenges? Please share your strategy in the comment section.
