Originally Posted by
lwildernorva
I've had the Choice Privileges Visa card for many years, and it has only granted me Gold status. As I see you're in Japan, perhaps you have a Visa Platinum card as distinguished from a Visa Gold or Visa Classic, classifications that are unrelated to the status given in the Choice Privileges program. Or it is possible that the Choice card works differently in Japan and at some point, may have granted you Choice Platinum status, but I am unaware of any such differences.
The Visa card is Choice Privileges rewards program, and has "platinum" written on the front, under the word Visa. There is no annual fee, so I wouldn't say it is a premium card.
Some hotels in Japan have "recognized" it, but it didn't mean much. Perhaps a 12pm checkout. Maybe you're right and the status was always gold.
I got the card through my US address and Barclay, so being in Japan isn't a factor. In fact, the Japanese programs run in parallel and while I can get good redemptions here (8,000-12,000 for a double room), I believe I cannot earn the gold/platinum bonus points on my US Choice account on paid stays.
All in all it isn't a big deal, but I thought it odd.