Originally Posted by
JapanFlyerT
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.
Yep, status is not one of the major "features" of the Choice program. I've probably had whatever status I've had through the years (travel has put me in all three status levels at some time or another) acknowledged less than 40% of the time. With the watering down of status benefits in other programs, I don't see that as so much of a big deal, however, and like you, have found my "sweet spot" redemptions in the program. And I've long noticed that redemptions in Japan can be very reasonable.