Best Western Rewards Becomes WorldHotels Rewards on January 5, 2027: 3 Tiers Instead of 5
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Best Western Rewards is retiring its name on January 5, 2027. That day, the program merges with WorldHotels Rewards into a single loyalty program with 3 status tiers instead of today's 5 levels. Details on the new tiers will be released on November 16, 2026, as set out on the official page for the new WorldHotels Rewards program.
The switch comes with a new corporate identity: since October 27, 2026, BWH Hotels, Best Western's parent company, goes by WorldHotels. Your points, your status and your member number move over on their own. The real question is which tier you'll land in, and that won't be answered until mid-November.
What's Changing, and When
WorldHotels is now the umbrella brand for more than 4,000 hotels across 18 brands in over 100 countries. Best Western stays one of the group's flagship brands, and hotels keep their names, signage and flags. The change happens in the loyalty program, the booking website and the app, all of which have been rebuilt.
The new WorldHotels Rewards brings Best Western Rewards and the existing WorldHotels Rewards together, for about 70 million members. You'll be able to earn and redeem points at Best Western hotels as well as WorldHotels properties.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2026 | BWH Hotels becomes WorldHotels and announces the program merger |
| November 16, 2026 | Details of the new program, including tiers, are announced |
| Until early January 2027 | Members keep their current status and benefits |
| January 5, 2027 | The new WorldHotels Rewards launches |
What Happens to Your Points, Status and Bookings
The group is guaranteeing several parts of the current program:
- Points: your full balance moves over automatically at the same value, and points still never expire
- Status: it automatically moves to the corresponding tier in the new program
- Member number: your 16-digit number stays valid, and its last 10 digits now work on their own
- Bookings: existing reservations are honoured, whether paid with points or money
- Benefits kept: status matching, member rates and points that never expire
There's nothing for you to do. You'll get an email confirming your new tier once your account is converted, and your current status applies until early January.
5 Levels Becoming 3 Tiers
Best Western Rewards currently has a base level, Blue, plus 4 elite tiers earned by qualifying nights in a calendar year. Status earned in 2026 stays valid through the end of 2027. Our complete guide to Best Western Rewards covers the current program in detail.
| Tier | Qualifying nights | Bonus points |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 5 | 10% |
| Platinum | 7 | 15% |
| Diamond | 15 | 30% |
| Diamond Select | 25 | 50% |
The group hasn't said yet which new tier each current level maps to. Squeezing 5 levels into 3 tiers means some will be grouped together, either at the bottom (Gold and Platinum) or at the top (Diamond and Diamond Select), and we'll find out on November 16. Award pricing is the other open question: today, a free night costs a number of points tied to the hotel's expected average rate, and there's no word yet on whether that method survives.
Should You Request a Status Match Now?
Best Western Rewards matches elite status from another hotel chain for free, with no stays required. Status matching continues in the new program, so there's no rush.
A status match earned in 2026 lasts through December 2027, then moves to the corresponding tier in January like any other member's status. If you hold elite status with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, the request takes one email to StatusMatch@bestwestern.com, with proof of your status.
There's also a case for waiting: a match earned in January 2027 could last through the end of 2028, if the new program keeps the same rule. That hasn't been confirmed.
What About Canadian Credit Cards?
Canada hasn't had a Best Western credit card since 2023. For stays at Best Western or WorldHotels properties, your best bet is still to pay with a card that rewards travel spending. Our ranking of the best credit cards compares the options.
Bottom Line
- Do nothing about your points: they carry over at the same value.
- Hold off on booking extra nights to climb a tier until November 16, when the tier mapping will be known.
- Request a status match if you want elite perks on your 2026 stays, knowing it will carry over in January.
To follow the tier announcement, browse our loyalty program directory and sign up for our newsletter.
When does Best Western Rewards become WorldHotels Rewards?
The new WorldHotels Rewards launches on January 5, 2027. Until early January, members keep their current status and benefits.
Will my Best Western Rewards points lose value?
No. Your full balance moves over automatically at the same value, and points still never expire. Award pricing in the new program hasn't been announced yet, though.
What happens to my Best Western elite status?
It automatically moves to the corresponding tier in the new program, which will have 3 tiers. How today's 5 levels map to those 3 tiers will be announced on November 16, 2026.
Do I need to do anything with my account?
No. Your account converts automatically and you'll get an email confirming your new tier. Your 16-digit member number stays valid, and its last 10 digits now work on their own.
Are my existing Best Western bookings protected?
Yes. Current and future reservations are honoured, whether they were paid with points, a credit card, a debit card or cash.
Is the Best Western status match still available?
Yes, status matching continues in the new program. A match earned in 2026 lasts through December 2027 and moves to the corresponding tier in January.
Are Best Western hotels changing their names?
No. Best Western remains a flagship WorldHotels brand, and hotels keep their names, signage and flags. More than 4,000 hotels across 18 brands in over 100 countries take part in the program.