Choice Privileges has amended the program and added a new more restrictive award redemption rule. Members who want to redeem points for awards other than free nights at Choice hotels must have stayed at a Choice hotel or made a purchase with their Choice Privileges Visa (and not earned points only through partner activity) since Jan. 1, 2006. On Jan. 1, 2009, Choice Privileges will be looking back to Jan. 1, 2007, to verify activity. This stipulation will remain in place moving forward, so members of the program will be enticed to stay at a Choice hotel or to own and use a co-branded credit card at least once two full calendar years from the date the member requests an award. Choice Privileges points expire on Dec. 31, two years after the year in which they were deposited into the account.