The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card offers an attractive no-annual-fee option for travelers, especially those who frequent Wyndham properties. It provides not only an opportunity to earn substantial rewards on hotel stays but also on everyday purchases such as gas and groceries.
This review delves into the various benefits, potential drawbacks, and the overall value proposition of this travel rewards card.
$0
1x-5x
30,000
690-850 (Good – Excellent)
CreditFinder’s Rating: 4.2/5
Pros:
- No Annual Fee: The absence of an annual fee makes it easy to justify keeping the card long-term.
- Generous Rewards Structure: Earn up to 5X points at Wyndham hotels and on gas purchases, with additional rewards on dining and grocery expenditures.
- Sign-Up Bonus: The card offers 30,000 bonus points after a relatively low spend threshold, enough for up to four free nights at Wyndham hotels.
- Automatic Elite Status: Cardholders receive automatic Gold status, providing additional benefits such as late checkout and preferred room choice.
Cons:
- Limited Flexibility: Rewards are most valuable when redeemed for Wyndham stays, limiting flexibility compared to general travel cards.
- Potential Availability Issues: Free night availability may vary by location and time, potentially complicating reward redemption.
- Excluded Categories: Some common spending categories like purchases at Target and Walmart do not earn bonus points.
Card Offer Details
- Rewards Rate: The card earns 5X points on Wyndham and gas purchases, 2X points on dining and grocery purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.
- Welcome Offer: New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, which can be redeemed for up to four free nights.
- APR: Offers a variable APR of 20.49%, 24.74%, or 29.74%, based on creditworthiness.
Key Benefits
Elite Status Perks
Gold status includes benefits like late checkout and more points per dollar spent, enhancing the overall travel experience without any additional cost.
Anniversary Bonus
By spending $15,000 annually, cardholders earn an additional 7,500 bonus points, sufficient for a free night at lower-tier Wyndham hotels.
Balance Transfer Intro APR
An introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (made within the first 45 days), followed by a variable APR, makes this card appealing for managing existing credit card debt.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other hotel credit cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Card, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card holds its ground, especially for loyal Wyndham customers. However, it might not offer the same level of flexibility or high-end perks as some premium cards, which often come with an annual fee.
Who Should Consider the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card?
This card is best suited for:
- Wyndham Loyalists: Those who regularly stay at Wyndham hotels will find exceptional value in the rewards program and Gold status benefits.
- Budget Travelers: Individuals seeking to earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee.
- Balance Carriers: The introductory APR offer on balance transfers makes it a good option for those looking to consolidate and pay down debt.
Final Thoughts
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card is a compelling choice for travelers who prefer Wyndham hotels and want to earn rewards quickly without an annual fee. It combines a practical rewards program with valuable hotel perks, making it an excellent tool for enhancing travel experiences while keeping costs low.
For those who frequent a variety of hotel brands or desire more luxurious benefits, a more flexible or premium travel rewards card may be more appropriate. Nonetheless, for loyal Wyndham customers and budget-conscious travelers, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card offers an appealing mix of features that can significantly enhance one’s travel experience without additional costs.
