The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers who enjoy staying at Wyndham hotels. Issued by Barclays, this card is part of the Wyndham Rewards program, which includes brands such as La Quinta, Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, and many more. With generous rewards and travel-related benefits, this card offers great value, especially for those loyal to the Wyndham hotel chain.
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits, fees, rewards structure, and how to apply for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card.
Key Features of the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
1. Sign-Up Bonus
One of the most attractive features of the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is the sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. That’s enough for up to four free nights at participating Wyndham hotels, depending on the category.
2. Earning Rewards
The card offers a generous rewards structure that helps users accumulate points quickly:
- 5X points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Wyndham hotels and gas stations.
- 2X points per dollar on dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart).
- 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.
These categories make it easy to earn points not just while traveling, but also during everyday spending.
3. Wyndham Rewards Gold Membership
Cardholders are automatically granted Wyndham Rewards Gold status. Benefits of Gold status include:
- Late checkout (when available)
- Preferred room selection
- Early check-in (when available)
- A dedicated member services line
While Gold status is the entry-level elite status in Wyndham’s loyalty program, it still provides added value and convenience during stays.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For international travelers, this is a major plus. The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, which means you can use your card abroad without worrying about extra costs.
5. Points Never Expire
As long as you use the card at least once every 18 months, your Wyndham Rewards points will never expire, allowing you to save them up for bigger trips or more luxurious stays.
6. Annual Fee
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card has a $0 annual fee, making it a low-risk option for travelers who want to earn rewards without paying a yearly charge.
Wyndham Hotel Categories and Redemption
Wyndham categorizes its hotels into three tiers for point redemptions:
- 7,500 points per night – Value hotels
- 15,000 points per night – Mid-tier hotels
- 30,000 points per night – Premium hotels
You can also use a combination of points and cash through the “Points + Cash” option, which lets you stretch your points further while still enjoying discounted rates.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Strong sign-up bonus
- Solid reward categories (gas, grocery, dining)
- Automatic Wyndham Gold status
- No foreign transaction fees
- Points don’t expire with regular use
Cons:
- Best value is for those who stay at Wyndham properties frequently
- Not ideal for luxury travelers who prefer premium hotel chains
- Rewards are limited to the Wyndham Rewards ecosystem
Ideal User Profile
This card is best suited for:
- Travelers who frequently stay at Wyndham properties
- Road trippers and business travelers who spend regularly on gas
- Budget-conscious travelers who want to earn free nights without paying an annual fee
- Individuals new to hotel rewards programs who want to start earning points easily
How to Apply for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
Applying for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is a simple process and can be done online in just a few minutes. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Go to the official Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card website: Visit Barclays’ Wyndham Rewards Card page or navigate to the Wyndham Hotels website and click on “Credit Cards.”
- Select the Earner® Card version: There are multiple Wyndham credit cards, including the Earner Plus® and Business versions. Make sure to choose the standard Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card.
- Click “Apply Now”: You’ll be redirected to the secure application page.
- Fill out your personal information: You’ll need to provide:
- Full name
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Employment and income details
- Contact information
- Agree to the terms and submit: Review the card’s terms and conditions carefully. When ready, submit your application.
- Get a decision: In most cases, you’ll receive an instant decision. If more time is needed for verification, you may be notified via email or mail within 7–10 business days.
Final Thoughts
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card is a smart, low-cost travel rewards card that delivers significant value for anyone who regularly stays at Wyndham hotels or spends frequently on gas, dining, and groceries. With no annual fee, a generous welcome bonus, and automatic Gold elite status, it provides a solid entry into hotel rewards and a chance to enjoy free stays without the complexities of higher-end travel cards.
If you’re looking to make your travels more rewarding without breaking the bank, this card is definitely worth considering.
