Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card Review: Essential for Wyndham Loyalists
Uncover why the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a game-changer for Wyndham loyalists. Our review details how its impressive earning potential, valuable status perks, and anniversary bonus can significantly enhance your travel experience.
| Annual Fee | $95.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | Up to 100,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-6x Points |
| Intro APR | 0% promotional APR for 6 billing cycles on all Wyndham Timeshare Purchases (see Terms and Conditions for details). 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening. |
| Regular APR | Purchases – 19.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. After that, (and for balance transfers that do not post to your account within 45 days of account opening) your APR will be 19.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. APR for cash advances – 29.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Other Fees | Balance transfer fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $1.00. Cash advance fee 5% (min. $10). Foreign transaction fee: 0%. |
Overview
For travelers who frequent Wyndham properties, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a powerhouse that packs a surprising amount of value. It makes a strong first impression with a generous sign-up bonus of up to 100,000 points, which is enough for several free nights. The rewards structure is just as compelling, offering an impressive 6 points per dollar on Wyndham stays and a solid 4 points per dollar on everyday categories like dining, groceries, and travel purchases. This makes it an excellent tool for racking up points quickly, whether you're on the road or at home.
Beyond its high earning potential, the card's ongoing benefits easily justify its $95 annual fee. Cardholders receive 15,000 bonus points every anniversary year—enough for up to two free nights at certain properties—which effectively offsets the cost of keeping the card. You also get automatic Wyndham Rewards DIAMOND status your first year (then PLATINUM status), unlocking perks like late checkout and room upgrades when available. Add in a 10% discount when redeeming points for free nights and no foreign transaction fees, and you have a well-rounded travel card.
If you are a Wyndham loyalist, a road-tripper, or a budget-conscious traveler who can take full advantage of the Wyndham hotel portfolio, this card offers exceptional value. For a modest annual fee, it delivers a suite of benefits that can save you significant money and enhance your stays.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- Intro APR period
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic elite status
- Anniversary bonus points
Things to consider
- Annual fee
- High regular APR
- High balance transfer fee
- Cash advance fee
Benefits
A Powerful Welcome Offer and Earning Structure
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card starts strong with a limited-time sign-up bonus of up to 100,000 bonus points—enough for as many as 13 free nights at participating hotels. The bonus is split into two achievable tiers: you'll earn 45,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, plus another 55,000 points for spending $500 at Wyndham properties within the first 180 days. Beyond the initial bonus, the card's earning rates are impressive. You'll get a stellar 6 points per dollar on Wyndham stays and a highly competitive 4 points per dollar on eligible travel, dining, and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart). This elevated rate on everyday spending categories makes it easy to rack up points even when you aren't on the road.
Perks That Deliver Long-Term Value
Where this card truly shines is in its ongoing benefits, which can easily outweigh the $95 annual fee. Each year upon renewal, you receive an anniversary bonus of 15,000 points, which is enough for up to two free nights at lower-tier properties. This single perk can effectively erase the cost of holding the card. Cardholders also receive automatic Wyndham Rewards elite status—DIAMOND for the first year, then PLATINUM thereafter—granting immediate access to perks like early check-in and late checkout. To make your points go even further, you get a 10% discount when redeeming points for free nights, a valuable feature that stretches the value of every point you earn. Finally, with no foreign transaction fees, this card is an excellent companion for international travel.
Drawbacks
Despite its strong perks for brand loyalists, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is not for everyone. Its value is almost entirely concentrated within the Wyndham ecosystem, making it a poor fit for travelers who want the flexibility to book with different hotel chains or through third-party sites. The card’s $95 annual fee, while easily offset by the 15,000-point anniversary bonus, still requires you to be engaged enough with the Wyndham Rewards program to redeem those points effectively. Furthermore, maximizing the lucrative sign-up bonus requires a specific spend at Hotels by Wyndham, which might not align with everyone's immediate travel plans.
From a financial standpoint, the card carries a potentially high regular APR ranging from 19.24% to 29.99%. This makes it an unsuitable choice for anyone who anticipates carrying a balance, as interest charges could quickly negate the value of any rewards earned. While there is an introductory APR offer for balance transfers, it comes with a steep balance transfer fee of 5% (or $5, whichever is greater). Finally, while the 4x points on groceries is a nice perk, be aware that, like many cards, it excludes purchases at superstores like Target and Walmart.
Decision Guidance
This card is an excellent choice for frequent Wyndham guests and road-trippers who can easily extract value far beyond the annual fee. The 15,000 anniversary points alone can justify keeping the card, while automatic elite status enhances every stay. However, if your hotel loyalty lies elsewhere or you prioritize flexible cash back rewards, you'll find the card's benefits too restrictive, as its value is almost entirely locked within the Wyndham ecosystem.
Summary
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a standout choice for anyone loyal to the hotel brand, as its generous anniversary bonus can easily offset the annual fee with a free night. While the card's value is tied to the Wyndham ecosystem, its excellent earning rates on everyday spending like gas and groceries make it surprisingly easy to accumulate points, solidifying its place as an ideal companion for road-trippers and budget-conscious families.