Barclays Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card Review: Top Choice for Wyndham Loyalists
Unlock incredible value with the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card. This review dives into how its generous bonus, powerful earning rates, and elite perks make it a top choice for loyal Wyndham guests and road-trippers alike.
| Annual Fee | $95.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | Up to 100,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-6x points on purchases |
| 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 – 19.49% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. After that, your APR will be 19.49% 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 19.49% 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 transfers – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $1.00. Balance transfer fee: 5% (min. $5). Cash advance fee 5% (min. $10). Foreign transaction fee: 0%. |
Overview
For travelers who frequent Wyndham properties, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card from Barclays packs a surprising amount of value for its modest annual fee. The card comes out swinging with a massive sign-up bonus of up to 100,000 points, which is enough for multiple free nights. The rewards structure is just as compelling, offering a powerful 6 points per dollar on Wyndham stays and a strong 4 points per dollar on everyday purchases like gas, dining, and groceries, making it easy to rack up points both on and off the road.
Beyond the initial bonus, this card delivers impressive long-term perks. Cardholders receive 15,000 bonus points each anniversary year, which can easily offset the $95 annual fee when redeemed for a free night. You also get automatic Wyndham Rewards elite status (Diamond your first year, then Platinum), unlocking benefits like late check-out and preferred rooms. Plus, with a 10% discount on points redemptions for free nights and no foreign transaction fees, the card is built to maximize savings on your travels.
Ultimately, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a top-tier choice for Wyndham loyalists, road-trippers, and any budget-conscious traveler who can take advantage of the brand's vast network of hotels. While its high regular APR means it's not ideal for carrying a balance, those who pay their bill in full will find that the generous rewards, anniversary bonus, and elite perks provide outstanding value that far outweighs the annual fee.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Introductory APR period on balance transfers and specific purchases
- Generous sign-up bonus opportunity
- Accelerated rewards rate on travel, dining, and grocery purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic hotel elite status and related perks
- Annual bonus points
Things to consider
- Annual fee applies
- High regular APR range
- High balance transfer fee
Benefits
Generous Welcome Offer and Annual Bonus
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card starts strong with a compelling two-part sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn 45,000 bonus points after spending just $1,000 in the first 90 days, plus an additional 55,000 points for spending $500 at Hotels by Wyndham within the first 180 days. This potential total of 100,000 points is exceptionally valuable for a card with a modest annual fee, providing enough points for multiple free nights at many Wyndham properties. The value continues year after year with a 15,000-point anniversary bonus after paying the annual fee, which can easily offset the cost of the fee by covering a free night or two.
Elevated Rewards on Travel and Everyday Spending
This card excels at accelerating your point earnings. You’ll earn an impressive 6 points per dollar on stays at Hotels by Wyndham and a strong 4 points per dollar on two broad, high-spend categories: eligible dining and grocery store purchases. This makes it a powerful tool for earning rewards not just when you travel, but also on your daily expenses. The card also offers 4 points per dollar on general travel purchases, solidifying its place as a great companion for any trip.
Valuable Elite Status and Redemption Perks
Cardholders are automatically granted Wyndham Rewards DIAMOND status for the first year (PLATINUM status thereafter), unlocking perks like late checkout and preferred room choices without meeting any stay requirements. When it's time to use your points, the card offers a unique and valuable benefit: a 10% discount on points redemptions for free nights. This effectively stretches the value of every point you earn. Combined with no foreign transaction fees, these features make the card an excellent choice for frequent Wyndham guests who want to maximize rewards and enjoy an elevated travel experience.
Drawbacks
The primary drawback of this card is its niche focus. Its rewards and benefits are heavily concentrated within the Wyndham ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for brand loyalists but a poor fit for travelers who prefer booking with a variety of hotel chains. While the card carries a $95 annual fee, the 15,000-point anniversary bonus can easily offset this cost for those who regularly stay at Wyndham properties. However, if your travel plans aren't centered on the Wyndham portfolio, you'll likely get more value from a flexible, general-purpose travel rewards card.
Financially, the card's potentially high regular APR is a significant consideration. With a variable rate that can reach up to 29.99%, it is not well-suited for cardholders who tend to carry a balance, as interest charges could quickly wipe out the value of any rewards earned. Additionally, while the 4 points per dollar earned at grocery stores is a generous rate, it's important to note that major retailers like Target and Walmart are excluded, which may limit the earning potential for some cardholders.
Decision Guidance
This card is an excellent fit for Wyndham loyalists and road-trippers who can maximize the high rewards rates on hotel stays, gas, and dining. For frequent guests, the 15,000-point anniversary bonus and automatic elite status provide ongoing value that easily offsets the annual fee. However, those who tend to carry a balance should steer clear, as the card's high regular APR would quickly negate any rewards earned.
Summary
For Wyndham loyalists and road-trippers, the Earner® Plus Card provides outsized value, with an annual anniversary bonus that can single-handedly cover the fee with a free night. Its generous rewards on gas and dining make it a powerful everyday earner, though the high APR means it's best for travelers who pay their balance in full to maximize the card's considerable perks.