Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card – In-Depth 2025 Review

Quick Stats at a Glance

Card Overview & Positioning

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card sits in the mid-tier travel space, bridging the gap between no-fee cards (like the base Earner) and premium hotel products. At a $75 annual fee, it offers 6x on Wyndham stays, 4x on dining and groceries, and automatic Wyndham Rewards Gold status. If you frequent Wyndham's extensive network (Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada, etc.) or appreciate strong everyday category multipliers tied to hotel points, the Earner Plus offers solid value. Compared to $95-$99 competitors like IHG Premier or Marriott Boundless, the $75 fee is slightly lower, though it lacks an automatic free night certificate. It's positioned for travelers seeking a balance of affordability and accelerated point earning within the Wyndham ecosystem.

Earning Wyndham Rewards Points & Category Multipliers

The Earner Plus commonly provides:

• 6x points per dollar on stays or purchases at Wyndham properties (including room rate, incidentals if charged to your room, etc.)
• 4x on dining and groceries (U.S. supermarkets, restaurants)
• 1x on everything else

Wyndham points generally average 1.0–1.2 cents each in value, although dynamic pricing can vary. The 6x on Wyndham is straightforward for bigger returns if you frequently stay at their hotels, especially if you combine base Wyndham membership points. Meanwhile, 4x on dining and groceries is above average for a $75 card— you can use it as a daily driver in those categories if you specifically want Wyndham points. However, if you prefer flexible points or different hotel loyalty, consider whether 4x Wyndham surpasses alternative travel/dining cards for your usage.

Sign-Up Bonus & Redemption Potential

The card’s sign-up bonus typically runs 45k–60k Wyndham Rewards points after meeting a modest spending requirement (~$1k–$2k in 3 months). If we assume ~1.1¢ each, 45k points might be worth ~$495. That could cover multiple nights in lower-tier properties (like Days Inn or Super 8) or 1–2 nights at higher-end Wyndham or partner resorts. Some cardholders stretch the bonus to 3 or 4 nights by choosing mid-tier hotels in the 7.5k–15k range. Factor in the ability to redeem points for partial cash + points if needed. Overall, the bonus can easily outpace the $75 fee in year one, especially if you harness the synergy of 6x at Wyndham for additional stays.

Wyndham Rewards Gold Status & Key Perks

The card grants Wyndham Rewards Gold status automatically. While not top-tier (Diamond is the highest), Gold still offers:

• Possible late checkout (subject to availability)
• Preferential room assignment or minor upgrades (varies widely by brand or property)
• Accelerated point earning on stays (10% bonus in base points, if the property recognizes it fully)
• Dedicated customer service line in some regions

Gold is helpful for travelers wanting a guaranteed baseline perk. If you want top-tier Platinum or Diamond, you’d need more nights or to hold another Wyndham product with higher fees or to qualify through stays. Still, for $75, having Gold is a nice permanent bump for all your Wyndham visits, which might net you better rooms or an occasional late checkout, plus extra base points that stack with your card’s 6x multiplier.

No Foreign Transaction Fee & Global Acceptance

The Earner Plus card is typically a Mastercard or Visa issued by Barclays (depending on issuer partnership specifics). It imposes no foreign transaction fees. This is valuable if you stay at Wyndham’s international properties or dine abroad. The card’s 4x on dining extends to overseas restaurants (though, merchant coding can vary). While you might not find Wyndham in every city worldwide, the no-FTF perk ensures you can swipe with no penalty whenever you do find a Wyndham brand or if you want to earn points on groceries/dining internationally.

2025 Updates & Potential Changes

1. Annual Fee Adjustments:The card has held around $75. Minor increases or changes might appear if Barclays or Wyndham add new perks. Keep an eye out for official announcements.
2. Sign-Up Bonus Variations:Sometimes 60k points, sometimes a statement credit plus points. By 2025, watch for special promotional spikes or limited-time offers—like 75k total points or waived annual fee year one.
3. Category Changes: 6x at Wyndham, 4x dining/groceries is standard now. The card might expand to other categories or add extras. Confirm any official updates in T&Cs if you’re reading this closer to 2025.
4. Wyndham Rewards Program Tweaks: Wyndham sometimes reorganizes tiers, or changes point redemption structures. The overall 7.5k–30k point band might remain, but dynamic or new features could appear. Gold status perks might also expand or shift in 2025.

Historically, the Earner Plus remains relatively consistent. The biggest watch is whether the annual fee or sign-up bonus structure changes. Always verify official details if you’re applying or upgrading near 2025.

Real-Life Example: Annual Spend & Points

Suppose your typical yearly spend:

• $2,000 at Wyndham hotels (combined stays across the brand)
• $3,500 on dining, $3,500 on groceries
• $12,000 in other purchases

Here’s the approximate annual points from the card:

That’s 52k from spend alone. Add a 45k sign-up bonus, and you could have nearly 100k Wyndham points your first year. If we assume ~1.0¢ each, that’s ~$1,000 in hotel value. Subtract the $75 fee, and you’re still well ahead if you utilize your points effectively. Meanwhile, you hold Gold status, which might get you the occasional room upgrade or late checkout. This synergy can be quite lucrative for travelers hitting those dining/grocery categories regularly.

Competitor Analysis

Other mid-tier hotel cards include:

The Earner Plus sets itself apart with a slightly lower fee than some, strong 4x on dining/groceries (where IHG is 5x on dining/travel/gas, but that card also costs $99), and synergy with a massive economy-lodging network (Days Inn, Travelodge, etc.). If you prefer budget or mid-scale hotels with broad coverage, Wyndham can be compelling. The tradeoff: some travelers find more aspirational or upscale experiences with Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt. But for consistent road-trippers, families, or casual travelers, the Earner Plus might be just right.

Additional Benefits & Travel Protections

Barclays typically includes:

• Mastercard (or Visa) Protections: May include purchase protection, extended warranty, secondary car rental coverage, etc. Check your guide to benefits for specifics.
• Fraud Liability Coverage:$0 for unauthorized charges, plus 24/7 customer service access.
• No FTF: As mentioned, crucial for international usage without a 3% surcharge.
• FICO Credit Score Access: Some Barclays cards show your TransUnion FICO or VantageScore in the app each month for free.

While not a “premium travel card,” the Earner Plus covers basic conveniences or protections so you can worry less when traveling. If you want robust trip delay/cancellation coverage or primary car insurance, you might prefer a higher-end product. But for casual travelers focusing on Wyndham stays and everyday dining/groceries, these baseline perks may suffice.

APR & Carrying a Balance

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus typically holds a 20.99–29.99% APR range on purchases. That’s standard for many rewards cards. It’s strongly recommended to pay off statements monthly— interest costs quickly erode point or discount advantage. If you need a big purchase financed, a dedicated 0% intro APR or lower-rate solution might be better. Also, watch out for cash advances at ~29.99% plus fees, rarely a good idea. Overall, treat this as a pay-in-full monthly card to fully capitalize on the points and offset the $75 fee.

Potential Downsides

• $75 Annual Fee:Cheaper than many, but if you rarely use Wyndham or 4x dining/groceries, you may not recoup it compared to a no-fee card.
• Wyndham’s Mixed Brand Reputation:Some Wyndham properties can be older budget motels. Others (Wyndham Grand, Dolce, etc.) are nicer but less common, depending on your area. If you prefer higher-end Marriott/Hilton experiences, this might not align with your taste.
• Gold Status Is Not Top-Tier:Platinum or Diamond might offer better suite upgrades or freebies, so you get only moderate benefits with Gold. Expect small perks or minor upgrades, not guaranteed lounge/breakfast.
• Lack of a Free Night Certificate: Unlike some competitor hotel cards in a similar AF range, the Earner Plus doesn’t provide an annual free night. Instead, it offers better ongoing multipliers. Some travelers prefer a guaranteed free night certificate each year to offset fees easily.
• Redemption Tiers Vary:Some properties require 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points. Wyndham has introduced more dynamic or mid-tier levels. Investigate your go-to brand’s nightly cost in points to see if the card truly helps you get free nights quickly.

Advanced Tips & Strategies

1. Max Out 4x Dining & Groceries: If you spend heavily at restaurants or supermarkets, funnel that to Earner Plus to accumulate Wyndham points. Ensure the store codes as “grocery” or “restaurant” for 4x to apply.
2. Redeem for Vacasa Vacation Rentals:Wyndham’s partnership with Vacasa allows you to redeem points for certain vacation rentals. Explore if that yields better or unique lodging experiences beyond standard hotels.
3. Watch Flash Sales or Go Fast Awards: Wyndham sometimes offers “Go Fast” (cash + points) or limited-time sales for 1,500–6,000 fewer points on certain properties. Combine your earner multipliers with these promos for outsized value.
4. Pair with Another Barclays Card? If you hold a Barclays Arrival+ (older product) or another travel card, you might prefer to keep the Earner Plus just for Wyndham/dining/grocery. Put other categories on a card with stronger multipliers or flexible points.
5. Track Your Wyndham Points Expiration: Wyndham points can expire if you’re inactive for 18 months. Using the Earner Plus for even small monthly dining charges ensures ongoing activity, keeping your stash alive.

Another Example: Frequent Road-Tripper or Family Traveler

Suppose you:

• $3,000 in Wyndham stays (family trips, road stops at Days Inn, La Quinta, etc.)
• $5,000 combined on dining/groceries per year
• $8,000 in everything else (gas, bills, general spending where you might not have bigger multipliers)

You’d earn:

• 6x on $3,000 (Wyndham): 18,000 points
• 4x on $5,000 (dining/groceries): 20,000 points
• 1x on $8,000 (other): 8,000 points

Total = 46,000 points from spend. Add a 45k sign-up bonus in year one = 91k total. At 1¢ each, that’s ~$910. Subtract $75, and you come out well ahead if you redeem at properties that suit your travel. Meanwhile, Gold ensures a bit more comfort or flexibility when checking in, especially if you do multiple Wyndham nights a year.

Synergy with Other Cards or Partner Programs

Wyndham Rewards points aren’t typically a top transfer target from major flexible currencies. However, you can:

• Transfer Capital One Miles or Citi ThankYou Points to Wyndham at various ratios, though these might not be as favorable as transferring to airlines or certain hotel programs. If you do want to top up your Wyndham stash, it’s an option.
• Hold a separate travel card for categories like airfare or hotels not under Wyndham. For example, a general 2x or 3x card on travel might complement the Earner Plus, which is best for Wyndham/dining/grocery. That ensures maximum coverage of all your spending categories.
• Bask Bank or Partnerships: Wyndham occasionally partners with other travel or car rental companies for bonus points. Using your Earner Plus for those combos can accelerate your earnings if they code as Wyndham or travel-related purchases (though not guaranteed to code as 6x or 4x unless it’s official Wyndham brand spend).

In short, the Earner Plus stands alone for Wyndham-lovers. But if you want a more universal approach for airfare, large purchases, or premium lounge benefits, pair it with a top general travel card. Then funnel only Wyndham/dining/grocery to this card for maximum synergy.

Redemption & Point Value Insights

Wyndham Rewards typically uses tiered or dynamic award rates:

• 7,500 points for low-tier budget hotels (Days Inn, Travelodge, Super 8 in smaller markets)
• 15,000 points for mid-tier (some La Quinta, Ramada, Wingate, etc.)
• 30,000 points for higher-end Wyndham Grand, Dolce, or some prime locations

However, Wyndham has introduced more dynamic or “mixed” categories, and some properties can be 7,500–40,000 points. Approximate valuations run 1.0–1.2 cents each if you pick sweet spots. For instance, a $120–$150 Days Inn might only cost 7.5k points, netting ~1.6–2.0¢. Conversely, an over-inflated property might yield under 0.8¢. If you’re strategic—like booking a 15k property that sells for $180+—you can do well. Just research your route or location. If you see a property at 30k for a $200 room, that’s ~0.67¢ each, so perhaps not the best. Ultimately, your mileage varies, but combining the 6x earn with well-chosen redemptions can yield strong returns.

Competitor & Alternative Cards

Besides other major hotel cards or flexible travel cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 AF): Earn flexible Ultimate Rewards, no direct synergy with Wyndham except you can redeem UR at 1¢ each for travel or 1.25¢ in the UR portal if offered. Doesn’t give Wyndham status, though.
• Capital One Venture ($95 AF): 2x miles on all purchases, miles can be redeemed as statement credit for travel. No Wyndham-specific perks, but simpler approach if you want brand-agnostic usage.
• Amex Everyday Preferred ($95 AF): Earn Membership Rewards points with potential 3x groceries, 2x gas. Not directly transferrable to Wyndham at a great ratio, though. Better if you want airlines or other hotel partners.

If you specifically want Wyndham loyalty advantages, free or discounted nights across ~9,000 hotels, or 4x in dining/groceries in a single card, the Earner Plus stands out. If you seldom stay at Wyndham or prefer a more flexible system, consider general travel or different hotel chain cards instead.

Who Should Get the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card?

Final Thoughts & Disclaimer

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card provides a compelling blend of perks for a modest $75 annual fee. You get Gold status, strong multipliers—up to 6x on Wyndham, 4x on dining/groceries, 1x on everything else—plus no foreign transaction fees. This mid-tier card can serve as a cornerstone for fans of the InterContinental Hotels Group, especially if you redeem that free night for a property above $150–$200 in cash value. While Wyndham’s dynamic pricing and ~1.0-1.2¢ point value might be overshadowed by certain competitor programs, the synergy of the sign-up bonus, Gold status, and strong everyday multipliers can easily outstrip the cost for frequent or even occasional Wyndham guests. If your travel pattern fits the brand, it’s one of the simpler ways to earn hotel points quickly across a massive network.

Disclaimer: Terms, APR, bonus offers, and annual fees can change. Always check official Barclays/Wyndham info for the latest details. We may earn affiliate commissions from certain links, but editorial opinions remain our own. Typical point valuations (~1–1.2¢) vary by property or redemption method. If you revolve balances at 20–29% APR, interest quickly cancels your reward advantage. Evaluate how often you’ll use Wyndham, the 4x dining/grocery categories, and Gold status perks before committing.