The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card, issued by Barclays, is an excellent entry point for travelers who frequently stay at any of the thousands of properties within the Wyndham portfolio. As a no-annual-fee card, it offers a surprising amount of value, focusing on accelerated point earnings, automatic elite status, and discounts on award redemptions, making it a powerful tool for budget-conscious and loyal Wyndham guests. It is one of three consumer credit cards in the Wyndham Earner family, alongside the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card.
Core Features and Rewards Structure
The Wyndham Rewards program is built on simplicity, offering three clear tiers for free night redemptions. The Earner Card helps members reach these tiers faster with a generous welcome bonus and strong category multipliers.
Earning Points
The card is specifically designed to reward loyalty to the Wyndham brand and everyday purchases that travelers commonly make:
- 5x Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases at Hotels by Wyndham. This includes over 9,000 properties worldwide, from budget-friendly options like Days Inn and Super 8 to upscale brands like Wyndham Grand and Dolce Hotels.
- 5x Points per $1 spent on qualifying gas purchases. This is a particularly strong earning rate for a no-annual-fee hotel card, making it a great card for road trips and daily commutes.
- 2x Points per $1 spent on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding purchases at Target and Walmart).
- 1x Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
The Welcome Offer
New cardmembers typically receive a significant introductory offer:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending a relatively low amount (e.g., $1,000) on purchases in the first 90 days. This bonus alone is enough for up to four free nights at select Wyndham properties, offering an immediate and substantial return on investment.
No Annual Fee
The most attractive financial aspect of the card is its $0 annual fee. This makes it an ideal card to keep long-term, ensuring that any points you earn are pure profit and that you maintain your Wyndham Rewards elite status indefinitely without paying a yearly fee.
Wyndham Rewards Redemptions and Tiers
The value of the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card is tied directly to the simplicity and reach of the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program.
Simple Redemption Tiers
Wyndham Rewards operates on a tiered redemption structure, making it easy to know how many points you need for a free night:
- 7,500 Points: The lowest tier, covering thousands of economy and midscale properties.
- 15,000 Points: The mid-tier, covering a broad selection of midscale and full-service hotels.
- 30,000 Points: The highest tier, covering premium resorts and all-inclusive properties.
Points can be redeemed for a “Go Free” award (a free night) or combined with cash for a discounted “Go Fast” award (starting at 750 points plus cash).
Cardmember Redemption Benefit
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card offers a significant value perk:
- 10% Discount on Free Nights: Cardmembers redeem 10% fewer Wyndham Rewards points when booking “Go Free” awards. For example, a 7,500-point free night costs the cardmember only 6,750 points, saving points on every award redemption.
Other Redemption Options
Beyond free nights, Wyndham Rewards points can be redeemed for:
- Travel activities and tours.
- Gift cards.
- Merchandise through the online shopping portal.
- Conversion to miles with select airline partners.
Automatic Elite Status and Perks
One of the most valuable benefits of holding the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card is the automatic elite status that comes with it, offering immediate perks on every stay.
Automatic Gold Status
Upon approval, you automatically receive Wyndham Rewards Gold status. This status provides tangible benefits during your stays at Hotels by Wyndham, including:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary internet access.
- Preferred Room Selection: The ability to request a preferred room type or location (subject to availability).
- Late Checkout: Available upon request (subject to availability).
- Rollover Nights: Qualifying nights roll over to the next calendar year, making it easier to earn or maintain a higher status level (Platinum or Diamond) in the future.
Additional Cardmember Perks
- Cardmember Booking Discount: Cardholders can access exclusive savings on the Standard Rate when booking stays directly at participating Hotels by Wyndham.
- Unlimited Earning: There is no cap on the number of points you can earn with the card.
How to Apply for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card is issued by Barclays, and the application process is handled through their platform. As a no-annual-fee card, the credit score requirements are generally less stringent than for premium, high-fee cards, but applicants still need good credit to be approved.
Application Requirements and General Guidance
- Credit Profile: It is generally recommended that applicants have a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher) to maximize their chances of approval.
- Existing Relationship: While not mandatory, having an existing relationship with Barclays (even with another co-branded card) can sometimes be a slight advantage.
- No Barclays “2/24” Rule: Unlike some other major issuers, Barclays does not have a strict, widely publicized rule limiting the number of new cards you can open over a two-year period, but they are known to be sensitive to applicants who have recently opened many credit accounts, a practice sometimes called “credit card churning.”
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official Wyndham Rewards credit card page or the Barclays US card website. Ensure you are applying for the specific Wyndham Rewards Earner Card (the no-annual-fee version).
- Review the Offer: Carefully read the current welcome bonus, introductory APR offers (if any), and the card’s terms and conditions before proceeding.
- Start the Online Application: Click the “Apply Now” or equivalent button. The application form will typically ask for the following information:
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), and primary contact information (address, phone, email).
- Financial Information: Employment status, total annual income, and any other sources of income.
- Housing Status: Whether you rent or own your home.
- Agree to Terms and Submit: After verifying all the information is accurate, you must agree to the credit card agreement and privacy policy. Once submitted, the issuer will process your application.
- Awaiting a Decision:
- Instant Approval: Many applicants receive an immediate decision if they clearly meet the eligibility criteria.
- Pending Review: If the application goes into a “pending” status, Barclays may need more time to verify your information or review your credit profile manually.
- Call the Reconsideration Line: If your application is denied, you have the option to call the Barclays reconsideration line. Speaking with a representative may allow you to clarify aspects of your application or credit report, potentially leading to an approval reversal.
Who Is This Card For?
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card is an ideal choice for:
- Wyndham Loyalists: Those who regularly stay at Wyndham properties and want to maximize their points earnings on those stays.
- Budget Travelers: As a no-annual-fee card, it offers a great way to earn free hotel nights without adding a yearly cost to their budget.
- Gas Spenders: The 5x points on gas is a standout feature, appealing to individuals who spend a lot on transportation and want to convert that expense into hotel points.
- New to Hotel Cards: It’s an excellent, low-commitment card for those new to the points and miles hobby who want to gain their first taste of automatic hotel elite status and free nights.
While the card is excellent for its specific niche, those who primarily stay at non-Wyndham hotels or prefer premium travel benefits may be better served by one of the higher-tier Wyndham Earner cards or a general travel rewards card.
