Wyndham Earner Plus
I recently mentioned that I don’t often put a big dent in my Wyndham Rewards balance. But I know many points and travel hobbyists can’t get enough of this rewards currency, even with its stringent expiration policy. Of course, the highest-return product for this group is the Wyndham Earner Business card. Undoubtedly, the card deserves attention for several reasons, including its interesting 8x bonus category. But some aren’t eligible for the card. Is there anything else for these individuals? Yes! The Barclays Wyndham Earner Plus card is worth considering, especially now. Let’s get into why.
Elevated Welcome Offer
Right now, individuals can pick up a similar 100k signup bonus on the Barclays Wyndham Earner Plus card, but by spending just $2k over six months. That’s a relatively low spend threshold for the bonus and plenty of time to meet it. And new cardholders earn a big bucket of bonus points to redeem for as low as 7.5k points nightly. Even better, that’s before we incorporate the card’s generous bonus categories. I’ll swing by those now.
Wyndham Earner Plus Bonus Categories
The Wyndham Earner Plus, um, earns, 6x points on Wyndham and gas station purchases. I find the latter particularly intriguing, even if it’s not at the Business version’s 8x level. But we’re not done there. The Plus earns 4x points on grocery store and dining purchases. That’s an excellent rate in staple categories for individuals looking to stock up on Wyndham points. Cardholders will likely want to focus all other spending elsewhere, as the Plus only earns 1x otherwise. Nonetheless, those 6x and 4x categories are probably enough for many to consider the Plus.
Wyndham Platinum Elite Status
For the Plus’s $75 annual fee, cardholders automatically achieve Wyndham Platinum elite status. This comes with a few more benefits, including a 15% earning bonus, early check-in, and a status match in Caesars Rewards, in addition to the Gold benefits. It’s not Diamond status, but Platinum distinguishes cardholders from the wide swath of Wyndham Gold elites.
Card Anniversary Bonus
Starting in cardmember year two, paying the annual fee provides individuals 7.5k bonus Wyndham Rewards points. While my wife holds the legacy Wyndham Visa card and picks up a 15k card anniversary bonus for $69, the 7.5k version is solid enough for many with the Plus’s still-reasonable annual fee.
Cheaper Free Nights
Like the other Earner cards, the Plus unlocks Wyndham’s Go Free nights for 10% fewer points. I’m all for simply stretching points, and redeeming for a free night with 6.75k, 13.5k, or 27k points sounds better than the alternative. Put another way, you can value these points slightly higher relative to cash rates, if that’s your thing.
What About the Wyndham Earner Card?
Individuals looking for an even more economical card solution may want to consider the Barclays Wyndham Earner card. The no-fee Earner currently offers a 75k point elevated signup bonus with the same spending and time thresholds as the Plus. The card provides Gold status, the same 10% nightly award discount, Gold status, and a 7.5k-point bonus after spending $15k in the cardmember year.
Conclusion
Of course, those eligible for the Wyndham Earner Business card are probably better off pursuing that product. But for everyone else, it’s a great time to apply for the Wyndham Earner Plus and its elevated 100k point welcome offer. And, perhaps just as important, I consider the card a long-term keeper for the solid ongoing benefits it provides at a reasonable $75 annual fee. Do you hold the Earner Plus card? What’s your favorite feature?
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The Caesars connection really helps keep the miles from expiring by moving them back and forth (with limits)
Andrew,
The transfer limits and unpredictable timing bring down this option a bit, but I still appreciate having this alternative.
Recently approved for earner+ with 100k bonus. Stay at LaQuinta for sports travel/football gameday weekends plus they allow pets. Will be my go-to card for gas purchases. This setup allows me to set a ceiling to the cost of stays.
Nice going, CJ! La Quinta seems like a nice match for a weekend attending sporting events.