Wyndham and Barclays have just rolled out a major refresh of their Wyndham Earner, Earner+, and Earner Business credit cards. The changes include increased annual fees, new statement credits, and updates to how you earn points—affecting both new applicants and existing cardholders.
Our Take
Mixed. While some travelers will appreciate the added credits and potential for more value, the increased annual fees and changes to points earning mean this refresh is a double-edged sword. For those who maximize credits and spend in the right categories, the new structure could be a net win, but casual users may find the higher fees outweigh the benefits.
What Changed
- Annual fees: Increased on all refreshed Wyndham Earner cards
- New statement credits: Added to offset some of the higher fees
- Points earning: Adjusted earning rates in various categories
- Signup bonuses: Changed, but details not fully disclosed in public sources
Who Benefits Most
- Frequent Wyndham hotel guests who can fully use new statement credits and maximize bonus categories—potentially offsetting the higher annual fee by $100+ per year if credits are fully utilized.
- Small business owners with high Wyndham spend: If you put $10,000/year on the Earner Business card at 8x (hypothetical, as exact rates not disclosed), you could earn 80,000 points worth ~$520 (using our 0.65¢/point valuation).
- Travelers who can stack credits: If you routinely use the new credits (e.g., for Wi-Fi, dining, or travel), you could recoup much of the increased fee.
- Loyalty maximizers: Those who combine the card with Wyndham elite status or promotions may find the changes more rewarding.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Infrequent Wyndham guests: If you don’t stay at Wyndham properties often, the higher annual fee and credits may not deliver value.
- Low spenders: If your annual card spend is under $2,000, you may not earn enough points or credits to justify the new fee.
- Travelers loyal to other hotel brands: If you prefer Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt, these changes won’t help you—consider a card better aligned with your travel patterns.
What To Do Right Now
- Review your Wyndham Earner card’s new annual fee and credits to see if they match your travel habits.
- Calculate your expected annual value: add up credits you’ll actually use and compare to the new fee.
- If you’re not getting enough value, consider downgrading or switching to a no-fee card.
- Watch for updated signup bonus offers—if you’re considering applying, wait for the best deal.
- Track your points earning: make sure your spending aligns with the new bonus categories.
