Wyndham has overhauled its credit card lineup, introducing a new premium card and updating benefits and fees across existing products. The key news for current cardholders: you will keep your existing earnings rates and benefits, with the option to switch to the new lineup at a later date.
Our Take
Good news for loyal Wyndham cardholders. Unlike many card refreshes that force changes on existing users, Wyndham is letting current cardholders keep their legacy earning rates and perks. This is a win for those who value their current setup, especially if the new annual fees or earning categories don't fit your travel style.
What Changed
- Wyndham launched a new premium card and refreshed existing cards
- Annual fees increased on some cards (not the no-fee Earner card)
- Earning categories and benefits changed for new applicants
- Existing cardholders: Keep your current earnings and benefits for now
- Optional migration: Cardholders will be able to switch to new products in the future, but not required to do so immediately
Who Benefits Most
- Longtime Wyndham Earner+ and Earner Business cardholders: If your current earning rates are better than the new structure, you keep them—potentially saving $50–$95/year in higher fees.
- Travelers who maximize legacy bonus categories: For example, if you spend $10,000/year in a category that is being downgraded in the new lineup, you could retain $100–$200 in extra value annually (based on typical Wyndham point redemptions at 0.65¢/point).
- Cardholders who dislike higher annual fees: You avoid the fee hike unless you choose to migrate.
- Those who want to compare benefits: You can wait and see how the new cards perform before making a switch.
Who Should Be Cautious
- New applicants: All new applications are subject to the updated earning rates, benefits, and higher fees—no grandfathering.
- Cardholders who want new perks now: If a new benefit is only on the refreshed cards, you won't get it unless you migrate.
- Those who rarely use Wyndham properties: If you don't redeem Wyndham points often, these changes may not impact you much either way.
What To Do Right Now
- Review your current Wyndham card's earning rates and benefits—compare them to the new lineup to see which is better for your needs.
- Hold off on migrating unless a new benefit is worth the higher fee or changed structure for you.
- Monitor your account for migration options—Wyndham will eventually allow you to switch, but there's no rush.
- Track your annual fee renewal date—if your fee is about to increase, confirm whether you're affected or grandfathered.
