Wyndham and Barclays have just launched the Wyndham Rewards Earner Premier card, marking the first time Wyndham has entered the premium credit card space. This move comes as a surprise to many in the points and miles community, especially since a premium Hyatt card has yet to materialize.
Our Take
Mixed. While it’s always interesting to see a new premium hotel card, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Premier card feels like a head-scratcher. Wyndham’s program has loyalists, but the brand’s footprint and redemption value don’t typically draw the same high-spending, aspirational travelers that flock to premium cards from Hyatt, Marriott, or Hilton. Unless the card brings truly standout perks or earning potential, we’re skeptical it will find a big audience.
What Changed
- Wyndham and Barclays introduced the Wyndham Rewards Earner Premier card, a new premium credit card.
- This is Wyndham’s first foray into the premium card space, debuting before Hyatt’s long-rumored premium offering.
- Specific details on the card’s earning rates, annual fee, or welcome bonus have not been disclosed in the available sources.
Who Benefits Most
- Dedicated Wyndham loyalists who frequently stay at Wyndham properties and want to maximize their points earning and potential elite status.
- Travelers in regions with strong Wyndham presence (e.g., certain road trip corridors or secondary cities) who can reliably use Wyndham points for decent value.
- Collectors seeking a diversified hotel card portfolio who already hold premium cards from other brands and want to round out their options.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Aspirational travelers who prefer luxury brands or high-value redemptions—Wyndham’s portfolio and points value (typically around 0.65¢/point) may not deliver the outsized rewards seen with Hyatt or Marriott.
- Casual travelers who don’t regularly stay at Wyndham properties—other premium hotel cards may offer better perks and transfer flexibility.
- Points maximizers who focus on transferable currencies—Ultimate Rewards, Membership Rewards, or Capital One Miles cards generally offer more flexibility and higher redemption values.
What To Do Right Now
- If you’re a Wyndham loyalist, monitor for official details on the card’s perks, bonus, and annual fee before applying.
- Compare the card’s earning structure and benefits to other premium hotel cards to determine if it fills a gap in your wallet.
- Wait for early reviews and data points from the points community to see if the card offers outsized value or unique perks.
- Avoid applying until the full terms and welcome offer are published—don’t rush just because it’s new.
