topic Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated in Credit Cards

The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:16:40 GMT

I freaking love my Wyndham Rewards Visa right now.

I was looking for a cheap, weekend trip to the beach. I found a Baymont Suites (owned by Wyndham) for $150/night (so $300 for the whole weekend).

Normally to get a free night, you have to redeem 15000 points, but some hotels have a feature called "Go Fast" where you can redeem partial points and pay the rest in cash -- these Go Fast redemptions tend to be really favorable. In total, for 2 nights, I only had to redeem 6000 points and pay $78.05 (after taxes) for the entire weekend. Considering only 6000 points covered the other $221.95 (and that's not even including taxes!!), I think I made off like a bandit.

I seriously think this card is supremely underrated. 2 points per dollar on all purchases, and each point can easily be redeemed for more than one penny per point, and the annual fee is paid for by the 15,000 renewal bonus (which equals a free night). I really hope this rewards structure doesn't change. It seems too good to be true!!!

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

kdm31091 — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:21:53 GMT

I don't know if it is underrated; I think like most hotel cards, it depends where you stay and whether there are Wyndham properties nearby. If your frequent vacation spots do not have such properties, then no it's not very useful. As with every card, YMMV. Sounds like you found a great deal though.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Infiniti515 — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:33:50 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I freaking love my Wyndham Rewards Visa right now.

I was looking for a cheap, weekend trip to the beach. I found a Baymont Suites (owned by Wyndham) for $150/night (so $300 for the whole weekend).

Normally to get a free night, you have to redeem 15000 points, but some hotels have a feature called "Go Fast" where you can redeem partial points and pay the rest in cash -- these Go Fast redemptions tend to be really favorable. In total, for 2 nights, I only had to redeem 6000 points and pay $78.05 (after taxes) for the entire weekend. Considering only 6000 points covered the other $221.95 (and that's not even including taxes!!), I think I made off like a bandit.

I seriously think this card is supremely underrated. 2 points per dollar on all purchases, and each point can easily be redeemed for more than one penny per point, and the annual fee is paid for by the 15,000 renewal bonus (which equals a free night). I really hope this rewards structure doesn't change. It seems too good to be true!!!

I just got this card recently and one of the things I liked about it was the zero interest balance transfer offer. I like it so far, I just wish it had a chip in it. Not too worried though because I may combine it with my other Barclays card next year.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

icyhot — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:42:35 GMT

That sounds great. Curious, how do you calculate the value of hotel points? Number of points needed for a free room divided by regular dollar price? Vice versa?

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:43:00 GMT

@Infiniti515 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I freaking love my Wyndham Rewards Visa right now.

I was looking for a cheap, weekend trip to the beach. I found a Baymont Suites (owned by Wyndham) for $150/night (so $300 for the whole weekend).

Normally to get a free night, you have to redeem 15000 points, but some hotels have a feature called "Go Fast" where you can redeem partial points and pay the rest in cash -- these Go Fast redemptions tend to be really favorable. In total, for 2 nights, I only had to redeem 6000 points and pay $78.05 (after taxes) for the entire weekend. Considering only 6000 points covered the other $221.95 (and that's not even including taxes!!), I think I made off like a bandit.

I seriously think this card is supremely underrated. 2 points per dollar on all purchases, and each point can easily be redeemed for more than one penny per point, and the annual fee is paid for by the 15,000 renewal bonus (which equals a free night). I really hope this rewards structure doesn't change. It seems too good to be true!!!
I just got this card recently and one of the things I liked about it was the zero interest balance transfer offer. I like it so far, I just wish it had a chip in it. Not too worried though because I may combine it with my other Barclays card next year.

With the rewards structure and anniversary bonus, why would you get rid of it unless you have little to no Wyndham properties near you or your vacation destinations.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

kdm31091 — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:53:58 GMT

Like any hotel card it really only makes sense if you frequent Wyndham properties, and some of them are not exactly widespread. So it depends where you live and where you go. I think a lot of people have hotel cards unnecessarily, when the amount they go there doesn't really justify the card (AF or not, it's still an extra account to deal with). Also some reviews I've seen have said that this card is really only average when it comes to value (i.e. putting general spend on it is not competitive in terms of return, and the return on their properties is good but only if you are going frequently, otherwise a cash back card at 2% is probably better in the overall long run).

Keep in mind also that the actual Wyndham Rewards program is free to join without even having the credit card, so that's an option too, for those who stay there occasionally but not enough to warrant having the actual credit card.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:55:38 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
Like any hotel card it really only makes sense if you frequent Wyndham properties, and some of them are not exactly widespread. So it depends where you live and where you go. I think a lot of people have hotel cards unnecessarily, when the amount they go there doesn't really justify the card (AF or not, it's still an extra account to deal with). Also some reviews I've seen have said that this card is really only average when it comes to value (i.e. putting general spend on it is not competitive in terms of return, and the return on their properties is good but only if you are going frequently, otherwise a cash back card at 2% is probably better in the overall long run).

Keep in mind also that the actual Wyndham Rewards program is free to join without even having the credit card, so that's an option too, for those who stay there occasionally but not enough to warrant having the actual credit card.

They also have a free card.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

kdm31091 — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:57:30 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
Like any hotel card it really only makes sense if you frequent Wyndham properties, and some of them are not exactly widespread. So it depends where you live and where you go. I think a lot of people have hotel cards unnecessarily, when the amount they go there doesn't really justify the card (AF or not, it's still an extra account to deal with). Also some reviews I've seen have said that this card is really only average when it comes to value (i.e. putting general spend on it is not competitive in terms of return, and the return on their properties is good but only if you are going frequently, otherwise a cash back card at 2% is probably better in the overall long run).

Keep in mind also that the actual Wyndham Rewards program is free to join without even having the credit card, so that's an option too, for those who stay there occasionally but not enough to warrant having the actual credit card.
They also have a free card.

Right, I know there's no AF credit card, but the Rewards program (loyalty card, not CC) is free to join without a credit pull, and could make sense for someone who is only occasionally using the hotels.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:01:14 GMT

Im reading this and realizing I cant even visualize a Wyndham property in my mind....nor do I recall seeing any while searching for vacation spots. Have to agree with kdm, think it depends on where you are and where you plan on going.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:01:29 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
Like any hotel card it really only makes sense if you frequent Wyndham properties, and some of them are not exactly widespread. So it depends where you live and where you go. I think a lot of people have hotel cards unnecessarily, when the amount they go there doesn't really justify the card (AF or not, it's still an extra account to deal with). Also some reviews I've seen have said that this card is really only average when it comes to value (i.e. putting general spend on it is not competitive in terms of return, and the return on their properties is good but only if you are going frequently, otherwise a cash back card at 2% is probably better in the overall long run).

Keep in mind also that the actual Wyndham Rewards program is free to join without even having the credit card, so that's an option too, for those who stay there occasionally but not enough to warrant having the actual credit card.
They also have a free card.
Right, I know there's no AF credit card, but the Rewards program (loyalty card, not CC) is free to join without a credit pull, and could make sense for someone who is only occasionally using the hotels.

While this is true, You never know when you'll need a random hotel stay. It is good to bank some nights so you are not all of a sudden hit with it.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:03:33 GMT

@kdm31091 wrote:
Like any hotel card it really only makes sense if you frequent Wyndham properties, and some of them are not exactly widespread. So it depends where you live and where you go. I think a lot of people have hotel cards unnecessarily, when the amount they go there doesn't really justify the card (AF or not, it's still an extra account to deal with). Also some reviews I've seen have said that this card is really only average when it comes to value (i.e. putting general spend on it is not competitive in terms of return, and the return on their properties is good but only if you are going frequently, otherwise a cash back card at 2% is probably better in the overall long run).

Keep in mind also that the actual Wyndham Rewards program is free to join without even having the credit card, so that's an option too, for those who stay there occasionally but not enough to warrant having the actual credit card.

Make sure you are reading reviews of the program after its March 2015 revamp. The program before that point was very lackluster, but after an extensive ramp-up of the program in March, Wyndham rewards is arguably one of the most competitive hotel rewards programs out right now according to "The Points Guy".

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:03:47 GMT

Ahhh I get it now. Wyndham chain includes Howard Johnsons, Days Inns, Travelodges etc., that explains it. None of these would ever come up in my searches.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

kdm31091 — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:08:32 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
Like any hotel card it really only makes sense if you frequent Wyndham properties, and some of them are not exactly widespread. So it depends where you live and where you go. I think a lot of people have hotel cards unnecessarily, when the amount they go there doesn't really justify the card (AF or not, it's still an extra account to deal with). Also some reviews I've seen have said that this card is really only average when it comes to value (i.e. putting general spend on it is not competitive in terms of return, and the return on their properties is good but only if you are going frequently, otherwise a cash back card at 2% is probably better in the overall long run).

Keep in mind also that the actual Wyndham Rewards program is free to join without even having the credit card, so that's an option too, for those who stay there occasionally but not enough to warrant having the actual credit card.
Make sure you are reading reviews of the program after its March 2015 revamp. The program before that point was very lackluster, but after an extensive ramp-up of the program in March, Wyndham rewards is arguably one of the most competitive hotel rewards programs out right now according to "The Points Guy".

Ahh, ok I'll look for something updated then. I take only a bit of stock in Points Guy. He is speaking from a perspective of a heavy, heavy spender and traveler, not just domestic but someone who truly travels a lot. So his valuations don't really match up to my life and spend, realistically, as any trips I take are domestic and quite infrequent. YMMV. He is a "maximizer" and to maximize hotel points, you have to be spending at the hotels quite often. That said, it's not like his reviews are invalid.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:08:09 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Ahhh I get it now. Wyndham chain includes Howard Johnsons, Days Inns, Travelodges etc., that explains it. None of these would ever come up in my searches.

I was just about to address that. Yeah, the number of properties definitely isn't a problem. Wyndham is a HUGE chain.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Callandra — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:08:51 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Im reading this and realizing I cant even visualize a Wyndham property in my mind....nor do I recall seeing any while searching for vacation spots. Have to agree with kdm, think it depends on where you are and where you plan on going.

That's exactly how I feel! My first thought was, "what are Wyndham properties..?"

Although this is not the first raving review I've seen of this card; if you can make use of their properties, sounds like a GREAT rewards card. Points aren't worthless like Marriott!

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:09:41 GMT

They are suited best to the road traveler it appears, but the points + cash options are real winners.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:15:21 GMT

Days Inn, Howard Johnson's, Knights Inn, Ramada, Baymont Inn and Suites, Super 8, and Travelodge are some of Wyndham's more popular brands that most people don't know are owned by Wyndham.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Sharingan — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 02:05:51 GMT

I'm a huge fan of hotel credit cards, particularly the ones with free anniversary nights (which this card has in the form of 15,000 points awarded annually). Unfortunately, the Wyndham properties aren't those I tend to stay at when away from home. The card also doesn't appear to offer me much over what my current hotel cards do. It's not bad on its own, but I still have to prioritize Hyatt and IHG. I must say, I'd find it a lot more compatible with my rewards strategy than the SPG card I had not too long ago if I frequented Wyndham hotels.

Admittedly, I've heard the Wyndham name before, but I couldn't associate it with any brands until now.

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 03:23:00 GMT

Just have to know where to stay to get the best value, I stayed at one this last weekend as it was a last minute trip, just a couple hours away. I managed to get 9,000+ points on a simple cheap two day stay and the hotel met my needs just fine.

Now, I checked the Wyndham in Chicago, rooms are $369 to $449 a night for the dates I checked. Seems a fair value there for my points. I found a few more that were in the $500 a night range without trying real hard, so they have value places and they also have very nice places too. The Dolce group was just purchased by them, should be able to redeem points at properties like these soon:

http://www.dolce.com/properties/?property=hotel

Looks nice enough to me!

I too have an IHG and Haytt that come first, but the Wyndham is a nice card too!

Re: The Wyndham Rewards Visa is SEVERELY underrated

NRB525 — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 03:15:09 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@kdm31091 wrote:
Like any hotel card it really only makes sense if you frequent Wyndham properties, and some of them are not exactly widespread. So it depends where you live and where you go. I think a lot of people have hotel cards unnecessarily, when the amount they go there doesn't really justify the card (AF or not, it's still an extra account to deal with). Also some reviews I've seen have said that this card is really only average when it comes to value (i.e. putting general spend on it is not competitive in terms of return, and the return on their properties is good but only if you are going frequently, otherwise a cash back card at 2% is probably better in the overall long run).

Keep in mind also that the actual Wyndham Rewards program is free to join without even having the credit card, so that's an option too, for those who stay there occasionally but not enough to warrant having the actual credit card.
Make sure you are reading reviews of the program after its March 2015 revamp. The program before that point was very lackluster, but after an extensive ramp-up of the program in March, Wyndham rewards is arguably one of the most competitive hotel rewards programs out right now according to "The Points Guy".

OP you are spot on with this thread. Those of you commenting negatively? You, respectfully, have not done adequate research about Wyndham. With this card and the Cash & Points, you can get at least 1 cent per point value, and in the higher cost properties, 6+ cents per point.

Here's an example:

Travelodge Seattle by the Space Needle. Daily cash rate: $263.46. That would cost you 15,000 points (all properties are 15,000 points if only points are being used. This is NOT the best use of the points). At this expensive property, it works out to 1.7 cents per point, if you used the 15,000 points. Not bad, right?

If you use Cash + Points, however, you pay 3,000 points plus $75. That means you save $188.46 for giving up those 3,000 points, and each of those 3,000 points is 6.2 cents per point in value.

And with both Wyndham credit cards, you get two points per dollar on general spend.

If you go to a web site after searching for something called Hotel Hustle, you are able to get to a map of the area you want to visit, and you will be able to see how many Hyatts (hardly any) Marriotts (more) and Wyndham (many more) properties there are, ranked by the cash and cash+ points options for each of those hotels. It's an eye opener how many Wyndhams show up, and the value of those 3,000 points items.