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Wyndham award chart change is officially in effect

Feb. 12, 2020
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3 min read
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Wyndham award chart change is officially in effect
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Wyndham has officially shifted some of its hotels into different redemption categories as of Feb. 11, which means you may notice a price increase or decrease on upcoming bookings.

This change follows a slew of changes such as, the removal of flat redemption rate of 15,000 points per night in favor of new pricing tiers and the ability for members to earn and redeem points at Wyndham all-inclusive properties.

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Wyndham is one of the most straightforward hotel loyalty programs — there is no dynamic pricing or peak/off-peak dates. In fact, there are only three tiers:

  • Tier 1 - 7,500 points (or 1,500 points + cash)
  • Tier 2 - 15,000 points (or 3,000 points + cash)
  • Tier 3 - 30,000 points (or 6,000 points + cash)

Here's what we know about the upcoming changes:

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  • 91% of Wyndham hotels will not change
  • Most hotels (just under 500) will become cheaper
  • Just over 300 hotels will become more expensive
    • About 220 hotels will moving from 7,500 points to 15,000 points
    • About 80 hotels will move to 30,000 points

TPG values Wyndham points at 1.1 cents each, so a 7,500-point change equates to about $83. A 15,000-point jump is more substantial — the equivalent of $165 based on current valuations.

TPG reached out to a Wyndham representative and was told there will be no preview of hotels affected by this update. We will find out on Feb. 11, after the hotels have already changed price. In other words, if you've had your eye on a certain Wyndham hotel, book your award nights before Feb. 11. If your hotel becomes more expensive, you'll still receive the old rate. If your hotel decreases in price, Wyndham will automatically adjust your reservation to the lower rate.

Similar to many hotel chains, Wyndham expects to shuffle a handful of their hotels once per year — last year, the Wyndham Rewards changes came around this time as well.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Wyndham isn't known for a large inventory of upscale hotels; many of their properties are budget brands like Days Inn, Microtel Inn & Suites, Super 8 and Travelodge. The program does have some compelling options, however — you can use points to book family-friendly hotels like the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek or in urban hot spots like the TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square South. I booked the Ramada Downtown Dubai because of its unmatched views of the Burj Khalifa.

One downside to Wyndham is that it doesn't partner with the major transferable points currencies, so points are harder to earn. If you're a Wyndham loyalist, however, be sure to book your award stays before Feb. 11 to ensure you've locked in current prices. Again, if the price of your hotel goes down, you'll be credited the difference in points.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.