Wyndham extending elite status and offering instant Gold status to essential workers
With the novel coronavirus bringing nonessential travel to a near standstill and hotel occupancy rates hitting record lows, maintaining elite status has become a challenge for many travelers. As a result, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy have all recently extended elite status and rewards expiration for members — and many other programs have also announced adjustments.
Today, April 14, Wyndham Rewards announced it would extend elite status for all members through Dec. 31, 2021. But there's a little more to it — the chain has also launched its #EverydayHeroes initiative, offering free Gold elite status to all essential workers through the same date.
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Free Wyndham Gold status for essential workers
Wyndham Rewards is offering instant, complimentary Gold status to essential workers, including those in healthcare, truck drivers, delivery drivers, warehouse workers, construction workers, sanitation workers and grocery associates. This offer is available to both new and existing Wyndham Rewards members; you can sign up instantly at www.wyndhamrewards.com/heroes through Sept. 30, 2020. The complimentary status is valid through Dec. 31, 2021.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts President and CEO Geoff Ballotti said in statement, “We’re humbled to honor such a deserving group of individuals: everyday people who have been performing herculean tasks in the face of danger. This is one small way we can help make their next trip — whether it be to visit loved ones, friends, or simply to get away — as special as it deserves to be. They’ve earned it.”
Normally, you'd require five nights in a calendar year to earn this level of status. Gold status includes perks like preferred rooms, late checkout and a 10% bonus on earned points.
The chain is also encouraging members to donate their points to its charitable partners during the COVID-19 crisis.
Related: Our favorite ways travel companies are giving back during coronavirus
Elite status extension
All Wyndham Rewards members globally with Gold, Platinum or Diamond elite status will have their member level extended through Dec. 31, 2021. According to a Wyndham representative, this also applies to those who earned Wyndham status through a status match (not currently available).
Related: Complete guide to hotel elite status during the coronavirus outbreak
However, the chain says they're still actively exploring changes to elite qualification, but "due to rapidly evolving circumstances, it’s too soon to share specifics."
Previously, the chain had only extended elite status for members in the Greater China and Southeast Asia Pacific regions.
Points expiration
Wyndham points expiration is now paused for all members until Sept. 30, 2020. This is an extension from the previous policy, which paused expiration through May 31, 2020.
Related: How to keep your points and miles from expiring
Change and cancellation policy
Wyndham has also expanded its penalty-free change and cancellation policy to include stays through June 30, 2020, as long as you request it at least 24 hours in advance. After June 30, you'll be able to change (but not cancel) bookings at no charge, if the change is made at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
Bottom line
It's great to see Wyndham taking an extra step to recognize those on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak by offering free Gold elite status to healthcare workers, grocery associates, truck drivers and more. If you've already got elite status with the chain, it won't expire until the end of 2021.
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How we chose these cards
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Rewards
6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
Rewards Rate
6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.Earn 125,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$125Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.