Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card Review

In today’s highly competitive credit card market, businesses are constantly on the lookout for cards that offer maximum value and robust rewards programs. The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card, issued by Barclays Bank Delaware, is one such card that promises a plethora of benefits, especially for those who frequently stay at Wyndham properties and make a significant number of purchases in specific categories. This review delves deep into the various aspects of this card, offering insights and evaluations from a financial expert’s perspective.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card Review

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card is designed primarily for small business owners who can leverage its rewarding points system to offset travel and business expenses. This card offers a compelling rewards structure, attractive introductory offers, and a range of benefits that cater to the needs of business owners.

Reward Structure

One of the standout features of the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card is its rewards structure:
– 8x Points: Earn 8 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases.
– 5x Points: Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible marketing, advertising, and utility purchases.
– 1x Point: Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
This tiered reward system ensures that business owners can maximize their points on high-spend categories, making it an attractive option for those with significant expenditures in these areas.

Sign-Up Bonus

The card also offers a lucrative sign-up bonus:
– 65,000 Bonus Points: Earn 65,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
– 10,000 Bonus Points: Earn an additional 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card.
These combined 75,000 points can provide substantial value, especially when redeemed for stays at Wyndham properties.

Introductory APR and Fees

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card comes with a 0% promotional APR for the first 6 billing cycles on qualifying Wyndham Timeshare purchases. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses planning significant expenditures in this category. However, the ongoing APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.99% variable, which is on the higher side and should be considered by potential cardholders.
The card has an annual fee of $95, which is justified by the extensive rewards and benefits it offers.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card Key Takeaways

– High Reward Rates: Earn 8x points on Wyndham and gas purchases, 5x points on marketing, advertising, and utility purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases.
– Generous Sign-Up Bonus: Potential to earn up to 75,000 bonus points.
– Introductory APR: 0% promotional APR for 6 billing cycles on qualifying Wyndham Timeshare purchases.
– Annual Fee: $95 annually.
– High Ongoing APR: 21.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for businesses with international dealings.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Foreign Transaction Fee: This is a significant advantage for businesses with international operations or those that frequently travel abroad, allowing them to save on additional fees.
2. High Reward Rates: The elevated points on Wyndham, gas, marketing, advertising, and utility purchases can lead to significant rewards accumulation, providing excellent value for businesses with high spending in these categories.
3. Generous Sign-Up Bonus: The potential to earn 75,000 bonus points can provide a substantial head start in accumulating rewards.
4. Introductory APR: The 0% promotional APR for 6 billing cycles on qualifying Wyndham Timeshare purchases can help manage large expenses without immediate interest costs.

Cons

1. Annual Fee: At $95 annually, the fee may be a deterrent for some small businesses, especially those with lower spending or those not maximizing the card’s rewards.
2. High Ongoing APR: The variable APR of 21.24% to 29.99% is relatively high, which could be a concern for businesses that may carry a balance.
3. Limited Reward Redemption Flexibility: While the points are valuable, their best use is within the Wyndham ecosystem, which could be limiting for businesses with diverse travel and spending needs.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card Benefits

Travel Benefits

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card is particularly beneficial for businesses with frequent travel needs. The high reward rates on Wyndham hotel stays and gas purchases make it an excellent choice for those who frequently travel by car and stay at Wyndham properties.

Redemption Options

Points earned can be redeemed for a variety of options, including free nights at Wyndham properties, gift cards, merchandise, and more. The value of points can vary depending on the redemption option, but they typically provide the best value when used for hotel stays.

Purchase Protection

The card comes with several protections that can be highly beneficial for business owners:
– Fraud Protection: Ensures that unauthorized transactions are not charged to your account.
– Purchase Protection: Covers eligible purchases against damage or theft within a certain period.
– Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases, providing additional peace of mind.

Additional Employee Cards

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card allows business owners to issue employee cards, which can help in managing expenses and accumulating points faster. The additional employee card also qualifies for the 10,000 bonus points after the first purchase.

Customer Service

Barclays Bank Delaware, the issuer of the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card, is known for its robust customer service. Cardholders can manage their accounts online, pay bills, and access customer service for any issues or queries.

Conclusion

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card from Barclays Bank Delaware is a compelling option for small business owners, especially those who frequently stay at Wyndham properties and have significant expenditures in gas, marketing, advertising, and utilities. The high reward rates, generous sign-up bonus, and travel-related benefits make it a valuable addition to a business’s financial toolkit.
However, the card does come with a $95 annual fee and a high ongoing APR, which are important considerations. Businesses that can maximize the rewards and benefits, particularly within the Wyndham ecosystem, will find this card to be highly advantageous. For those with different spending patterns or who prefer more flexible reward redemption options, it may be worth exploring other business credit card options.
In summary, the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card offers a robust rewards program, valuable travel benefits, and essential purchase protections, making it a strong contender for businesses looking to optimize their spending and earn significant rewards.