Enhance your road trip experience with the latest Wyndham credit cards

Road trips have become a focal point once more amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Americans have opted for road travel in recent months, as it allows for easier management of exposure compared to other travel methods. With proper precautions and planning (or traveling in your own RV), most risks can be effectively minimized.

I believe that the rise in road trip popularity and a renewed focus on America's top attractions have been one of the few silver linings of this pandemic. If you choose to embark on a journey, road travel is just like any other trip we discuss here at TPG: you need to make the most of it.

In this context, Wyndham and Barclays have recently launched a new series of co-branded credit cards that exceeded my expectations — and are worth considering as you get ready for your next road adventure. Let’s explore these updated cards and how they can help you save money and earn great rewards during your travels.

Introducing the new card series

The revamped Wyndham credit card lineup features three new products. Here’s a summary of their key benefits and details for each:

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 30,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Earning structure: Earn 5x points on eligible purchases at Wyndham hotels and gas stations; 2x points at restaurants and grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart); 2x points on qualifying purchases made at Wyndham Timeshare properties (including maintenance fees and loan repayments); 1x points on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $0

Additional benefits: Gold status within Wyndham Rewards; receive 7,500 bonus points after spending $15,000 annually; 10% discount on the points required for free night stays.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 45,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.

Earning structure: Earn 6x points on eligible purchases at Wyndham hotels and gas stations; 4x points at restaurants and grocery stores (excluding Target and Walmart); 4x points on qualifying purchases at Wyndham Timeshare properties (including maintenance fees and loan repayments); 1x point on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $75

Additional benefits: Platinum status in Wyndham Rewards; receive 7,500 bonus points every anniversary year (no spending requirement); 10% discount on the points needed for free night stays.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 45,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.

Earning structure: Earn 8x points on Wyndham hotel purchases and gas; 5x points on marketing, advertising, and utility expenses; 1x point on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $95

Additional perks: Achieve top-tier Diamond status in Wyndham Rewards; receive 15,000 points every anniversary year (no spending threshold); enjoy a 10% discount on the points required for free night stays; and get cell phone insurance when you use the card to pay your wireless bill ($50 deductible, $600 coverage per incident).

RELATED: Which Wyndham Rewards credit card suits you best?

The details for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information provided on this page has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Maximizing your road trip

There are several clear advantages for your road trip. The standout feature is the bonus points earned on gas purchases. With the Earner Business Card offering 8x points on gas, you effectively receive an 8.8% rebate on all fuel purchases, based on TPG's recent evaluations that value Wyndham Rewards points at 1.1 cents each. The Earner Plus Card provides 5x points per dollar spent on gas, resulting in a return of 5.5%. These earning rates are tough to match with any other card that offers bonus points or miles for gas expenses.

READ MORE: 16 methods to accumulate Wyndham Rewards points for your upcoming redemption

Another way to enhance your road trip is through the free hotel nights available with these cards — along with the benefits associated with status granted by two of the cards. Free nights at Wyndham properties start at 7,500 points each, and you can find a Wyndham brand in nearly every corner of the U.S. I’ve enjoyed stays at Wyndham hotels in places like York, Nebraska, and Rock Springs, Wyoming during my travels.

You'll receive a sign-up bonus of 30,000 to 45,000 points after meeting the minimum spending requirements, depending on the card you choose. This provides a great opportunity to cover your hotel expenses for your first trip after your bonus points are credited.

Additionally, the Earner Plus card grants you automatic Platinum status, while the Earner Business card provides Diamond status — both of which come with several benefits during your stay. Diamond members can even receive suite upgrades — a great perk for families on the go — as well as a welcome amenity that typically includes a snack or beverage.

The last notable advantage of these cards for road trips is their versatility and flexibility. As mentioned earlier, you can find a Wyndham hotel almost anywhere, enabling you to either stay for free by using your points or earn up to 8x points for every dollar spent. With the inclusion of La Quinta since 2019 — a hidden gem of a hotel brand comparable to Hampton Inn or Courtyard — there are excellent Wyndham properties to choose from.

RELATED: Comprehensive guide to earning and redeeming Wyndham Rewards

It's crucial to diversify your loyalty programs, especially given the impact of the pandemic. If you've been focusing on rival brands, you might be overlooking some fantastic properties and destinations within the Wyndham family. From resorts in the Smoky Mountains to family-friendly hotels in Florida, and accommodations near National Parks to upscale venues in charming locations like Charleston, SC, there's likely a Wyndham property that should be on your post-pandemic travel radar.

Final thoughts

Although the vaccine rollout continues, it will be some time before international travel makes a comeback, making domestic road trips a favored vacation choice. Take necessary precautions and start mapping out your road trip now — preferably with a new credit card. By the time you obtain one of the new Wyndham cards, meet the minimum spending requirements, and hit the road, the pandemic situation should be improving, allowing you to fully utilize the card (and your new Wyndham points) with confidence.

Significant bonuses on fuel purchases, exclusive on-property perks, and a hotel available nearly anywhere you drive are just a few compelling reasons to consider the new lineup of Wyndham cards for your next road adventure.