One of my rules is I don’t sign up for a credit card unless I expect to get at least $500 in value from it. Perhaps it is time to increase that amount because I have had some excellent luck with the Wyndam card.
You might be thinking, Wyndam, isn’t that the Days Inn and Super 8. Yes, but they also have properties everywhere and properties at really nice places. Aspen? Hawaii? I just completed trips there on points and saved a bunch.
The card
There are actually two versions of the card, the Earner and Earner Plus. The Earner card has 2/3 the bonus but carries no annual fee and earns 2x on dining and groceries and 5x on gas. The Plus version earns 4x on dining and groceries, 6x on gas, and has a $95 annual fee but you will get 7,500 points each anniversary. Personally I find it worth it to get the Plus.
Using the points
Hotel redemptions are 7.5K, 15K, or 30K depending on how nice it is. But the best value is for Vacasa rentals. The price is 15K per bedroom. A rental can be priced very differently, so you can get great value for a pricy one bedroom. You have to call to book, but here is a great guide for that.
Since these are often timeshares they have more amenities than a hotel. Two of the three we stayed in had kitchens. Also there were a minimum number of nights you had to stay, often 2 or 3.
I booked a one bedroom with a loft that was $260 a night, but after fees and taxes came to over $400. It only cost 15K points. And it gets better. When you have the card you receive 10% off redemptions, so only 13.5K.
If I am redeeming for 3 cents a point, how much am I earning? Gas is 6x so that is 18% back! Dining and grocery are 4x so 12%! With the 90K signup bonus I was able to get nearly $3000 in value.
Conclusion
I would browse Vacasa’s website and see if anything would be of interest to you. If so, then wait until the bonus reaches 90K again and then apply. This card is not on the big websites radar, but it can provide incredible value.