Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Wyndham Earner Plus: Which Is Better In 2025?

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we think the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a strong contender.

• You can earn accelerated points on common spending categories, including at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
• The card comes with automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, which provides valuable travel perks like early check-in and car rental upgrades.
• The 7,500 anniversary bonus points are enough for up to one free night at participating hotels, helping to offset the $75 annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• A generous welcome offer helps you earn free nights faster.
• No foreign transaction fees make it a good companion for international travel.
• Flexible redemption options and a discount when redeeming points for award nights.

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Cons

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• The card has an annual fee but doesn't offer a complimentary anniversary night certificate.
• Rewards are most valuable when redeemed for Wyndham stays, making the card less flexible for travelers who aren't loyal to the brand.
• Points can expire due to account inactivity, which is a drawback for infrequent travelers.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Categories

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When it comes to travel rewards, the question of which is better, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Wyndham Earner Plus, depends entirely on your travel style and brand loyalty.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card designed for frequent travelers who value comprehensive benefits and flexible rewards across various airlines and hotels.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is a co-branded hotel credit card best suited for travelers loyal to the Wyndham family of hotels who want to maximize rewards within that ecosystem.

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Redemption

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With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you have the flexibility to redeem points for travel through the Chase portal, transfer them to various airline and hotel partners, or opt for cash back and statement credits.

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is more straightforward, with points primarily redeemed for free or discounted nights across Wyndham's extensive portfolio of hotels.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: As a premium travel card, its ecosystem is designed for flexibility and luxury. Perks include:
  • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal to book flights, hotels, and car rentals, often at an elevated value.
  • Complimentary airport lounge access worldwide through a Priority Pass Select membership.
  • An annual travel credit. Points are not earned on travel purchases until after the first $300 is spent annually, as this spending goes toward the $300 Annual Travel Credit.
  • No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
  • A comprehensive suite of travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: This card’s ecosystem is laser-focused on the Wyndham brand. Its travel perks are geared toward enhancing your stays:
  • Automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, which provides benefits like early check-in and late checkout.
  • The travel ecosystem is the Wyndham portfolio itself, with points redeemed for stays across its many hotel brands.
  • This card does not include airport lounge access.
  • It does charge a foreign transaction fee on purchases made abroad.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For those looking to make a data-driven decision, tools like Kudos offer a way to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards based on your personal spending habits, moving beyond generic "best of" lists.

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• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Test drive a credit card by simulating your potential earnings based on your actual spending data, all without impacting your credit score.
• Benefit from a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months of approval.
• Unlock rewards like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ for adding eligible cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Automatically use the best card for each purchase with an autofill feature at checkout to maximize rewards.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is built for frequent travelers and high-spenders who can maximize its suite of premium benefits. Ideal cardholders are those who travel enough to use the $300 annual travel credit, dine out regularly to earn 3X points, and value perks like Priority Pass™ Select lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It's important to note that points are not earned on travel until after the first $300 is spent annually, as this spending goes toward the annual travel credit. This card best suits points enthusiasts who will transfer points to airline and hotel partners for elevated redemption value.

Who Should Choose the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus?

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The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is designed for travelers who frequently stay at Wyndham properties, including its hotels and vacation rentals. These loyalists will benefit most from the high rewards rates on Wyndham stays and gas, as well as the automatic Platinum elite status that comes with the card. According to a NerdWallet review, it's also a good fit for those who can take advantage of the annual anniversary points and want a travel card with a modest annual fee.

Alternatives to Consider

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs. Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus decision pits a premium travel card against a brand-loyal hotel card. If neither of those options feels right for your wallet or travel habits, several other cards are worth considering.

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Tips for Application Success

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Getting approved for a top-tier travel card requires a bit of strategy, but a few key steps can significantly boost your chances.

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Before You Apply

• Check your credit score. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card generally require an excellent credit score, while co-branded cards like the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card are often accessible to those with good-to-excellent credit.
• Plan your spending. Make sure you can comfortably meet the minimum spending requirement to earn the welcome offer without changing your normal spending habits.
• Do the math on the annual fee. A high annual fee can be easily offset by perks, but only if you use them. Evaluate benefits like annual travel credits and loyalty status to see if they fit your lifestyle.
• Be mindful of application rules. Some issuers have restrictions on how many cards you can open within a certain timeframe. Limiting your recent applications can improve your odds.

Application Strategy

• Ensure all information is accurate. Double-check your application for any typos or errors in your personal details before submitting to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
• Don’t forget to activate your benefits. Once you’re approved, many perks aren’t automatic. You may need to enroll in benefits like airport lounge access or statement credits to get their full value.

Pro tip: Time your application around a large, planned purchase you were already going to make. This can help you hit the minimum spend for the welcome offer organically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the annual fees for the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Wyndham Earner Plus?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® carries a significant annual fee justified by its extensive premium travel benefits, whereas the Wyndham Rewards® Earner® Plus Card has a much more modest annual fee.

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How do the rewards points compare between the Sapphire Reserve and Earner Plus?

The Sapphire Reserve earns versatile Chase Ultimate Rewards® points that can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners. The Earner Plus card accrues Wyndham Rewards points, which are primarily redeemed for stays across Wyndham's portfolio of hotels.

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What kind of traveler is each card best for?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is built for frequent travelers seeking premium perks and flexibility in their rewards. Conversely, the Wyndham Rewards® Earner® Plus Card is tailored for brand-loyal travelers who regularly stay at Wyndham properties and want to maximize their benefits within that ecosystem.