IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Wyndham Earner Plus: Which Is Better In 2025?

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "7579", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Wyndham Loyalists"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here’s a breakdown of why we like the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card.

‍

• The card offers accelerated points on gas, dining, and grocery purchases, making it a solid earner for everyday spending.
• Cardholders receive automatic Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM status and pay no foreign transaction fees, though the card does have an annual fee.
• The 7,500 anniversary bonus points are enough for up to one free night each year, which can offset the card's annual fee. (publisher-formulated estimate)

‍

Pros

‍

• High rewards rates on purchases at Wyndham properties, gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
• Automatic Platinum status in the Wyndham Rewards program provides access to elite travel benefits.
• A generous welcome offer for new cardmembers and bonus points awarded each anniversary year.

‍

Cons

‍

• The anniversary bonus points may not be sufficient for a free night at higher-tier properties, and the card lacks an annual free night certificate common to other hotel cards.
• Points are most valuable when redeemed for Wyndham stays, offering limited flexibility for travelers who aren't loyal to the brand.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better, the IHG One Rewards Traveler or Wyndham Earner Plus, comes down to your specific travel patterns and hotel preferences.

‍

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: This card is best for frequent travelers, especially those who are budget-conscious or new to hotel rewards and occasionally stay at IHG properties.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: This hotel credit card is designed for travelers loyal to the Wyndham family of hotels who want to maximize rewards on their frequent stays.

‍

Redemption

‍

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Points can be redeemed for reward nights at IHG's wide range of properties, offering flexibility for different travel preferences and budgets.

‍

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: Cardholders can use points for free and discounted nights across the extensive Wyndham network, which features a simple, tiered award chart for booking.

‍

Travel Perks

‍

• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Comes with automatic IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status and offers a fourth reward night on award stays of four or more nights. This card does include a foreign transaction fee.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card: Grants cardholders automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, providing perks like early check-in. It does not charge a foreign transaction fee, making it a better choice for international travel.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To eliminate the guesswork, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare thousands of credit cards using your real spending data.

‍

• Test drive credit cards to simulate potential earnings based on your actual spending history before you apply.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Unlock a welcome offer guarantee, ensuring you get the best bonus available.
• Track your spending, monitor your credit score, and manage all your cards in one platform.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Traveler?

‍

The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who occasionally stay at IHG properties but don't want to commit to an annual fee. It serves as a great entry point into the world of hotel rewards, allowing you to earn points on everyday purchases for future stays while also providing basic travel protections. Those who can leverage the fourth-night-free benefit on award stays of four or more nights will find particular value, as detailed in our full card review.

Who Should Choose the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus?

‍

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card is designed for loyalists of the Wyndham brand who frequently stay at its hotels, vacation rentals, or timeshares. It allows cardholders to maximize rewards on brand spending while also earning accelerated points on everyday purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. As detailed in a NerdWallet review, the card is best for those who will take advantage of automatic Platinum elite status and the annual 7,500 anniversary bonus points.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

After reviewing the IHG One Rewards Traveler vs. Wyndham Earner Plus comparison, you might find that your travel loyalty lies elsewhere. Fortunately, the world of travel credit cards is vast, and other options could be a perfect match for your wallet.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

‍

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score - Most hotel cards, including those from IHG and Wyndham, require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Know the issuer's rules - Issuers like Chase have application restrictions, so be aware of your recent card history.
• Review the card's perks - Understand the unique benefits, like elite status or anniversary bonuses, to ensure they fit your travel style.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Time your application before a large purchase to help meet spending requirements naturally.
• Align your card choice with a hotel brand you are loyal to for the best perks and elite status benefits.
• Have a specific redemption goal in mind, such as a multi-night stay, to maximize the value of your points.

Our Methodology

‍

We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

‍

Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

Do the IHG Traveler and Wyndham Earner Plus cards come with elite status?

‍

Yes, both cards grant automatic elite status. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card provides Silver Elite status, while the Wyndham Earner Plus Card offers the higher-tier Platinum status in their respective loyalty programs.

‍

What are the annual fees for these cards?

‍

The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card has no annual fee, making it a great entry-level option. In contrast, the Wyndham Earner Plus Card carries a $75 annual fee.

‍

Are there welcome bonuses for new cardmembers?

‍

Both cards typically feature a welcome bonus, awarding a large sum of points to new cardholders who meet a specified minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening their account.

‍