Wyndham Rewards has introduced a new way for travelers to earn points with the launch of the Wyndham Rewards debit card, developed in collaboration with Galileo Financial Technologies.
Designed for travelers who prefer debit over credit, the card allows users to earn Wyndham Rewards points on everyday purchases, including gas, groceries, dining and retail. Points can be redeemed for stays at more than 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide. Additional benefits include Wyndham Rewards Gold membership, booking discounts and annual bonus points.
“Research continues to show a large number of travelers, particularly younger consumers such as Gen Z, prefer debit cards as their primary method of payment. Unfortunately, that means many have been left on the sidelines when it comes to earning free hotel nights and other travel rewards. With the Wyndham Rewards debit card, that’s no longer the case. Now anyone and everyone can earn points on their day-to-day purchases and in turn, enjoy meaningful rewards” said Charmaine Taylor, SVP, strategic and financial partnership, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
A study by EY found that nearly 70% of Gen Z consumers use their debit cards at least once a week. Another report from PMG shows that 65% of Gen Z travelers plan to spend more on travel this year, and nearly 60% consider loyalty programs important when booking trips.
“People who use debit are often overlooked by traditional rewards programs, which is what makes this card—a first of its kind in the hospitality space—so special. What’s more, with the help of Galileo, Wyndham was able to stand its offering up in just a few months. That’s the power of our platform. By bringing together card issuing, processing, Cyberbank Digital, and program management, brands can launch quickly and efficiently, delivering innovative financial products that strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue” said Derek White, CEO, Galileo Financial Technologies.
The Wyndham Rewards Debit Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A. and runs on the Mastercard network. This launch complements the company’s existing suite of credit card offerings, which provide various earning rates and perks tailored to frequent travelers.
