Will Wyndham’s New Award Chart Benefit You? It’s Complicated

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is restructuring its loyalty award chart, expanding from three fixed tiers to four and introducing a new 5,000-point entry level alongside a 45,000-point top tier for a small number of premium properties, effective Sept. 15, 2026 [1]. The current chart offers redemptions at 7,500, 15,000, and 30,000 points. The new structure lowers the floor to 5,000 points while adding the 45,000-point ceiling [1]. Wyndham operates more than 8,000 hotels across nearly 100 countries, and the company says the change reflects the growth of its portfolio into luxury, lifestyle, and all-inclusive segments [1]. Unlike several competitors that have moved to dynamic pricing, Wyndham will retain fixed award pricing, meaning a free night will cost the same number of points regardless of seasonality or demand [1]. Elina Geller, a contributing NerdWallet travel writer, noted that "while some properties will become cheaper under the new 5,000-point tier, others will move to higher redemption levels" [1]. The company has not yet published a list of which hotels will shift categories, but it advises members to book before the deadline to lock in current rates. If a hotel's redemption rate drops after the change, members who booked earlier will automatically receive a refund of the point difference [1]. The hospitality industry includes a wide range of loyalty structures. Omni Hotels & Resorts, founded in 1958 as Dunfey Hotels, operates 51 properties in the U.S. and Canada [4]. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, a Marriott International subsidiary, manages 108 luxury hotels across 30 countries [5]. Hyatt Hotels Corporation, controlled by the Pritzker family, has grown to more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 69 countries through acquisitions such as Two Roads Hospitality in 2018 and Apple Leisure Group in 2021 [6]. Wyndham's fixed-pricing model stands apart from the dynamic pricing adopted by some larger chains. The company's credit card portfolio, recently enhanced with a new premium card, offers cardholders a 10% to 25% discount on award redemptions, which could soften the impact of the new top tier for frequent guests [1]. For example, a three-night stay at Club Wyndham Ka 'Eo Kai on Kauai currently costs 90,000 points; with the Earner Premier Card, that drops to 67,500 points [1]. Until the full list of category changes is released, travelers eyeing current 30,000-point properties are advised to book before Sept. 15, 2026 [1].