Wyndham Rewards Debit Card: A First for Hospitality
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS launched the Wyndham Rewards Debit Card, which it says is the first from a U.S. hospitality brand for younger travelers and those avoiding credit. The debit card lets users earn Wyndham Rewards points on transactions including gas, groceries, dining and retail, which can be redeemed for free nights at more 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and rentals worldwide.
Cardholders get Wyndham Rewards Gold membership, booking discounts and an annual point bonus, Wyndham said in a statement.
“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,” said Charmaine Taylor, Wyndham’s senior vice president for strategic and financial partnerships. “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.”
The Wyndham Rewards Debit Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., with Galileo Financial Technologies as the platform and Mastercard as the payments network.
A 2023 EY study found nearly 70 percent of Gen Z consumers use debit cards weekly, the statement said. PMG research shows 65 percent plan to spend more on travel in 2025, and nearly 60 percent see loyalty programs as essential for booking.
Derek White, CEO of Galileo Financial Technologies, said debit users are often overlooked by traditional rewards programs, making this card a first in hospitality.
“What’s more, with the help of Galileo, Wyndham was able to launch its offering in just a few months,” White said. “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.”
Wyndham opened a record 68,700 rooms in 2024, including 28,000 in the U.S., driving 4 percent year-over-year growth, while its global pipeline expanded 5 percent to 2,100 hotels and 252,000 rooms.
