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Parsippany-based hotel franchisor Wyndham Hotel & Resorts is rolling out an innovative new way for travelers to earn rewards points.

Billed as an industry first, the Wyndham Rewards Debit Card allows users to receive points on everyday transactions – like gas and groceries – and then redeem them for perks such as free hotel stays and booking discounts.

According to Wyndham, SoFi Technologies subsidiary Galileo Financial Technologies powers the debit card, issued by Sunrise Banks NA and backed by Mastercard.

An untapped market

In a March 17 press release announcing the new offering, Wyndham said it aims to reach younger travelers, as well as those who prefer a debt-free lifestyle.

A recent analysis from Ernst & Young found that nearly 70% of Generation Z consumers use their debit cards once or more per week. They’re also traveling more, according to PMG Insights. A survey from the global digital marketing company showed that 65% of Gen Z plans to hit the road this year. Additionally, nearly 60% consider loyalty programs essential when booking travel.

Charmaine Taylor, senior vice president of strategic and financial partnerships for Wyndham, commented, “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,” Taylor stated.

Galileo Financial Technologies CEO Derek White said, “People who use debit are often overlooked by traditional rewards programs, which is what makes this card 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.”

With more than 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally, Wyndham is considered the world’s largest hotel franchising company. Its portfolio of brands includes AmericInn, Super 8, Days Inn, La Quinta, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection and Wyndham.

Feel the earn

According to Wyndham, debit card users can enjoy:

• One point per dollar spent on Wyndham hotel stays, gas and groceries;
• One point per two dollars on all other qualifying purchases, like dining and utilities.

They’ll also have their status in the company’s top-ranked rewards program automatically upgraded to Gold level. The distinction grants users access to accelerated points earning, preferred rooms and late checkout.

Users will receive 2,500 points after opening an account, making at least two direct deposits and spending $100 in the first 90 days. Additionally, they’ll earn up to 7,500 points each year on their card’s anniversary. That’s enough for a free night at thousands of Wyndham properties worldwide, the company said.

Other features include waived ATM and account maintenance fees and increased booking discounts at participating Wyndham hotels.

The new debit card complements Wyndham’s existing award-winning suite of credit card offerings for frequent travelers, like Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card, Wyndham Rewards Earner Card and Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card.