Recently, after acquiring Radisson’s U.S. hotel business, Choice Hotels is also planning to acquire Wyndham to further expand its presence in the economy hotel market. Choice Hotels is already very strong in the economy lodging segment, with brands such as Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, and Econo Lodge under its umbrella. Wyndham also has many brands in the same space, including Days Inn, Travelodge, La Quinta, Ramada, and Super 8. At present, Choice has more than 7,000 hotels, while Wyndham has more than 9,000.
That said, both hotel loyalty programs are fairly mediocre. Their co-branded credit cards, however, have become pretty decent after the recent refresh. If you have hotel stays, the points you earn will basically cover the annual fee, so they may be worth considering.
5x at Choice Hotels; no annual fee
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 Choice points (spend $1,000 in the first three months)
- Rewards: 5x at Choice Hotels; 3x on gas, groceries, home improvement, and phone plans; 1x on other purchases
- Redemption: Redeem for Choice Hotels stays
- Annual fee: $0
- Apply now>>
Barclays Wyndham Earner+ Wyndham Credit Card
Get 15,000 points every year! Free Wyndham Platinum status!
- Welcome bonus: 45,000 Wyndham points (spend $1,000 in 90 days) + 55,000 (spend $500+ at Wydham hotels within 180 days)
- Rewards: 6x at Wyndham hotels; 4x at supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations, and travel; 1x on all other spending
- Redemption: Redeem for Wyndham hotel stays; get 10% off redemptions
- Annual fee: $95
- Apply now>>