Wyndham Rewards is adding a 45,000-point tier effective September 15, 2026. Properties currently at 30,000 points per night that shift upward will cost 50% more under the new four-tier chart: 5,000, 15,000, 30,000, and 45,000 points.

The old chart was simpler: 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points. The new lowest tier drops nicely for budget stays, but the shiny new ceiling hits the elevated stuff—think all-inclusives and luxury resorts. Wyndham says only a “small number” of its most premium properties will land at 45,000, with the bulk staying in the lower three tiers. Still, that’s cold comfort if your favorite spot gets the upgrade.

Here’s the part most points obsessives are missing: book before September 15 and your reservation locks in the current rate, even for stays months or a full year out. Wyndham has explicitly confirmed that pre-deadline bookings are grandfathered at the old pricing. If the property later drops in tier, they’ll automatically refund the difference. It’s one of those rare, traveler-friendly moves that feels almost accidental.

That makes this a textbook hoarder play. Identify any 30,000-point redemptions you might want between now and next September, book them refundable (they usually are until close to arrival), and decide later. Worst case, you cancel and get the points back. Best case, you save 15,000 points per night on properties moving to the new top tier.

Properties Worth Locking In Now

Examples already flagged as likely 45,000-point moves include Wyndham Grand Cancun All Inclusive, Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle, and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Golf & Beach Resort in Puerto Rico. Hawaii spots like Club Wyndham Ka’ Eo Kai on Kauai also deliver strong value at the current 30,000-point rate—cash equivalents often run $300–$400+ per night, pushing redemption value well over 1 cent per point.

Other strong old-chart plays sit in the 15,000-point band: reliable La Quinta properties with free breakfast or beachfront Trademark Collection hotels where cash rates flirt with $200–$250. At the bottom, the new 5,000-point floor will make some roadside stays absurdly cheap, but that’s not why you’re reading this.

The timing is suspiciously perfect. Wyndham is running a points purchase bonus through October 21, 2026, with up to 80% bonus on purchases of 16,000+ points (or 90% for some cardholders and Insiders). That brings the effective cost down to roughly 0.72 cents per point—or lower. Buy what you need to top off those grandfathered bookings, redeem at the old rate, and laugh quietly while everyone else pays the new premium.

It’s not often a hotel program hands you a clear, low-risk arbitrage window. Most devaluations arrive with dynamic pricing and shrugs. This one comes with advance notice, refundable awards, and a fat transferrable-points bonus overlapping the deadline.

Don’t overthink it. Log in today, search for any property you’ve been eyeing that currently prices at 30,000 points, and book the dates you might actually use. Top off with purchased points if you’re short. The window closes in three days.

Action item: Before September 15, book every 30,000-point stay you have even mild interest in for the next 12 months. Then check the current purchase bonus and buy enough points to cover the gap. Your future self will thank you—quietly, while sipping something with an umbrella in it.