For years, the loyalty relationship between Wyndham Rewards and Caesars Rewards has been a fan-favorite for avid award travelers (including myself) and casino-goers alike, with cross-program benefits providing some of the industry’s best perks and benefits.  However, starting in 2025, significant changes are set to curb some of the most valuable benefits, signaling what could be the end of a unique era in rewards programs, known as the “Casino Merry-Go Round” or “Casino Status Matching.”

According to an official announcement on Wyndham’s website, the partnership will be discontinued soon. Many speculate that the popularity of these benefits and widespread discussion led to its eventual phase-out, like many good things that draw too much attention.

Here’s what you need to know about these updates and why they might signal the end of the casino rewards merry-go-round.

The Popular Status Match

For Wyndham Rewards members holding Platinum or Diamond status, the ability to match into equivalent Caesars Rewards status (Platinum or Diamond) has been a popular perk, unlocking a world of benefits across Caesars properties. But beginning on February 1, 2025, this feature will only be available to Wyndham Rewards members who’ve earned their Platinum or Diamond status through actual hotel stays versus just simply being a Wyndham Rewards credit cardholder. This marks a significant shift, as many members have relied on their Wyndham Rewards cardholder benefits to access Caesar Reward’s benefits. For those who won’t meet the new criteria, 2024 might be their last chance to leverage these status-matching perks.

Caesars Rewards Diamond Member Benefits

As a Wyndham Business Earner cardholder, I initially got this card for the instant Caesars Diamond Status it provided. This status unlocked a range of perks, including:

• Free valet parking
• Waived resort fees
• Room upgrades
• $100 anniversary dining credits

However, the real value was beyond the Caesars Rewards program itself. By leveraging my Caesars Diamond status, I have unlocked over $20,000 in benefits through “casino status matching.” This opportunity allows me to match my status with various casino programs and even cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Princess.

As a Diamond status member, I can simply upload my Caesars Diamond card to Carnival’s Fun Match website to receive a complimentary balcony room cruise. This has opened the door to 10-15 free cruises, over 20 free nights, and countless dining credits by matching my status with other casinos and cruise lines that offer casino matches.

What Does This Mean for Wyndham Cardholders?

For cardholders like myself, the end of this partnership is a significant blow. While I still hold a substantial number of Wyndham points (great for Vacasa stays—check out our Ultimate Guide on using Wyndham points with Vacasa), my main reason for keeping the card was the ability to maintain Caesars Diamond status. Frequent Las Vegas visitors know how quickly resort fees and parking costs add up, so this perk saved hundreds of dollars.

Potential “On-Ramp”: The FoundersCard Membership

One possible workaround for those interested in maintaining Caesars Diamond status is through FoundersCard membership, which also offers Caesars Diamond status. Currently, FoundersCard has confirmed its Caesars Rewards relationship through February 1, 2025. If they extend beyond this date, FoundersCard members could offer an “on-ramp” to continue the benefits that Wyndham previously provided.

However, unlike the Wyndham Business Earner card’s $95 annual fee, FoundersCard membership comes with a heftier price tag, making it a less accessible option for many. While FoundersCard does include additional business perks, the cost may not appeal to those who relied on Wyndham’s more affordable route for Caesar Rewards’s perks and benefits.

Without the ability to match to Caesars Diamond, I’ll be considering canceling this card at my next anniversary. Although I’ve been grateful to enjoy comp cruises, free hotel stays, and other incredible perks, the end of this era certainly shifts the card’s value proposition.