Chase Ultimate Rewards Offers 100% Transfer Bonus to IHG: Worth It?

Updated Aug 24, 2025
chase ihg transfer

Chase has just launched a limited-time promotion offering a 100% bonus when transferring Ultimate Rewards points to IHG One Rewards. While this represents the largest percentage bonus we’ve seen for this partnership, value-conscious travelers should approach this opportunity with caution. Let’s analyze whether this flashy offer actually delivers meaningful value for your valuable Chase points.

Transfer Bonus Details

From August 16 through September 4, 2025, Chase Ultimate Rewards members can receive a 100% bonus when transferring points to IHG One Rewards. Here are the key details of this promotion:

  • Standard transfer ratio: 1,000 Chase points : 1,000 IHG points
  • Transfer ratio with bonus: 1,000 Chase points : 2,000 IHG points
  • Minimum transfer amount: 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points
  • Promotion period: Through 11:59 PM ET on September 4, 2025
  • Transfer processing time: Typically instant, but bonus points may take up to 48 hours to post
  • No limit on how many times you can take advantage of this offer

This represents the most generous bonus we’ve seen for transfers between these programs. Historically, Chase has offered transfer bonuses to IHG about twice per year, with previous bonuses ranging from 50% to 80%.

The Math: Is This a Good Deal?

At first glance, a 100% bonus sounds impressive. However, to determine if this represents genuine value, we need to compare the relative worth of both currencies.

Most points and miles experts value:

  • Chase Ultimate Rewards points: 1.7-2.0 cents each
  • IHG One Rewards points: 0.5-0.7 cents each

Using these valuations, let’s calculate the effective value when transferring with this bonus:

ScenarioValue per Ultimate Rewards PointValue per IHG PointValue After 100% Bonus
Conservative1.7 cents0.5 cents1.0 cents per UR point
Moderate1.8 cents0.6 cents1.2 cents per UR point
Optimistic2.0 cents0.7 cents1.4 cents per UR point

Even in the most optimistic scenario, you’re still sacrificing significant value compared to what Chase points can deliver through other redemption options:

  • Transferring to more valuable airline partners (potential value: 2-5+ cents per point)
  • Booking through the Chase Travel portal with a Sapphire Reserve (1.5 cents per point)
  • Using Pay Yourself Back with eligible Chase cards (up to 1.5 cents per point)

Comparing Real-World Redemption Options

Let’s examine a real-world example to see how this transfer bonus performs in practice. Consider a potential stay at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a luxury property in Vietnam.

Sample Booking: Two-night stay in October 2025

  • Cash rate: $418 per night ($836 total including taxes/fees)
  • Award rate: 77,000 IHG points per night (154,000 points total)
  • With 100% transfer bonus: You’d need to transfer 77,000 Chase points to get 154,000 IHG points

This same booking through different redemption channels:

Booking MethodChase Points RequiredEffective Value per UR Point
Transfer to IHG (with 100% bonus)77,0001.09 cents
Chase Travel Portal (Sapphire Preferred)~62,0001.35 cents
Chase Travel Portal (Sapphire Reserve)~46,5001.80 cents

As this example demonstrates, even with the generous 100% transfer bonus, booking through the Chase Travel portal provides significantly better value in many scenarios—especially for Sapphire Reserve cardholders.

When Might This Transfer Bonus Make Sense?

While generally not recommended, there are limited scenarios where this transfer bonus could potentially offer value:

  • Topping up an account: If you need just a few thousand IHG points to complete a high-value redemption
  • Premium properties during peak seasons: Some luxury IHG properties might offer outsized value during high-demand periods
  • Fourth night free benefit: If you hold the IHG Premier or Select credit cards and can utilize the fourth night free benefit on award stays
  • Status benefits: If you have IHG Diamond status and will receive meaningful benefits that significantly enhance the stay value

However, even in these cases, make sure to compare against alternative booking methods before transferring your valuable Chase points.

Better Ways to Accumulate IHG Points

If you’re interested in building your IHG points balance, consider these more efficient alternatives:

  • IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Currently offering a substantial welcome bonus with a much lower opportunity cost than transferring Chase points
  • IHG One Rewards Select Credit Card: Another strong option with valuable ongoing benefits
  • IHG point sales: IHG regularly sells points at around 0.5 cents each during promotions
  • Promotions and bonuses: Take advantage of IHG’s quarterly promotions that can provide bonus points for stays

Potential Sweet Spots to Consider

For those still considering this transfer option, here are some potential IHG redemptions that might deliver better relative value:

  • IHG’s dynamic pricing fluctuations: Sometimes lower-category properties drop to as few as 10,000 points per night, which would be just 5,000 Chase points with this bonus
  • Hotels with significant cash rate disparities: Properties where the cash rates are abnormally high compared to the award rates
  • Leveraging IHG’s fourth night free benefit: This effectively provides a 25% discount on four-night award stays for cardholders

However, even with these potential sweet spots, be sure to compare against other redemption options before committing your Chase points.

Bottom Line

While Chase’s 100% transfer bonus to IHG One Rewards represents the largest percentage bonus we’ve seen between these programs, the fundamental value proposition remains weak for most travelers. Even with twice as many IHG points, you’re likely to receive less value than through other Ultimate Rewards redemption options.

The math simply doesn’t work in favor of this transfer for the vast majority of scenarios. With Chase Ultimate Rewards points being among the most valuable and flexible currencies in the travel rewards space, sacrificing their potential for IHG points—even at a doubled rate—represents a significant opportunity cost.

Instead of transferring your valuable Chase points, consider applying for an IHG co-branded credit card, taking advantage of IHG point sales, or simply booking your IHG stays through the Chase Travel portal to maximize your value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
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