How quickly will purchased IHG points post to my account?

According to IHG, it may take up to 72 hours for purchased points to appear in your account. However, in practice, points typically post much faster—often within a few hours or even immediately. If you're purchasing points for an imminent booking, it's still advisable to allow at least 24 hours for processing.

What brands are part of the IHG One Rewards program?

IHG has over 15 hotel brands across various price points. Luxury and premium brands include Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Kimpton, an Hotel Indigo. Mid-range and limited service options include Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, voco, and EVEN. With over 6,000 properties worldwide, IHG offers accommodations in nearly every major destination.

Do IHG One Rewards points expire?

For non-elite members, IHG One Rewards points expire after 12 months of inactivity. Any points earning or redemption activity will reset this expiration clock. For elite members (including those who have Platinum Elite status through the IHG Premier Card), points never expire regardless of account activity. This makes holding an IHG credit card valuable for long-term points storage.

Does IHG One Rewards have blackout dates?

IHG One Rewards doesn't have blackout dates for award nights, but the program does implement capacity controls. This means that some standard rooms will be available for award redemptions every night, but not all standard rooms are necessarily available using points. During high-demand periods, award availability may be limited, so it's best to book as early as possible.

How does the fourth night free benefit work?

The fourth night free benefit, available to holders of IHG co-branded credit cards, allows you to pay zero points for every fourth night when redeeming points for stays of four nights or longer. This benefit applies automatically when you book through IHG's website or app while logged into your account that's linked to an eligible credit card. The discount is applied by reducing the total points cost by the average nightly rate. You can use this benefit an unlimited number of times throughout the year.

Can I cancel a points purchase if I change my mind?

No, IHG points purchases are non-refundable. Once you've completed the transaction, you cannot cancel it or request a refund. This is why it's important to be certain about your redemption plans before purchasing points. However, most award bookings made with IHG points are flexible and can be canceled without penalty until close to the arrival date (typically 24-48 hours before check-in, depending on the property).

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.

All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine