IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program behind well-known hotel brands like InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Kimpton, and others. It’s undergone many changes over the years, with the program dropping award charts in exchange for dynamic pricing, adding new elite status benefits, and even revamping its cobranded credit card portfolio.
In the U.S., IHG has three cobranded credit cards issued by Chase. These cards have differing benefits, providing different perks and points-earning structures. Let’s take a closer look at these cards and which is best for your wallet.
You can earn IHG One Rewards points when you stay at IHG properties, spend on its cobranded credit card,s and spend with other partners, like its dining portal. You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to IHG One Rewards.
You can redeem IHG points at the hotel group’s 6,000+ properties found in more than 100 countries. As mentioned, IHG no longer has a published award chart. Instead, some properties offer an unpublished standard rate during off-peak and regular demand times, with prices rising during peak travel dates.
We’ve consistently been able to redeem IHG points for at least 0.6 cents per point, but some higher-end hotels yield more value. For example, you can usually book the Kimpton Seafire in Grand Cayman for 70,000 IHG points per night plus an $80 nightly resort fee. This hotel usually costs $600+ per night, including the resort fee, giving you nearly 0.9 cents per point in value.
IHG One Rewards has four elite tiers — Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Elite — which offer benefits like room upgrades, bonus points on paid stays, and discounted award nights.
Elite status is earned by earning a set number of Qualified Nights or Qualified Points at IHG properties. However, IHG’s credit cards also include varying levels of elite status.
Check out our full guide to IHG One Rewards for more information about the loyalty program.
Picking the right IHG credit card largely depends on the perks you want at IHG hotels and whether you can take advantage of the annual free night certificate offered by the hotel chain’s two credit cards with an annual fee.
For example, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has a $99 annual fee but includes perks like Platinum Elite status and an annual free night reward that can be redeemed for up to 40,000 points. This card is probably right for you if you can get more than $99 in value from the annual free night. If not, consider IHG’s no-annual-fee card or another one of our favorite travel credit cards.
One thing to note about all IHG credit cards is that they give you a fourth night free on award stays booked with points. If you already have a stash of IHG points, opening any IHG credit cards could massively increase their value.
Here’s a look at IHG’s current credit card lineup and what you need to know about each card.
The IHG One Rewards Traveler card is the only IHG card with no annual fee, but it has a surprising number of benefits. You’ll enjoy Silver Elite status — which, admittedly, has few benefits — and access to a fourth night free on award stays. Plus, it earns bonus points on a handful of common expenses.
This card is ideal for those who stay at IHG properties one to two times a year and seek a credit card without an annual fee. Although benefits are limited, having access to the fourth-night free benefit and Silver Elite status can be helpful. Plus, you can use it abroad without paying foreign transaction fees.
Things get more interesting with the IHG Premier card. It improves upon the IHG Traveler card by giving you Platinum Elite status, an annual free night award certificate, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit. Plus, you can earn top-tier Diamond Elite status if you spend enough on the card.
Speaking of Platinum Elite status, it’s more useful than the Silver Elite status offered by the IHG Traveler card. Some notable benefits include a 60% points bonus on paid stays, access to discounted award nights, a welcome amenity at check-i,n and space-available room upgrades.
This card is perfect for frequent IHG guests who want to maximize rewards and enjoy elite perks from day one—no welcome bonus required. With an annual anniversary night (up to 40,000 points), fourth night free on award stays, and automatic Platinum Elite status for upgrades, priority check-in, and late checkout, it’s ideal for business travelers and vacationers alike. Earn 26X points per $1 at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 5X on travel, gas stations, and dining, and 3X on all other purchases. Plus, get a $120 statement credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS every four years, pay no foreign transaction fees, and enjoy the consistent value of IHG benefits worldwide – all for a $99 annual fee.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business card is almost identical to the personal IHG Premier card. The only two differences — beyond it being a business credit card — are an extra bonus spending category and the ability to earn another free night certificate.
This card is a good choice for business owners who want IHG hotel perks and the ability to earn IHG points on business expenses. Even if you don’t plan to spend on the card regularly, it could be worth opening for the welcome offer and annual free night certificate. Just be sure to keep the card active by occasionally charging a small expense on the card.
IHG’s three credit cards provide a great way to stock up on IHG One Rewards points and earn elite status benefits. However, before applying for an IHG credit card, consider each card’s benefits and how often you stay at IHG properties. If you don’t plan to stay at one soon, you might be better served by a transferable points travel credit card.
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