IHG One Rewards Credit Cards: Which One Should You Choose?
Loading article…
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.
IHG One Rewards overview
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 Instead, some properties offer an unpublished standard rate during off-peak and regular demand times, with prices rising during peak travel dates.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.
What to look for in an IHG One Rewards credit card
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.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $99 | |||
| $99 | |||
| $0 |
Best IHG One Rewards card with no annual fee: IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit 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.
IHG® One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Maximize Your Stays with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months
- Up to 17x points per $1 on IHG hotel stays
- 3x points on monthly bills, gas and restaurants
- 2x points on all other purchases
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- 4th night free on award stays of 4 or more consecutive nights
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a cross‑country journey, this card delivers plentiful points on every stay and everyday spend. Use your bonus points for multi‑night stays at top IHG brands—InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, Holiday Inn and more—while enjoying the freedom of zero fees. Manage your rewards seamlessly in the Chase app, and enjoy automatic IHG One Rewards enrollment, intuitive digital tools and 24/7 customer support.
Terms apply. Welcome bonus requires minimum spend. Points values and earning rates vary by hotel brand. See full terms for details.
- Annual fee
- $0
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$480Total$480Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $480
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- 80,000 points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card?
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.
Best IHG One Rewards card for free nights and hotel perks: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
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.
IHG® One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Unlock Premium Travel Benefits with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Limited Time Offer: Earn up to 185,000 Bonus Points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. Earn 150,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening, and then earn an extra 35,000 Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in your first 6 months from account opening!
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card delivers exceptional value that extends well beyond its annual fee. This card is worth getting primarily for its anniversary free night certificate, which can easily outvalue the annual fee. Plus, with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card, you’ll enjoy:
- Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status
- Fourth night free on award redemptions
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®/NEXUS credit up to $120 every 4 years
IHG One Rewards Premier cardholders earn up to 26 total points per $1 at IHG properties, 5 points per $1 on travel, gas stations, and restaurants, and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases. Your points can be redeemed at InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®.
With the current elevated welcome bonus and stellar ongoing benefits, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a no-brainer even if you don’t put significant spending on it long-term.
Apply now to secure this limited-time offer!
- Annual fee
- $99
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$840Total$840Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $840
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- 140,000 points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card?
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.
Best IHG One Rewards card for business owners: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
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.
IHG® One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Unlock Premium Travel Benefits with the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Welcome Offer: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card after meeting spending requirements.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card delivers exceptional value for business owners. This card is worth getting primarily for its anniversary free night certificate, which can easily outvalue the annual fee. Plus, with the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card, you’ll enjoy:
- Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status
- Fourth night free on award redemptions
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®/NEXUS credit up to $120 every 4 years
IHG One Rewards Premier Business cardholders earn up to 26 total points per $1 at IHG properties, 5 points per $1 on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants, and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases. Your points can be redeemed at InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®.
With the current elevated welcome bonus and stellar ongoing benefits, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is an excellent addition to your business spending strategy.
Apply now to secure this limited-time offer!
- Annual fee
- $99
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$840Total$840Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $840
- Welcome offerAfter $4,000 in 3 months
- 140,000 points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Who should get the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card?
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.
Bottom line
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.
FAQs – IHG One Rewards Credit Cards
What is IHG One Rewards?
IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program of InterContinental Hotels Group, including brands like Holiday Inn, Kimpton, and Crowne Plaza. It allows members to earn and redeem points for stays at over 6,000 properties in more than 100 countries.
How do I earn IHG One Rewards points?
You can earn IHG points by staying at IHG hotels, spending on IHG cobranded credit cards, using the IHG dining portal, and transferring points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Bilt.
Do IHG One Rewards points expire?
Yes, IHG points expire after 12 months of inactivity unless you hold elite status. You can extend the life of your points by earning or redeeming points or having an active IHG credit card.
What are the benefits of IHG elite status?
Elite benefits vary by tier but may include bonus points, room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, welcome amenities, and discounted reward nights. Diamond Elite members receive the highest level of perks.
Which IHG credit card is best for occasional travelers?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is ideal for occasional travelers. It has no annual fee and includes Silver Elite status and the fourth night free on award stays.
Which IHG card offers the most value for frequent travelers?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers excellent value with Platinum Elite status, an annual free night (up to 40,000 points), Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and the fourth night free on award stays—all for a $99 annual fee.
Is there a business version of the IHG credit card?
Yes, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offers similar perks as the Premier personal card, with added benefits for business owners, including an additional bonus category and a second free night reward opportunity.
