The complete guide to IHG One Rewards elite status
IHG One Rewards is one of the most extensive hotel loyalty programs worldwide, covering over 6,000 hotels. You can earn and redeem points when you stay at IHG’s 19 brands, including Kimpton, InterContinental, Kimpton, Avid and others.
IHG’s most loyal guests are rewarded with elite status. This gives members special perks like room upgrades and bonus points on paid stays. Perks vary by status tier, and you earn these tiers based on how much you stay (or spend) with IHG properties.
Further, IHG One Rewards members earn Milestone Rewards as they progress through the elite status tiers. These are earned when hitting certain elite night thresholds, and perks range from confirmable suite upgrades to dining credits and executive lounge access.
But why should you care about IHG elite status? Good question — and we’re here to answer it. In this article, we’ll discuss what IHG elite status is, its benefits, and how to earn it.
What is IHG One Rewards elite status?
IHG elite status is a tiered loyalty program that rewards the hotel group’s frequent guests for their repeat stays. There are four tiers—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—each with its own perks.
Some key benefits of IHG One Rewards elite status are:
- Status qualification: IHG One Rewards operates on a calendar-year basis (January 1 to December 31). Once you earn IHG elite status, it’s valid for the rest of the current year and al the following year.
- Earning elite status: You can qualify based on either the number of qualifying nights or base points earned at IHG properties. Elite nights are earned based on the number of nights you stay at IHG properties; base points are based on how much you spend.
- Base points: Members earn 10 base points per dollar on most IHG stays, except at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, which earn five base points per dollar.
- Milestone rewards: IHG One Rewards offers members milestone benefits starting at 20 nights, including bonus points, food and beverage credits, and confirmable suite upgrades.
- Award nights count: Reward nights booked with points count as qualifying nights toward elite status.
- Credit card benefits: Select IHG cobranded cards issued by Chase include complimentary elite status so long as your card is open. These cards also let members earn higher elite tiers by spending a set amount of money on the card each year.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $99 | |||
| $99 | |||
| $0 |
Benefits of IHG One Rewards elite status
Here’s an overview of what benefits you can expect at each IHG One Rewards elite status tier:
IHG Silver benefits
- Earn 20% bonus points on eligible paid stays.
- Expedited check-in at participating IHG hotels.
- Qualifying nights earned beyond Silver status roll over to the following year.
- Exclusive customer service line for elite members.
- Points don’t expire so long as you have elite status.
IHG Gold benefits
- All Silver benefits.
- Earn 40% bonus points on eligible paid stays.
- Late check-out, when available.
- Hertz Five Star elite status.
IHG Platinum benefits
- All Gold benefits.
- Earn 60% bonus points on eligible paid stays.
- Complimentary room upgrades, when available.
- Welcome amenity (points or a snack).
- Access to Reward Nights discounts.
IHG Diamond benefits
- All Platinum benefits.
- Earn 100% bonus points on eligible paid stays.
- Welcome amenity (complimentary breakfast, points or a snack).
- Dedicated Diamond phone support line.
- Hertz President’s Circle elite status.
Milestone Rewards
IHG One Rewards members earn Milestone Rewards by meeting certain elite night thresholds. At most levels, members can choose which reward they’d like. Members can pick from bonus points, confirmable suite upgrades, food and beverage credits, executive lounge access, and more.
These are the Milestone Rewards you can earn at each threshold:
- 20 nights: Choose one
- 5,000 bonus points.
- Two food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- Confirmable suite upgrade.
- 30 nights: Choose one
- 5,000 bonus points.
- Two food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- 40 nights: Choose two
- 10,000 bonus points.
- Five food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- Confirmable suite upgrade (can only pick once).
- Annual lounge membership (can only pick once).
- 50 nights: Choose one
- 10,000 bonus points.
- Five food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- 60 nights: Choose one
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- 70 nights: Choose two
- 10,000 bonus points.
- Five food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- Confirmable suite upgrade (can only pick once).
- Annual lounge membership (can only pick once).
- 80 nights: Choose one
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- 90 nights: Choose one
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five food and beverage awards ($10 each).
- 100 nights: Choose one
- 10,000 bonus points
- Five food and beverage awards ($10 each).
How to earn IHG One Rewards elite status
There are three ways to earn IHG One Rewards elite status: with elite nights, base points, or with an IHG cobranded credit card. Each has its merits, and the best route for you depends on how much you plan to spend and stay at IHG properties.
Earning IHG status with elite nights
Earning with elite nights is straightforward. One night at an IHG property is one elite night earned, whether you paid for your hotel stay, redeemed points or used a free night certificate. Earn enough elite nights for your desired status tier, and you’ll have elite status for the remainder of the current elite year and the rest of the next.
Earning IHG status with base points
Base points, meanwhile, are earned based on how much you spend. As mentioned, most IHG brands earn 10 base points per dollar, except Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, which earn five base points per dollar. For example, a $2,500 stay (before tax) at a Kimpton property earns 25,000 base points.
This works best for members with expensive stays since they can earn status regardless of how many nights they spend at IHG properties.
Earning IHG status with a credit card
Finally, IHG credit cards issued by Chase include elite status so long as you have the card open. Cardmembers can upgrade to a higher status tier by hitting certain spending thresholds.
Here’s what status tiers come with each card:
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card ($99 Annual Fee)
- Automatic Platinum Elite status.
- Earn Diamond Elite after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card ($99 Annual Fee)
- Automatic Platinum Elite status.
- Earn Diamond Elite after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year.
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (No Annual Fee)
- Automatic Silver Elite status.
- Earn Gold Elite after spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $99 | |||
| $99 | |||
| $0 |
The easiest option is to get elite status from a credit card, but note that Milestone Benefits aren’t included unless you also meet the nightly requirements.
Bottom line
With benefits like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast, IHG One Rewards elite status can make your next hotel stay at an IHG hotel more enjoyable. You can earn status relatively quickly with an IHG cobranded credit card, which will unlock benefits immediately.
FAQs – IHG One Rewards Elite Status
What is IHG One Rewards elite status?
IHG One Rewards elite status is a tiered loyalty program that offers increasing perks based on the number of qualifying nights or base points you earn at IHG hotels.
How do I earn IHG elite status?
You can earn IHG elite status through qualifying nights, base points earned at IHG properties, or by holding an eligible IHG credit card issued by Chase.
Do IHG points or award nights count toward elite status?
Yes, award nights booked with points count as qualifying nights for elite status. Base points from paid stays also count toward qualification.
How long does IHG elite status last?
Once earned, IHG elite status is valid through the end of the current calendar year and all of the following year.
What are the IHG elite status tiers?
There are four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each tier offers increasing perks, including bonus points, room upgrades, and more.
What are Milestone Rewards?
Milestone Rewards are additional perks offered to IHG members as they reach specific qualifying night thresholds. Options include bonus points, lounge access, and suite upgrades.
Can I get elite status with an IHG credit card?
Yes. IHG credit cards from Chase offer automatic elite status and allow you to earn higher tiers through annual spending thresholds.
Do Milestone Rewards require nights or can I earn them with a credit card?
Milestone Rewards are only earned based on elite qualifying nights. Credit card holders do not receive them unless they also meet the night requirements.
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