IHG One Rewards Points Sale: Up to 100% Bonus
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IHG One Rewards has launched a new promotion offering an up to 100% bonus when you buy IHG One Rewards points through August 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This brings the cost down to just 0.5¢ per point—in line with the best rate we typically see from the program—creating excellent opportunities for high-value hotel redemptions at a fraction of cash rates.
While this is a targeted offer (with different members potentially seeing different bonuses), the standard 100% bonus represents a solid opportunity to stock up on IHG points, especially if you hold one of IHG’s co-branded credit cards that offer a fourth night free on award stays.
Now, let’s explore whether this deal makes sense for your travel plans.
Promotion Details
The current IHG One Rewards points promotion runs through August 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
This is a targeted offer, so different members may see different bonus levels when they log into their accounts. The best offer appears to be a 100% bonus when you buy IHG points, and it kicks in when you purchase at least 5,000 points in one transaction. However, because IHG prices points on a sliding scale, you need to buy at least 30,000 base points to bring the effective cost down to 0.5¢ each.
With this promotion, IHG allows members to purchase up to 200,000 base points in a single transaction (increased from the usual annual limit of 150,000 points).
If you were to maximize this offer with a 100% bonus, you’d receive a total of 400,000 points (200,000 base points plus 200,000 bonus points) for $2,000, which works out to exactly 0.5¢ per point.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy IHG Points?
IHG One Rewards has a non-linear pricing structure when you buy IHG points, with the cost per point decreasing as you buy larger quantities, even before any promotional bonuses. The standard rates range from 1.0¢ to 1.35¢ per point.
There are certain point thresholds where the pricing improves significantly.
For example, purchasing 25,000 points ($287.50) is actually more expensive than purchasing 26,000 points ($260). To get the best rate, you’ll typically want to purchase at least 26,000 points at a time.
With the current 100% bonus, the effective cost works out to 0.5¢ per point when maximizing the promotion—a significant discount from the standard rates.
It’s worth noting that while the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offer a 20% discount when you buy IHG points, this benefit only applies to standard rates and cannot be combined with promotional bonuses like this one.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200 | |||
| $150 |
Which Credit Card Should You Use?
IHG One Rewards points purchases are processed through Points.com rather than directly by IHG. This means these transactions don’t code as hotel or travel purchases for the purposes of earning bonus points on your credit card.
Your best options to buy IHG points are:
- A new credit card where you’re working toward meeting a minimum spending requirement for a welcome bonus
- A card that excels at everyday spending, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card (2% cash back) or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (1.5% cash back)
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 spent annually)
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $95 | |||
| $0 |
Is Buying IHG Points Worth It?
IHG One Rewards uses dynamic award pricing, meaning the number of points required for a stay fluctuates based on demand, seasonality, and cash rates.
While this makes it impossible to provide a fixed value for IHG points, there are several scenarios where purchasing points during this promotion can provide excellent value:
When Buying IHG Points Makes Sense
- High-end properties: Luxury brands like Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, and Kimpton often provide the best value when using points
- Peak travel periods: When cash rates are inflated due to high demand, points rates may not increase proportionally
- Fourth Night Free benefit: If you have an IHG credit card that offers a fourth night free on award stays, you can effectively get a 25% discount on your points redemption
- Topping off for a specific redemption: If you’re just short of the points needed for a valuable award stay
Fourth Night Free Benefit
One of the best ways to maximize value when you buy IHG points is to combine this promotion with the fourth night free benefit offered by several IHG co-branded credit cards:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $200 | |||
| $0 |
This benefit allows cardholders to pay zero points for every fourth night when redeeming points for stays of four nights or longer.
This effectively provides a 25% discount on your points redemption, bringing the effective cost of purchased points down to approximately 0.375¢ per point when maximizing both promotions.
Valuable Redemption Examples
Let’s look at some specific redemption opportunities where buying IHG points during this promotion could save you significant money:
InterContinental Paris – Le Grand
This iconic luxury hotel in the heart of Paris often commands high cash rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Points required: 70,000-100,000 points per night (varies by date)
- Typical cash price: €600-900 ($650-1,000) per night
- Cost to purchase 100,000 points (with 100% bonus): $500
- Savings vs. cash rate: $150-500 per night
- With fourth night free: Effective cost of $375 per night for a four-night stay
Kimpton St Honoré Paris
Another luxury option in Paris, offering stylish accommodations in a prime location.
- Points required: 70,000-90,000 points per night (varies by date)
- Typical cash price: €550-800 ($600-875) per night
- Cost to purchase 90,000 points (with 100% bonus): $450
- Savings vs. cash rate: $150-425 per night
- With fourth night free: Effective cost of $337.50 per night for a four-night stay
InterContinental Mauritius Resort
This beachfront resort offers a luxurious tropical getaway with stunning ocean views.
- Points required: 40,000-60,000 points per night (varies by date)
- Typical cash price: $350-550 per night
- Cost to purchase 60,000 points (with 100% bonus): $300
- Savings vs. cash rate: $50-250 per night
- With fourth night free: Effective cost of $225 per night for a four-night stay
Important Considerations
Before purchasing IHG points during this promotion, keep these factors in mind:
- Dynamic Pricing: IHG uses dynamic award pricing, which means point requirements can change based on demand. While this creates opportunities for value, it also means award prices could increase before you book.
- Flexible Bookings: Most IHG award bookings are flexible until shortly before arrival, allowing you to lock in current rates without much risk.
- Elite Status Benefits: Remember that award stays still qualify for elite benefits. IHG Platinum Elite status (automatically provided with the IHG® One Rewards Premier Credit Card) offers perks like room upgrades and late checkout.
- Points Expiration: IHG points expire after 12 months of inactivity for non-elite members. However, any earning or redemption activity resets this clock, and points never expire for elite members.
Other Ways to Earn IHG Points
Before you buy IHG points, consider these alternative methods of earning IHG One Rewards points:
Credit Cards
IHG offers several co-branded credit cards that provide substantial welcome bonuses and ongoing earning opportunities:
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Offers automatic Platinum Elite status, an anniversary free night certificate (worth up to 40,000 points), and the fourth night free benefit
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Similar benefits to the personal version, designed for business owners
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: No annual fee option that still provides the fourth night free benefit
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $200 | |||
| $0 |
Transfer Partners
IHG partners with a couple points currencies:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1:1 transfer ratio (though generally not the best use of Ultimate Rewards points)
- Bilt Rewards: 1:1 transfer ratio
Bottom Line
This IHG One Rewards promotion offering an up to 100% bonus on purchased points represents one of the best opportunities to acquire these points at a favorable rate.
At 0.5¢ per point, there are numerous scenarios where buying points can provide significant savings compared to cash rates, especially for luxury properties and during peak travel periods.
The value proposition becomes even more compelling when combined with the fourth night free benefit available to IHG credit cardholders, effectively reducing the cost to approximately 0.375¢ per point for four-night stays.
While I wouldn’t recommend speculatively purchasing IHG points without specific redemptions in mind, this promotion is worth considering if you have upcoming travel plans at IHG properties where the points cost represents a significant discount compared to cash rates.
Remember that this promotion ends on August 17, 2026, so if you’re planning to take advantage of it, make sure to finalize your purchase before then.
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
