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16 brands including luxury brands HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Regent Hotels & Resorts, and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Awards are priced dynamically and you will need to run an award search to know the number of points required to book a room as the amount fluctuates.
IHG One Rewards Overview
IHG is a British hospitality company headquartered in England. The company has over 5,500 hotels with coverage across nearly 100 countries.
The IHG hotel loyalty program is called IHG One Rewards and it allows members to earn and redeem IHG One Rewards points.
Joining IHG One Rewards
The IHG One Rewards program is free to join. Complete the IHG One Rewards application to start earning points on your next hotel stay.
How To Sign in to Your IHG One Rewards Account
Head to the IHG homepage and click the Sign In tab at the top right of the page. You will then enter your member number or email address and PIN to access your IHG One Rewards account.
Viewing Your Account Activity
After signing into your IHG One Rewards account, follow these steps to view the number of points in your account:
- Click your name in the top right corner of the page
- Click Account Activity on the left side of the page
Profile Preferences
Members can update their profile and preferences when logged into your account. To update your account, follow these steps:
- Click your name in the top right corner of the page
- Click Personal Information on the left side of the page
In addition, you can update your stay preferences when you are logged into your account. Click the Preferences tab to make your next stay personalized to your taste.
Points Expiration
Points expire after 12 months if there’s no account activity. To extend the expiration of your points, simply earn or redeem once a year at any of the IHG hotels or with partners.
If you’ve earned Elite member status (Gold, Platinum, Spire), your IHG One Rewards points do not expire as long as you hold this status.
IHG One Rewards Benefits
The IHG One Rewards program has 3 elite tiers in Gold, Platinum, and Spire. Each elite tier comes with different benefits, but you’ll typically receive the most value when using your IHG One Rewards points for a reward night.
Gold Elite Member
- Earned after 10 Qualifying Nights or 10,000 Qualifying Points (7 nights or 70,000 points in 2021)
- $30 in-room spa credit
- 10% bonus points in addition to base points
- Points do not expire for elite members
- Extended checkout and priority check-in
- Welcome amenity
Platinum Elite Member
- Earned after 40 Qualifying Nights or 40,000 Qualifying Points (30 nights or 30,000 points in 2021)
- All Gold Elite benefits
- Complimentary room upgrades
- 50% bonus points in addition to base points
- Raid the Bar at Kimpton properties
- Guaranteed room availability
Spire Elite Member
- Earned after 75 Qualifying Nights or 75,000 Qualifying Points (55 nights or 55,000 points in 2021)
- All Platinum Elite benefits
- Exclusive Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status
- Early check-in at 10 a.m.
- 100% bonus points in addition to base points
- Choice benefit (25,000 bonus points or gift of Platinum Elite status)
In addition to Gold, Platinum, and Spire, the IHG One Rewards program has an elite tier where you can pay to hold the status.
InterContinental Ambassador
- Membership fee of $200
- Guaranteed 1 category room upgrade
- Extended 4 p.m. checkout
- Complimentary weekend night at an InterContinental Hotel & Resort valid on the second night of a paid weekend stay on the Ambassador Weekend Rate
- Restaurant and bar credit of up to $20 for every stay
- Complimentary breakfast for 1 for each night you stay
- 15% discount at restaurants and bars
Earning IHG One Rewards Elite Status
IHG One Rewards elite status is earned per calendar year. Once a member earns elite membership status in any calendar year, such status will be maintained through the end of the following calendar year. IHG determines your elite status based on the number of Qualifying Points or Qualifying Nights during a calendar year.
IHG One Rewards Reward Nights count towards your Qualifying Nights total and any nights in excess of the number required for each status level will be counted towards the member’s Elite status qualification for the following calendar year. Elite Rollover Nights are only valid for 1 calendar year.
2021 Update: Due to COVID-19, IHG is extending IHG One Rewards elite status to all existing members through January 2022. All elite nights earned in 2020 have been rolled over to 2021 and elite requirements for 2021 have been reduced by 25%.
IHG One Rewards Qualification Requirements (Revised for 2021)
Status Tier | Qualifying Nights | Qualifying Points |
Club | 0 | 0 |
Gold Elite | 7 | 70,000 |
Platinum Elite | 30 | 30,000 |
Spire Elite | 55 | 55,000 |
Qualifying Nights are earned on every eligible paid rate or award stay at an IHG property.
Qualifying Points are earned when you pay for eligible charges at an IHG property.
Bonus Points are points earned that may count towards your Qualifying Points total. IHG One Rewards Bonus Points (or miles) from IHG packages are considered eligible Qualifying Points. Elite status bonuses, credit card welcome bonuses, and select promotions are NOT considered Qualifying Points.
Hot Tip: The free award night from the IHG Premier card will count towards your Qualifying Nights total to help you earn elite status.
New IHG One Rewards Program
IHG One Rewards is currently revamping its Elite status tiers. Here’s a look at the upcoming tiers under the new program:
- Silver Elite: Achieve after 10 qualifying nights; earn a 20% points bonus
- Gold Elite: Achieve after 20 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points; earn a 40% points bonus
- Platinum Elite: Achieve after 40 qualifying nights or 60,000 qualifying points; earn a 60% points bonus
- Diamond Elite: Achieve after 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 qualifying points; earn a 100% points bonus
Value of IHG One Rewards Status
IHG has a global footprint with premium brands in HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental, Regent Hotels & Resorts, and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. Its full-service brands include familiar hotels to U.S. travelers — Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.
IHG Premier cardholders automatically receive Platinum status for being a cardmember. This credit card alone puts you within range of qualifying for Spire Elite, the top IHG elite status. With that said, the elite benefits offered at the Spire Elite don’t warrant the additional 35 nights or 35,000 points to qualify.
If you’re looking for a brand with a global reach, a few premium brands, and a number of full-service brands, IHG may make sense for you.
How To Earn IHG One Rewards Points
A credit card with a high welcome offer plus a partnership with a transferable point program makes it relatively easy to earn IHG One Rewards points.
Earning Points on IHG Stays
IHG One Rewards members will earn between 5 and 10 points per dollar for their stay. If you earn elite status, you will also earn between a 10% to 100% bonus:
- Club: 5 to 10 points per dollar
- Gold: 5 to 10 points per dollar + 10% bonus
- Platinum: 5 to 10 points per dollar + 50% bonus
- Spire: 5 to 10 points per dollar + 100% bonus
Plan Meetings and Events
Another way to earn IHG points is to hold a meeting or event at an IHG hotel. Members earn 3 points per dollar every time they book a meeting or event. In addition, members can also earn elite status by booking a meeting or event:
Elite Status | # of Events |
Gold | 1 |
Platinum | 2 |
Earn Airlines Miles Instead of Points
IHG One Rewards members can choose to earn airline miles instead of IHG One Rewards points for their qualifying stays. Refer to the earning rates of each airline as the rates vary.
Transfer Points To Family and Friends
Points may be transferred between any 2 member accounts by paying $5 per 1,000 points transferred. You’ll need to complete and submit an authorization to transfer points for the transfer to be completed.
Hot Tip: Due to the $5 fee, we don’t recommend that you transfer your points to family and friends. Instead, we recommend family and friends sign up for the IHG Premier card to earn IHG One Rewards points.
Branded and Partnered Credit Cards
IHG Hotels & Resorts has 2 co-branded credit cards and partners with 1 transferable point program. This means that you will have plenty of ways to earn IHG One Rewards points with your credit card spend.
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
The IHG Premier card packs a punch for 2 reasons. The first reason is the welcome bonus is elevated way above where you’ll normally see it. The second reason to consider the card is that each anniversary it comes with a free night at an IHG property requiring 40,000 points or less for a reward night stay.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
Why We Like This Card
If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.
The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.
Pros & Cons
- Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
- 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
- 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
- $99 annual fee
- Does not earn transferable points
Card Highlights
- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
In addition to these benefits, the card can be great if you’re interested in elite status as it comes with IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and earns 10x points per $1 on IHG stays.
IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card
The IHG Traveler card is a more affordable option than the IHG Premier card, but offers fewer benefits and earnings in exchange. With the IHG Traveler card, you’ll earn 5x points per $1 on your IHG stays, a 20% discount on point purchases, Gold Elite status after you spend $10,000 on the card, and of course — your fourth night free on all award stays.
Earn up to 17x when you stay at IHG hotels, 3x on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 2x on all other purchases.
Why We Like This Card
If you’re someone who is looking to enhance your IHG stays by earning more points and benefits, without paying an annual fee, then the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card might be the perfect fit for you.
In this guide, we will provide a detailed view of what the card can offer so you can decide if it makes sense to add to your wallet.
Pros & Cons
- Up to 17x total points per $1 on IHG stays
- 3x points per $1 on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants
- 2x point per $1 on all other purchases
- Not as rewarding as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Card Highlights
- Limited Time Offer! Earn 100,000 Bonus Points
- No Annual Fee
- Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Hot Tip: Before signing up for the IHG Premier card or IHG Traveler card, it’s important to note that these cards are subject to the Chase 5/24 rule so they probably shouldn’t be the first cards you apply for.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
IHG partners with Chase Ultimate Rewards and is a Chase transfer partner at a 1:1 ratio. The transfer time can take up to 24 hours. While we don’t always recommend transferring Chase points to IHG, it can make sense if you’re very close to a specific redemption that you want to make.
Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
Pros & Cons
- 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
- 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
- 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
- $95 annual fee
- No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Why We Like This Card
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.
The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.
Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!
Pros & Cons
- 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
- 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
- 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
- $550 annual fee
- Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
Card Highlights
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Recommended Chase Cards (Business)
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Why We Like This Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.
Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.
Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.
Pros & Cons
- 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
- Cell phone protection
- Purchase protection
- No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
Card Highlights
- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
- APR: 20.74% - 26.74% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Why We Like This Card
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.
When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.99% - 25.99% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.
Pros & Cons
- Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
- Travel insurance and purchase protection
- Spending caps in bonus categories
- Low points earning outside of bonus categories
Card Highlights
- Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
- APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.99% - 25.99% variable thereafter.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Why We Like This Card
As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.
If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.
Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.99% - 23.99% thereafter
Pros & Cons
- 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.99% - 23.99% thereafter
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
- APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.99% - 23.99% thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Earn up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!
Why We Like This Card
Chase has introduced the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card to its business credit card lineup. With straightforward cash-back earnings on everyday purchases and large expenses, tools to help you monitor your business, and multiple ways to redeem your rewards, this is a great card option to consider.
Pros & Cons
- Earn 2.5% total cash-back on purchases of $5,000 or more
- Earn 2% cash-back on all other business purchases
- Unlimited 5% total cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- $195 annual fee
- Some purchases need to be paid in full each month and don’t qualify for Flex for Business APR
Card Highlights
- Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
- The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
- Get the buying power you need to make large purchases, cover monthly expenses and help your business grow. While you must pay your Pay In Full balance each month, this card has built-in flexibility. The Flex for Business feature allows for qualifying purchases to be paid over time with interest.
- Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
- There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
- Member FDIC
- APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 18.99% - 26.99%
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
How To Redeem Rewards Points
IHG offers several different ways to redeem IHG One Rewards points that include reward nights, shopping, experiences, Points & Cash, rental cars, digital rewards, airline redemptions, and a points donation.
The best way to unlock the most value with your IHG One Rewards points is with hotel redemptions.
Award Nights
IHG prices its awards dynamically, similar to Hilton Honors, and there is no longer a published award chart. As the award price fluctuates, you will need to run an award search to determine the number of points required to book a room.
Points & Cash
The Points & Cash option is great if you don’t have the number of points required for a reward night. You’ll search for a reward night, choose the Points & Cash combination at the hotel you want to book, and then book your stay.
Hot Tip: Points & Cash is the perfect option if you want to save money, use fewer points for a reward night, and have at least 5,000 IHG One Rewards points available.
All-Inclusive Resorts
IHG has 4 resorts in the Holiday Inn brand that are all-inclusive. All 4 are located in coastal destinations making each an option to consider for your next vacation.
The cheapest resort is the Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos. This property requires around 20,000 points per night. The most expensive all-inclusive resort is the Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay. You’ll need around 50,000 points per night to stay at this property.
Transfer Points To Airline Miles
Members may convert their IHG One Rewards points into airline miles with airlines that are IHG partners. Consult the full list of IHG airline partners to see how many miles you will receive when converting your IHG One Rewards points to an airline.
