15 Best Ways To Earn Lots of IHG One Rewards Points [2024]

Key Takeaways

• IHG co-branded credit cards with welcome offers are one of the quickest ways to build a large balance of IHG One Rewards Points.
• You can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards to IHG at a 1:1 ratio.
• Other ways to earn points are to gain elite status, book activities through the Trip Extras portal, and enroll in the IHG dining program.

As one of the largest hotel loyalty programs in the world, IHG One Rewards allows members to earn points for stays at almost 6,000 IHG Hotels & Resorts properties. These points can be redeemed for reward hotel stays and other awards.

Here are great strategies for maximizing your IHG One Rewards points so that you can quickly build up your balance. After all, the more points you accrue, the better redemptions you will qualify for.

IHG One Rewards Program

1. Join IHG One Rewards

Sign up for the IHG One Rewards to start earning points immediately. In fact, if you enroll during your stay, you’ll get an automatic 1,000 points for that stay (with the exception of ANA and InterContinental Alliance Resorts). You can also enroll for free on the IHG One Rewards website or by contacting the service center.

You’ll enjoy earning 10x base points per $1 spent for most future hotel stays.

Exceptions include:

• Earn 5x points per $1 spent at Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites
• Earn 3x points per $1 spent at IHG Army Hotels
• Earn 2.5x points per $1 spent at IHG branded residence properties (excluding voco Residences)
• Earn 2,000 points per stay at InterContinental Alliance Resorts, Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Palazzo at the Venitian Resort

You’ll earn points for charges to your room — such as food, drinks, laundry, and in-room movies — even if staying on a rewards night redemption.

Points won’t expire as long as you redeem or earn points within 12 months or hold Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Elite status.

2. IHG Credit Card Welcome Bonus

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

80,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$400

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• 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

Cons

• Not as rewarding as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

IHG Rewards Loyalty Program Review

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

140,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• 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

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The IHG Premier Business card is the perfect option for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

The IHG Premier Business card is the perfect option for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

140,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

IHG Rewards and Chase have teamed up to offer the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card, a compelling option for those who travel often for their business and stay at IHG hotels.

In this review, we will cover all of the benefits of the card, including earning rates, perks, fees, and more to help you determine whether the card is a good fit for your travel goals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 26x total points per $1 spent on IHG Hotels and Resorts
• 5x points per $1 spent on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants
• 3x points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 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 and Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier Business 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 such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The IHG Premier card helps you accrue IHG One Rewards points, including a welcome bonus to get you started. Plus, you earn up to 26x points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Not only does the card usually come with a welcome bonus, but it includes tons of benefits like an annual reward night and complimentary elite status.

If a card with no annual fee is a better fit, you may want to consider the IHG Traveler card, or if you’re looking for a business card, consider the IHG Premier Business card.

Hot Tip: Not sure if the IHG Premier card is right for you? Check out our analysis of all of the IHG-branded credit cards to see which one is best for you.

3. IHG Credit Card Bonus Categories

Make purchases with IHG credit cards to earn lots of IHG One Rewards points.

IHG Premier Card

• 10x points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels
• 5x points per $1 spent on travel, gas, and dining
• 3x point per $1 on everything else

IHG Premier Business Card

• 10x points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels
• 5x points per $1 spent on travel, dining, gas, office supply stores, and social media and search engine advertising
• 3x point per $1 on everything else

IHG Traveler Card

• 10x points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels
• 3x points per $1 spent on dining, utilities, select streaming services, and at gas stations
• 2x points per $1 spent on all other purchases

4. IHG One Rewards Elite Status

One of the benefits of IHG One Rewards elite status is earning bonus points. These points are in addition to the 10x points you usually earn at most IHG locations.

IHG One Rewards members start at Club Member status — unless you have the right credit card.

Silver Elite status comes with the IHG Traveler card. Platinum Elite status comes with the IHG Premier card, IHG Premier Business card, and United Club℠ Infinite Card.

Having a card that comes with IHG elite status is a great way to keep your points from expiring, too.

Hot Tip: Rewards Nights count toward elite status, so you’ll work towards achieving a higher status while enjoying your reward night.

5. Join the InterContinental Ambassador Program

There’s actually another way to get elite status with IHG One Rewards. Join InterContinental Ambassador for $200 and you’ll get automatic Platinum Elite status, plus a guaranteed 1 category room upgrade, extended 4 p.m. checkout, a certificate for a reward weekend night, and more.

6. Milestone Rewards

Milestone Rewards are a new feature of the IHG One Rewards program. Members will get to choose rewards for every 10 elite nights (starting at 20 nights) and bonus points will be one of the awards.

Transfer Points to IHG One Rewards

7. Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards

IHG is a Chase hotel partner at a 1:1 ratio, starting at 1,000 points.

Due to how valuable Chase points are, we don’t recommend cashing in all of your Ultimate Reward points for IHG One Rewards points. However, this can be a fantastic option if you need to top off your points balance to have enough for a certain redemption.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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

Pros

• 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)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

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

Pros

• 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

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you’re a business owner, see our list of the best Chase business credit cards.

8. Transfer Bilt Points to IHG One Rewards

Bilt Rewards is a newcomer to the miles and points world that offers 1 credit card option. While this card gives renters a chance to earn points on rent, it’s probably not a major player in most people’s wallets. However, if you have Bilt Rewards points you can transfer them to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Other Opportunities To Earn Points

9. Trip Extras

With IHG Trip Extras, members can earn 1,000 points every time they book an activity through the Trip Extras portal. Trip Extras gives you the option to book tours and activities, restaurants, transport services, excursions, and other experiences.

10. IHG One Rewards Promotions

IHG One Rewards posts special deals online throughout the year for members. These member offers include additional bonus points for stays, double bonus points, and discounts. Be sure to keep an eye out for the quarterly IHG Accelerate offers that can dramatically increase your point balance by completing tasks like booking a stay through the app or staying at multiple brands.

11. IHG Dining

Earn points for dining out when you enroll in the IHG Dining program and dine at one of more than 10,000 select restaurants around the country.

You can join for free and register with a credit or debit card. Then earn up to 5x IHG One Rewards points per $1 just for registering your email address, and 8x points per $1 after your eleventh dining experience.

12. IHG Business Rewards

Become a meeting planner with IHG Business Rewards and earn points for hosting qualifying events.

You’ll earn 3 points for each $1 spent on meeting space, food, beverages, and even guest rooms.

13. Purchase Discount IHG One Rewards Points

Are you close to an award but still need more points for the redemption? You may be able to buy IHG One Rewards points at a discount.

Every so often IHG One Rewards offers targeted promotions to members. For example, you may be able to take advantage of a 100% bonus on purchases between 5,000 to 100,000 points — the 100% bonus doubles whatever denomination you purchase.

14. Shop With Apple

When you buy your new Apple products through IHG One Rewards, you can earn 4x points for every $1 you spend on qualifying products. Simply visit the IHG/Apple partnership website, sign in to your IHG One Rewards account, and start shopping.

Your points will be deposited in your IHG account after the Apple 30-day product return period has passed.

15. Transfer IHG One Rewards Points to Another Member

IHG One Rewards permits you to transfer your points to another member, or have them transfer points to you! Best of all, there is no limit. You must transfer in 1,000 point increments, but there is a $5 fee per 1,000 points. This could definitely get expensive if you’re transferring a large number of points, so be sure to calculate whether the added cost is worth the redemption.

Final Thoughts

Credit card bonuses, elite status bonuses, promotional offers, and so much more…. IHG One Rewards really does offer plenty of ways to earn IHG One Rewards points.

Simply pick the strategies from this post that work best for your needs and you will be on your way to earning plenty of points for an award night in no time!