[Expired] Targeted Offer: IHG Selling Elite Status Qualifying Points To Help Members Upgrade or Keep Status

Updated: January 1, 2026, 9:29am CST

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Buying IHG Elite-Qualifying Points
Final Thoughts

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Update:

The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available.

IHG just launched a promotion that makes earning top-tier Diamond status easier than ever for some members. Targeted members can earn elite qualifying points to keep or upgrade their current status by purchasing redeemable IHG One Rewards points.

This promotion offers elite-qualifying points in addition to redeemable points. Further, there’s a 20% discount for paying with an IHG cobranded credit card, dropping the price as low as 0.53 cents per point. However, the promotion appears to be highly targeted.

Let’s take a closer look at this offer and when it makes sense to use it.

Buying IHG Elite-Qualifying Points

From December 16 to December 31, 2025, select IHG One Rewards members earn elite-qualifying points when purchasing redeemable IHG points. You can buy enough to maintain your current IHG elite status level or upgrade to a higher one. So if you’re a Gold elite you can buy enough points to keep Gold or upgrade to Platinum or Diamond.

Screenshot — This targeted promotion offers elite-qualifying points when you buy redeemable points. Image Credit: IHG

The promotion will allow you to buy or upgrade your status based on your elite status tier on December 16, 2025. Your status will be extended through the end of next year. And if you choose to upgrade your status tier, it will be reflected in your account within 5 to 10 days.

That said, this promotion appears to be highly targeted. I have IHG Platinum status from a credit card and tried to buy up to Diamond status but was ineligible. Meanwhile, one of my colleagues was able to upgrade his status despite having IHG Platinum status from the same credit card.

If you’re eligible, note that pricing varies based on how many points you buy. Again, those with an eligible IHG One Rewards cobranded credit card get an additional 20% discount when buying points.

IHG buy status points promotion pricing — You may be able to buy elite-qualifying and redeemable IHG points for as little at 0.53 cents per point. Image Credit: IHG

One Upgraded Points writer has 3 IHG credit cards linked to his account and was able to buy 120,000 points for $640, bringing the cost to 0.53 cents per point. Meanwhile, we’ve seen reports of IHG cardmembers being able to buy the same amount of points for $800, which brings the cost to 0.67 cents per point.

Hot Tip:

You can effectively purchase IHG Platinum elite status with InterContinental Ambassador status. This subscription costs $225 or 45,000 IHG One Rewards points per year and includes additional perks at InterContinental properties.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eligible for this offer and plan to stay at IHG properties next year, it could be worth it — depending on how many points you need to buy. Upgraded Points values IHG One Rewards points at 0.5 cents per point, so being able to buy them for as little as 0.53 cents per point is a great deal if you’ll also make use of IHG Diamond benefits like free breakfast.