The IHG Free Night Credit Just Got a Lot More Valuable: What To Know

Chase’s suite of IHG credit cards just got a makeover, and the news is mostly good. The card issuer revamped its 2 personal credit cards and business card with added perks (with higher annual fees to match), as well as launching a more premium card, which takes IHG’s card collection to 3 personal cards and a business card.

Some of the cards offer a rewarding perk that just got even better: a free anniversary night.

Here’s what you need to know about the perk, how and where to use it, and why it just got better with the recent refresh.

IHG Co-Branded Cards That Offer an IHG One Rewards Free Night Certificate

The refresh of the IHG card lineup means that 3 cards offer a free night certificate: the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, the newly launched IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card, and the IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card.

Below, we’ll go card by card to understand more about this free night perk, what’s changed, and why it’s more valuable now.

IHG Premier Card

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New 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 ins and outs 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.

An excellent card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Gold Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

An excellent card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Gold Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

180,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.24% - 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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 Gold elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 24x points on IHG stays
• 5x points on flights booked directly and car rental agencies, dining, gas stations, and grocery stores
• 3x points on all other purchases

Cons

• $150 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn up to 24X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5X points on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, at gas stations, grocery stores (new!) and restaurants. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• NEW! Enjoy up to $100 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• This card offers over $700 in value your first year!
• Automatic Gold Elite Status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier cardmember. Plus, get 15 Elite Night Credits each year (new!).
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Kimpton^®, Hotel Indigo^®, Crowne Plaza^®, EVEN^® Hotels, & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Although the annual fee of the IHG Premier card is now $150, it comes with many new and improved perks, from a new $100 food and beverage credit to use at IHG hotels ($25 quarterly) to a $100 annual airline statement credit for tickets bought directly from any airline costing over $250.

It also features a generous welcome offer through November 18, 2026: Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

When it comes to its anniversary night, the cap is now increased, meaning your free night is redeemable at IHG Hotels and Resorts that cost up to 50,000 points — and you can pay the difference in points.

IHG Premier Select Card

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Brand New IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Select card is a compelling option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels, and want a card that will help them earn more points on all of their stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The Brand New IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

The IHG Premier Select card is a compelling option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels, and want a card that will help them earn more points on all of their stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 200,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,000

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The IHG Premier Select card is a compelling option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels, and want a card that will help them earn more points on all of their stays, and comes with automatic IHG Platinum Elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 28x total points on IHG stays
• 6x points on dining and all other travel, including rideshare
• 3x points on all other purchases

Cons

• $350 annual fee
• Food and beverage credits don’t roll over quarter to quarter

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 200,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy up to $300 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• This card offers over $1,000 in value your first year!
• Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• Earn up to 28X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 6X points on dining and all other travel, including rideshare. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier Select cardmember. Plus, get 20 Elite Night Credits each year.
• Earn 2 Elite Night Credits for every $5,000 you spend on your card.
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Kimpton^®, Hotel Indigo^®, Crowne Plaza^®, EVEN^® Hotels, & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The IHG Premier Select card is the newly launched card, a premium addition to the IHG and Chase lineup. Although it comes with the highest annual fee ($350), it also comes with exceptional perks, such as automatic Platinum Elite status, $300 in annual food and beverage credit at IHG properties ($75 per quarter), and a $200 annual airline statement credit on qualifying flight purchases.

Right now, the card has a sky-high bonus offer, too:

Earn 200,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Even better: You get an anniversary free night, with a redemption cap of 60,000 points. You can use additional IHG points as a top-off if the night costs more.

 IHG Business Card

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Business card is good for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card

The IHG Business card is good for business travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 190,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

190,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$950

Annual Fee

$200

APR

19.24% - 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card is useful for small-business owners who often stay at IHG hotels and resorts.

This review covers the IHG Business card’s earning rates, benefits, fees, and more to help you decide whether it’s a good fit for your business travel expenses.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 26 total points per $1 spent on IHG properties
• 5 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly, rental cars, dining, gas stations, and select advertising
• 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

• $200 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 190,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn up to 26X total points on stays at IHG Hotels and Resorts.
• Earn 5X points on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, select advertising, at gas stations and restaurants. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• NEW! Enjoy up to $100 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• NEW! A $100 Airline Statement Credit each year when you spend at least $250 on flights purchased directly with the airline.
• This card offers over $750 in value your first year!
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Business cardmember. Plus, enjoy 15 Elite Night Credits annually (new!).
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Kimpton^®, Hotel Indigo^®, Crowne Plaza^®, EVEN^® Hotels, & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The IHG Business card also underwent a refresh, with the following bonus offer (it’s enough for a luxury resort stay in Bali):

Earn 190,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The card does come with an $200 annual fee, but it also has perks like automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, the ability to earn up to 26x points at IHG properties, and annual statement credits for flights booked directly, food and beverages at IHG hotels and resorts, and Expensify purchases.

The card’s anniversary night cap is currently 40,000 points, but there’s good news ahead: The certificate will soon increase in value.

Starting in 2027, the anniversary night cap will go up to 50,000 points. (Any free night certificates issued through December 31, 2026, will keep the former 40,000-point cap.)

How To Use Your Free Night Certificate

Start by logging in to your IHG account, then navigate to your rewards wallet. If you have a free night available, you can select it and search. Or, when booking, select the IHG One Rewards Anniversary Night in the rate preference box before clicking search.

You can use your free night to book a hotel for someone else. Just add them to your reservation when booking, and then contact the hotel directly via email or phone to explain further.

Where To Use Your IHG Free Night Certificate

IHG uses dynamic hotel pricing, so it can be difficult to offer suggestions on where to use your free night certificate — it’s really based on dates. You’ll have better luck if you head to your destination in low or shoulder season — think fall in the Caribbean or New York in the winter. That said, there are 22 top options here, and I’ll also include some of my favorite hotels to use the certificates at below:

For the 50,000-Point Cap

• The Kimpton Maa-Lai in Bangkok has nightly rates starting at 41,000 points per night. The hotel, which overlooks Lumpini Park, has modern, chic rooms with large soaking tubs and a sophisticated infinity pool flanked by greenery, making it the perfect respite from Bangkok’s busy and bustling vibes.
• If you’re visiting Athens, Greece, stay at the InterContinetal Athenaeum, where certain rooms have memorable views of the Acropolis. If your room doesn’t come with a view, don’t worry, as the hotel’s Première Bar offers those coveted Acropolis vistas. Rates start as low as 32,000 points per night in low season.
• Yes, you can even stay a night at an all-inclusive property in Morocco for well under 50,000 points. The Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie Marrakech has all-inclusive rates that start at 37,000 points for a garden-view room, meals, and activities. It’s set along a palm grove that features more than 100,000 palm trees.

• Max out that rewards certificate at the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort in Mexico, where stays can go as low as 49,000 points per night for a king room with a balcony and tropical views. The hotel is set upon Cancún’s glittering white sands, with a massive pool and 5 hot tubs.
• Spend a wintery Chicago night at the InterContinetal Chicago Magnificent Mile, where rates in the low season are as low as 41,000 points. Yes, it’s a chilly time, but the hotel has a historic, family-friendly indoor swimming pool that features century-old Spanish tiles and a charming fountain.
• Stay in a 13th-century convent in Portugal starting at 47,000 points per night: the Vignette Collection Convent Square Lisbon. Set in the Baixa district near Rosso Square, the hotel has an indoor plunge pool and 5 distinct room categories that range from Cosy to suites.
• The Kimpton Shane Hotel has art and dining inspired by its midtown Heart of the Arts Atlanta location, close to several museums and other landmarks. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with bright city views and stone-tiled bathrooms with spa tubs. Rates start at 48,000 points per night.

• Stay in one of the French capital’s trendiest neighborhoods at the Crown Plaza Republique Paris for as low as 40,000 points per night. Lodge in one of the Eiffel Tower suites for panoramic views of the iconic structure, or dine in the charming courtyard restaurant, Le Lodge.
• Set overlooking Stadtpark, the InterContinental Vienna is a regal hotel, but you can stay for as low 43,000 points per night. The hotel’s rooms and shared spaces feel classic and elegant, with gilded chandeliers and fresh flowers. For at taste of Austrian culture and gastronomy, dine at the hotel’s Cafe Vienna, a classic Viennese coffee house.

For the 60,000-Point Cap

• Push your certificate to its limit at the Kimpton Hotel Wilshire in California, where rates start at 59,000 points per night. With a sleek rooftop pool overlooking the Los Angeles sprawl, this Miracle Mile hotel has rooms with Frette bed linens and Atelier Bloem toiletries, and some come with Hollywood Hills views.

• In the Dominican Republic, many Punta Cana Iberostar properties require a 3-night minimum stay, but there are pretty special properties in in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Old City, like the Vignette Collection Casas del XVI, where rates start at 57,800 points per night. It has a charming colonial patio, garden, and pool, and rooms with local art and clawfoot tubs.
• An off-season getaway at the Iberostar Selection​ Playa de Palma on the Spanish island of Mallorca starts at 54,100 points, though half-board rates cost a few thousand more points per night. The resort has a seafront pool, bright and sunny rooms with large windows and outdoor space, as well as activities for both adults and kids.
• Some of the art deco-inspired rooms at the Kimpton El Castelar Polanco in Mexico City have private terraces, while others have beautiful city views and freestanding soaking tubs. Rates start at 56,000 points per night.
• If sitting beside a fire pit a forest garden in Japan is your kind of vacation, head straight to Hotel Indigo Karuizawa, which has rates as low as 56,000 points per night. Even the most basic rooms have outdoor space, and it’s an easy, 1-hour drive from Tokyo if you want a mountain-inspired nature retreat.
• The Crowne Plaza Milan City (55,000 points per night) is ideal for both business travel, as rooms are comfortable and quiet, or leisure travel, thanks to its outdoor pool, sauna, and fitness center that overlooks Milan’s rooftops. The location is calm but close to the attractions — it’s just 4 metro stops from the iconic Duomo.
• If an international trip isn’t in the works, consider a winter stay at the InterContinental New York Barclay, which is just 54,000 points per night. Ideal for shoppers and tourists, it’s just off Park Avenue in Midtown East, within walking distance to Rockefeller Center and Central Park. Expect marble bathrooms, unique artwork, and skyline views. Dine and drink at La Parlour, the hotel’s 1920’s-inspired bar and restaurant.

• Explore the Spanish capital via the InterContinental Madrid, where rates start at 55,000 per night. Rooms and suites have city views, and some come with terraces. The lobby also has a grand piano, and you can hear it played live during the hotel’s famous Sunday brunch.
• The Intercontinental Miami is directly on the downtown waterfront. Its rooms overlook the bay or the Miami skyline, and the outdoor pool has VIP cabanas, plenty of sun loungers, and expansive water views. Rates start at 56,000 points per night.

Final Thoughts

If you have the IHG Premier card, your anniversary night cap is now 10,000 points higher, at 50,000. The IHG Business card will also have a 50,000 cap, though it won’t go into effect until January 1, 2027. The newly launched IHG Premier Select card has the highest cap at 60,000 points, but it also has the highest annual fee.

When you’re searching for an anniversary night booking, the dates are key. Because IHG uses dynamic pricing, a hotel that may not be available or affordable using the certificate in high season may be within reach another time of year. Staying flexible on destinations and dates is the easiest way to get the most out of the valuable free anniversary night card perk.