How To Earn IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status With Credit Card Spend [2025]

If you frequently stay at IHG hotels, qualifying for top-tier IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status can offer valuable perks and benefits to enhance your stays.

But unless you’re on the road quite often for leisure or business travel, it’s nearly impossible to hit the 70 elite qualifying nights or 120,000 elite qualifying points needed to qualify for IHG Diamond Elite status.

Fortunately, credit card spending can qualify you for IHG Diamond Elite status, and this guide will show you how.

IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Benefits — Is Status Worth It?

Before we discuss how to qualify for IHG Diamond Elite status, let’s consider whether you should do so. Are the benefits of IHG Diamond Elite status worth the effort? Here is a full look at the benefits you can expect from IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status:

• 100% bonus points during stays
• Early check-in (subject to availability)
• Complimentary upgrades, including standard suites (subject to availability)
• Welcome amenity of your choice at check-in, including complimentary breakfast
• 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability)
• Dedicated Diamond support
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status
• Reward Night promotional discounts
• Guaranteed room availability

All IHG One Rewards members earn Milestone Rewards for every 10 elite night credits they earn with IHG each year, starting at 20 elite night credits. Benefits include bonus points, food and beverage awards, confirmable suite upgrades, and an annual lounge membership.

How To Spend Your Way to IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status

You can spend your way to IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status on the following credit cards:

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card — spend $40,000 on either card in a calendar year
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^® — spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year
• Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ — spend $120,000 on the card in a calendar year

Once you’ve met the spending requirement, you will automatically qualify for IHG Diamond Elite status for the remainder of the calendar year and the following year. So, the earlier you can spend the required amount on one of these cards in the year, the better.

With other programs, such as World of Hyatt cards, you can spend a certain amount across either card. That’s not possible with the IHG cards, as you’ll need to spend $40,000 on a single qualifying IHG card to earn status.

If you know it won’t be possible to earn 70 elite night credits or 120,000 elite qualifying points throughout the year, your only option to earn IHG Diamond Elite status is to spend on one of the IHG cards or the Sapphire Reserve cards.

IHG Premier Card

BEST OFFER OF 2025

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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.

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

Apply Now(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 5 Free Nights – valued at up to 300,000 total points – after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Each Free Night is valued at up to 60,000 points.

5 Free Nights

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.99% - 28.49% 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

• Our Best Offer of 2025! Earn 5 Free Nights
• 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 $120 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: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

In addition to helping you spend your way to IHG Diamond Elite status, the IHG Premier card comes with automatic IHG Platinum Elite status, which offers perks including a 60% points bonus, reward night discounts, early check-in (subject to availability), and more.

Plus, you’ll receive these perks with the IHG Premier card:

• Up to 26x points on IHG stays; 5x points on travel, restaurants, and at gas stations; and 3x points on all other purchases
• Anniversary free night award, redeemable at any IHG hotel worldwide, costing up to 40,000 points per night
• When you redeem points for 3 award nights, you’ll get your fourth night free
• Get a 20% discount when you purchase IHG points (not combinable with other discounts)
• Up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank cash each year
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit of up to $120 every 4 years
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 each calendar year
• Travel and purchase coverages, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance and purchase protection

The IHG Premier card is a great keeper card because, in addition to giving you more value during your IHG stays, its anniversary free night award easily offers more value than the $99 annual fee you’ll pay for the card each year.

IHG Premier Business Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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

Apply Now(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 Offer Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.99% - 28.49% 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

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 $120 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: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you’re a business owner, the IHG Premier Business card also offers the ability to spend your way to IHG Diamond Elite status. It has a $99 annual fee and comes with the perks that you’ll find on the personal card, with the addition of:

• Up to 26x points at IHG hotels; 5x points on travel, dining, gas stations, office supply stores, social media, and search engine advertising; and 3x points on all other purchases
• Earn an additional free night award after spending $60,000 each calendar year

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% 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.

Excellent

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.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Among its many benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers the following perks that would be valuable to IHG loyalists:

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• $300 annual travel credit
• Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
• Travel protections, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance

You’ll earn top-tier IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status when you spend $75,000 on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card in a calendar year. This benefit is part of a suite of perks unlocked when you reach the spending threshold.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Business Card

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

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 Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening.

200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$4,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

18.49% - 26.49% 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

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is a great pick for business owners who can easily make use of the annual credits for travel, Google Workspace, ZipRecruiter, and more. Plus, it offers helpful bonus categories such as ad spend and offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges — including Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (uncapped)

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening and with more than $2,500 in annual value, there's no competition.
• Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
• Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
• Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising.
• Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can unlock a suite of benefits, including IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, with eligible spending on the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card. But the threshold is higher; you’ll have to spend $120,000 in a calendar year to achieve it.

Best Ways To Earn and Redeem Your IHG One Rewards Points

There are many great ways to earn more IHG One Rewards points, but the 4 main ways are:

• Staying at IHG hotels
• Using one of the IHG credit cards
• Transferring points from a flexible points program like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards
• Purchasing IHG points during discounted point purchase promotions

Once you’ve built up a stash of IHG points, you’ll find many good ways to redeem your IHG points for excellent value. By holding one of the IHG credit cards, you’ll receive your fourth night free on all award stays, a great way to squeeze even more value out of your points.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, spending on a credit card to achieve it can be a great strategy. Options include the IHG Premier card, IHG Premier Business card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card. It could be easier than earning 70 elite qualifying nights or 120,000 elite qualifying points in a year.

Once qualified, you’ll unlock benefits including suite upgrades (if available), complimentary breakfast, and bonus points. Plus, by holding the IHG Premier card, IHG Premier Business card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, or Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, you can enjoy IHG Platinum Elite benefits as you spend your way to IHG Diamond Elite status.