How To Earn IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status With Credit Card Spend [2026]

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 Select Credit Card — spend $25,000 on the card in a calendar year
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card — spend $40,000 on the personal card or $50,000 on the business 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 reach the required spend 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 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

19.49%- 27.99% 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: 19.49%- 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The IHG Premier Select card can get you to Diamond Elite status with the lowest annual required spend of any card, and it provides automatic Platinum Elite status, which includes benefits like reward night discounts, complimentary upgrades, and early check-in, when available. The card also provides 20 elite night credits (ENC) at the start of every calendar year, plus you earn 2 ENC for every $5,000 spent on the card, and you can earn an additional 5 ENC by spending $15,000 in a calendar year, further simplifying the path to Diamond Elite.

Here are some of the other benefits of the IHG Premier Select card:

• Up to 28x total points on IHG stays, 6x points on dining and other travel purchases, and 3x points on every other purchase
• 1 IHG anniversary free night award, worth up to 60,000 points, redeemable worldwide, and the ability to earn a second by spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year
• Up to $300 annually in food and beverage vouchers to use at IHG hotels ($75 each quarter)
• Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in a calendar year
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit
• Up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank cash each year
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel and purchase protections
• $200 airline statement credit after spending $250 on flights purchased directly with an airline in a calendar year (through December 31, 2027)

As the top-tier option, the IHG Premier Select card delivers with its long list of benefits, making the annual fee of $350 feel reasonable.

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

19.49%- 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 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: 19.49%- 27.99% 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 Gold Elite status, which offers perks including a 40% 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 24x points on IHG stays; 5x points on flights booked direct, car rentals, restaurants, gas stations, and at grocery stores; and 3x points on all other purchases
• Anniversary free night award, redeemable at any IHG hotel worldwide, costing up to 50,000 points per night
• 15 Elite Night Credits a calendar year, and earn more with card spend
• When you redeem points for 3 award nights, you’ll get your fourth night free
• Get a 30% discount when you purchase IHG points (not combinable with other discounts)
• Up to $100 in Food and Beverage Rewards each year to use during IHG stays
• 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 15,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 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 $150 annual fee you’ll pay for the card each year.

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

19.49%- 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 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: 19.49%- 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If you’re a business owner, the IHG Business card also offers the ability to spend your way to IHG Diamond Elite status. It has a $200 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 flights booked directly, car rentals, dining, gas stations, and select advertising; and 3x points on all other purchases
• Earn an additional free night award after spending $60,000 each calendar year
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year, and earn more with card spend
• Up to $100 in Food and Beverage Rewards each year to redeem during IHG hotel stays
• Up to $100 statement credit annually for Expensify purchases

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

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 after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.74% - 28.24% 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.

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 after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 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, a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Get up to $150 in statement credits from January through June and again from July through December for a maximum of $300 annually when you dine at restaurants 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 subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $324 annually.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% 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

OFFER EXTENDED

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

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.

Apply Now

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 and access more than $7,000 in total business and travel value in your first year.

200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$4,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 28.74%

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.

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 (up to $1 million per anniversary year starting 11/15/2026, then 1x)

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.
• $7,000+ in value your first year. 200K points, valued at $4,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $3,000+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
• 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 on up to $1 million in spend each anniversary year, starting 11/15/26.
• 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: Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.99% - 28.74%
• 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 Select card, IHG Premier card, IHG 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 Select card, IHG Premier card, IHG Business card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, or Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, you can enjoy IHG elite benefits as you spend your way to IHG Diamond Elite status.