How To Earn IHG One Rewards Elite Status (And Is It Worth It?)

Having elite status can really help enhance a hotel stay. From upgrades and bonus points to late checkouts and exclusive gifts, hotel elite status is something we all strive for. Each hotel chain has a different program with different requirements that you’ll need to understand.

In this post, we’re going to focus on IHG One Rewards. We’ll discuss exactly how to get IHG One Rewards elite status, the benefits of each status level, and if it’s even worth it or not.

IHG One Rewards Elite Status

Before we can talk about how to earn IHG One Rewards elite status, there are a few terms you’ll need to know.

Qualifying nights are nights that you book through IHG or a travel agent and pay a qualifying rate for, which according to IHG, includes “most business and leisure rates.” Award nights are considered qualifying nights.

Qualifying points are earned based on how much you spend at IHG Hotels & Resorts properties. Points aren’t awarded on stays booked through an online travel agency.

Elite rollover nights are the number of nights earned the previous year in excess of each tier’s requirements. These will be rolled over to count toward the next year’s qualification. For example, a Platinum Elite member who earns 45 elite nights, will get 5 rollover nights for the following year’s qualification.

How To Get IHG One Rewards Elite Status

When you join IHG One Rewards, you’ll be a Club level member. To earn a higher-level elite status you’ll need to earn a minimum number of qualified nights or qualifying points.

After earning status, it will be valid through the end of the following calendar year. For example, if you earn IHG One Rewards elite status on August 9, 2024, your status would be valid through December 31, 2025.

Bottom Line: IHG revamped its rewards program in April 2022 giving it a new name, IHG One Rewards, and changing the elite tier structure. Spire Elite is now called Diamond Elite and a new tier, Silver Elite, was added.

Get IHG One Rewards Elite Status With Your Credit Card

The good news is that there are a couple of options for getting IHG One Rewards elite status with your credit card.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

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.

Apply Now(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

20.49% - 27.49% 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’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: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

IHG Rewards Loyalty Program Review

With the IHG Traveler card, you’ll get automatic Silver Elite status and can earn Gold Elite status when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year. This no annual fee card comes with limited benefits but has some nice points earning categories.

• Up to 17x points per dollar at IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Earn 3x points per dollar on dining, utilities, cable, internet, phone, select streaming services, and gas
• Earn 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Fourth reward night free

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

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.

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 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

20.49% - 27.49% 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

• 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: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The IHG Premier card comes with some nice benefits that will appeal to IHG loyalists, including Platinum Elite status:

• Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants.
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Fourth-night free benefit
• Yearly anniversary night that can be used at locations costing up to 40,000 points; you can now “top off” the free night certificates with more points for use at more expensive properties
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit (up to $120 value as of October 1, 2024)

If you spend $40,000 on this card in a year, you’ll earn top-tier Diamond Elite status.

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

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.

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 Bonus Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

20.49% - 27.49% 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 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: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The new IHG Premier Business card is a great option for business owners who want IHG status since it comes with Platinum Elite status automatically. Some of the card’s other benefits include:

• Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on travel, hotels, dining, gas, office supply stores, and social media and search engine advertising
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Fourth-night free benefit
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit (up to $120 value as of October 1, 2024)

Bottom Line: All 3 IHG co-branded credit cards come with IHG One Rewards elite status. The IHG Traveler card comes with Silver Elite status while the IHG Premier card and IHG Premier Business card both come with Platinum Elite status. While you can earn higher elite status by hitting a spending threshold on your credit card, points earned from any IHG credit card DO NOT count as elite qualifying.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Club℠ Infinite 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.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$525

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.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership (up to $650 value per year)

Cons

• $525 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
• 4x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on all other travel and dining
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

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

The United Club Infinite card is a great option for United Airlines flyers who also like IHG hotels since this card comes with IHG Platinum Elite status.

Other benefits of this card include:

• First and second checked bags free
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit

Get IHG Status Through a Status Match

IHG offers periodic status match promotions to allow you to use your status from another hotel chain to gain elite status with IHG.

For more information, check out our guide to hotel loyalty program status matches and challenges.

How To Check Your Progress Toward Elite Status

You can easily check your progress toward IHG One Rewards elite status online. After logging into your account, just click My Account>Overview to see how many points and nights you have toward your elite status.

IHG One Rewards Elite Status Levels

We’ve written about the benefits of IHG One Rewards elite status levels in detail in another post, so we’ll just go over some of the highlights here.

Club

As soon as you join IHG One Rewards, you’ll be a Club member and have access to some basic benefits including the ability to earn IHG One Rewards points and redeem those points for reward nights.

In addition, all IHG One Rewards members, including Club level, will get free internet at IHG properties and 2 p.m. late checkout (NEW and when available).

Silver Elite

Silver Elite members will get a 20% bonus on IHG points earned through stays and will have the benefit of not having an expiration date on any points.

Gold Elite

You’ll become a Gold Elite status member when you earn 20 qualified nights or 40,000 qualifying points. At that time, you’ll gain access to these benefits in addition to the base level Club and Silver Elite benefits:

• 40% bonus earnings on top of base points (equal to an additional 4 points per dollar earned)
• Elite rollover nights

Platinum Elite

After earning 40 qualified nights or 60,000 qualifying points, you’ll become a Platinum Elite member with access to benefits like these:

• 60% bonus earnings on top of base points (equal to an additional 6 points per dollar earned)
• Reward night discounts — NEW
• Room upgrades, when available
• Guaranteed room availability with at least 72 hours’ notice
• Welcome amenity at check-in (points or drink/snack) — NEW
• Early check-in (when available)
• Raid the Bar credit (at Kimpton locations only)
• $30 in-room spa credit (at Kimpton locations only)

Diamond Elite

You’ll become a Diamond Elite when you earn 70 qualified nights or 120,000 qualifying points. As a top-level IHG One Rewards member, you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of Platinum Elite, Gold Elite, and Silver Elite levels plus the following:

• 100% bonus earnings on top of base points (equal to an additional 10 points per dollar earned)
• Dedicated Diamond support — NEW
• Welcome amenity at check-in (free hot breakfast for 2, points, or drink/snack) — NEW

InterContinental Ambassador

The IHG Ambassador program isn’t a traditional elite level or even a top-level invitation-only status. It’s a “status” that you can buy for $200 per year that comes with perks at InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, as well as IHG Platinum Elite status:

• Guaranteed 1-category room upgrade
• Complimentary premium internet
• 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary weekend night (as part of a 2-night stay)
• Restaurant and bar credit of up to $20 per stay
• Complimentary mineral water

Hot Tip: You can purchase InterContinental Ambassador status for $200 per year. The perks are limited to InterContinental hotel locations, but it comes with IHG Platinum Elite status.

Kimpton Inner Circle

Kimpton Inner Circle is an invitation-only status awarded only to loyal Kimpton guests. There isn’t a published list of requirements for this level of elite status, but IHG states that you’ll be close to receiving an invitation if you reach Diamond Elite status and stay frequently at Kimpton brand hotels.

Kimpton Inner Circle members will receive the following benefits at Kimpton hotels only:

• A unique amenity upon arrival
• Chef’s Taste (a small complimentary taste from the chef when dining at a Kimpton restaurant for dinner)
• Free hotel night at participating new Kimpton hotels
• Complimentary premium internet
• VIP customer service line
• Guaranteed 1-category room upgrade
• Guaranteed early check-in and late checkout
• Waived amenity/destination fees (does not include resort fees)

As an IHG elite member staying at a Kimpton Hotel, you’ll be eligible for some other unique perks like Raid the Bar and an in-room spa credit!

Bottom Line: IHG One Rewards has 4 main levels of elite status — Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Diamond Elite. In addition, you can buy Ambassador Status for perks at InterContinental Hotels. There’s also an invitation-only status for loyal Kimpton guests called Kimpton Inner Circle.

Milestone Rewards

Milestone Rewards is a new feature of the IHG One Rewards program. This program, which seems to be modeled after Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards, offers benefits starting at 20 elite nights:

Hot Tip: Milestone Rewards is a way for IHG One Rewards members to earn perks like confirmable suite upgrades and bonus points based on the member’s number of elite nights. 

Is IHG One Rewards Elite Status Worth It?

Historically, the IHG One Rewards program (formerly just “IHG Rewards”) was underwhelming when it came to elite status benefits. However, with the recent overhaul of the program, it has become much more appealing.

One of the biggest changes to the program is the addition of free breakfast as a perk of top-tier Diamond Elite status. This is a welcome change to the program that adds to its overall value.

Another great addition is Milestone Rewards. This program is reminiscent of Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards program and offers benefits including food and beverage credits, confirmable suite upgrades, and bonus points.

Is Diamond Elite Status Worth It?

Since Platinum Elite status comes automatically with 2 separate IHG credit cards and the United Club Infinite card, the question of “is it worth it?” really only applies to Diamond Elite status since that’s the only level that requires some effort to achieve.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the ways you can achieve Diamond Elite status to see if it’s worth it for someone who also holds the IHG Premier card:

• Spend $40,000 on the IHG Premier Card — If you spend $40,000 in a year you’ll earn Diamond Elite status.
• Earn 120,000 Points — These points can be earned by staying at IHG properties.
• Stay 70 nights — This is a lot of nights to achieve without any promos, so it may be hard for most people, with the exception of road warriors and business travelers, to earn status by elite nights.

That’s a lot of spending to put on an IHG credit card. While there are some IHG loyalists out there where earning Diamond Elite status through spending will be totally worth it, for many of us, it won’t be worth the effort.

If you have a lot of IHG stays coming up, it might be worth booking another 1 or 2 to get top-level status. You would need to spend $12,000 at IHG properties to earn Diamond status.

Hot Tip: Keep in mind that when you earn status by holding a credit card or hitting a spending threshold on a credit card, you won’t earn the Milestone Rewards, which can be one of the most valuable parts of the program.

Final Thoughts

Hotel elite status is a great thing to have, but getting that elite status can sometimes be tricky. IHG One Rewards offers 4 levels of elite status that you can earn based on qualifying nights or qualifying points. Thankfully, you can earn Silver Elite or Platinum Elite status just by having an IHG co-branded credit card.

The IHG One Rewards program got a facelift including a new name and new elite status tiers in 2022 that made it much more appealing and competitive with programs like Marriott Bonvoy.