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

Key Takeaways

• You can gain IHG One Rewards elite status by completing a required number of qualifying nights or earning a specific amount of qualifying points within a calendar year.​
• Alternatively, obtain elite status instantly by holding an IHG co-branded credit card, such as the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card, which provides Platinum Elite status.
• You can gain IHG elite status through periodic status match promotions that match your status from another hotel loyalty program.

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 few options for getting IHG One Rewards elite status with your credit card.

IHG One Rewards Credit Card

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The New IHG One Rewards 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.

Earn up to 17x when you stay at IHG hotels, 3x on dining, gas stations, and grocery stores, and 2x on all other purchases.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The New IHG One Rewards Credit Card

Earn up to 17x when you stay at IHG hotels, 3x on dining, gas stations, and grocery stores, and 2x on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$625

Annual Fee

$0

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 want to enhance your IHG stays with more points and benefits but don’t want to pay an annual fee, consider the IHG One Rewards Credit Card.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the card, including rewards rates and cardholder benefits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 17 total points per $1 on IHG stays
• 3 points per $1 on dining, gas stations, and grocery stores
• 2 points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Not as rewarding as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• No Annual Fee
• Earn up to 17X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 3X points on dining, at grocery stores (new!) and gas stations. Earn 2X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Automatic Silver Elite status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards cardmember. Plus, enjoy 5 Elite Night Credits annually (new!).
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• 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

Rewards Center

IHG Rewards Loyalty Program Review

With the IHG One Rewards card, you’ll get automatic Silver Elite status and can earn Gold Elite status when you spend $15,000 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, grocery stores, and gas
• Earn 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• 5 Elite Night Credits each calendar year
• Fourth reward night free

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit 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

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

• Earn up to 24 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly, car rentals, dining, grocery stores, and gas
• 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 50,000 points; you can now “top off” the free night certificates with more points for use at more expensive properties
• Up to $100 in Food and Beverage Rewards each year to use during IHG hotel stays
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year, plus earn more with card spend
• $100 statement credit after spending at least $250 on flights booked directly with airlines (through December 31, 2027)
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit (up to $120 value every four years)

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

IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit 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: 

As the most premium of all the IHG credit cards, the IHG Premier Select card caters to those who frequent the brand’s hotels and want elite status.

• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• Qualify for Diamond Elite status by spending $25,000 on the card in a calendar year
• Anniversary free night every year worth up to 60,000 points
• Up to 28x total points on IHG stays
• 6x points on dining and other travel purchases and 3x points on everything else
• Up to $300 in Food and Beverage Rewards vouchers annually to use during IHG stays
• 20 Elite Night Credits every year, and the ability to earn more with card spend
• Up to $50 United TravelBank cash annually (registration required)
• $200 statement credit after spending at least $250 on flights booked directly with an airline (through December 31, 2027)
• Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year
• 4th night free on award bookings

IHG One Rewards Business Credit 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

The new IHG 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 flights booked directly, car rentals, dining, select advertising, and gas
• 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)

Bottom Line:

All 4 IHG co-branded credit cards come with IHG One Rewards elite status. The IHG One Rewards card comes with Silver Elite status, the IHG Premier card comes with Gold Elite status, and the IHG Business card and the IHG Premier Select card provide 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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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

Upon activation, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides cardholders with IHG Platinum Elite status (through December 31, 2027). Plus, through December 31, 2026, cardholders receive up to $250 in statement credits for select prepaid stays of 2 nights or more booked through Chase Travel, which includes IHG Hotels & Resorts properties. They will earn points toward IHG One Rewards elite status on the full cost of the stay.

This is one of the best travel rewards credit cards available. Its benefits include:

• $300 annual travel credit
• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases for airline tickets, hotels (including The Edit), rental cars, cruises, activities, and tours
• 4x points on flights and hotels (including IHG properties) when booking directly
• Up to $300 Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables dining credit (up to $150 in statement credits from January through June and again from July through December)
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit up to $120 every 4 years
• Lounge access, including Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, Priority Pass, and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges (when flying on a Star Alliance carrier)
• Excellent travel insurance benefits

United Club℠ Card

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United Club℠ 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.

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℠ 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.

Up to 100,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$695

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 card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ 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 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

• 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining and other travel purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles
• 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• Unlimited United Club℠ access for you and a guest - a $750+ value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services.
• Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
• Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The United Club 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 $225 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 $225 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?

Platinum Elite status comes automatically with 1 IHG credit card and the United Club 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 Select card:

• Spend $25,000 on the IHG Premier Select card — If you spend $25,000 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 for whom 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, Gold 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.