For those with travel plans involving IHG Hotels & Resorts – encompassing brands like Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and InterContinental – a strategic credit card can unlock significant savings. Currently, two IHG cards present particularly compelling opportunities to elevate your next journey.
Let's explore the generous welcome offers available and pinpoint which IHG One Rewards card best aligns with your travel habits. Each card provides a pathway to accumulating substantial points, effectively reducing your travel expenses.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card currently offers 175,000 bonus points after $5,000 in purchases within the first three months. This translates to approximately $875 in value, offset by a $99 annual fee. It’s a strong contender for frequent IHG guests.
Alternatively, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card provides up to 120,000 bonus points: 90,000 after an initial $2,000 spend, plus an additional 30,000 based on spending in bonus categories. This offer is valued at up to $600, and remarkably, carries no annual fee.
Business owners should consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, currently offering 140,000 bonus points after $4,000 in spending within the first three months, valued at $700. Like the Premier card, it has a $99 annual fee.
Beyond the initial bonus, these cards offer ongoing benefits. Complimentary elite status is a key perk, with the Premier and Premier Business cards granting Platinum Elite status. This unlocks valuable benefits like room upgrades and bonus points on every stay.
A unique advantage across all IHG cards is the “fourth night free” benefit. When redeeming points for a four-night stay, the fourth night is automatically complimentary, maximizing the value of your rewards.
The cards also accelerate your points earning with bonus categories. Gas, dining, and even everyday purchases earn elevated rates, allowing you to quickly accumulate points for future travel. The Platinum Elite status further boosts earnings with a 60% bonus on IHG stays.
For those needing to top up their points balance, cardholders enjoy a 20% discount on point purchases. This, combined with the ability to enhance free night awards, provides flexibility in planning aspirational stays.
It’s important to be aware of application rules. Chase, the issuer of these cards, adheres to the 5/24 rule, meaning approval is less likely if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months. Existing cardholders may also face restrictions on receiving new bonuses.
Even infrequent IHG travelers can benefit from these cards, thanks to the complimentary elite status and annual free night certificates. The current elevated bonuses make this an opportune moment to apply and unlock a wealth of travel rewards.
These cards aren’t just about earning points; they’re about enhancing your entire IHG experience, offering a blend of valuable perks and tangible savings for every type of traveler.
