The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is one of my favorite credit cards out there. It is generally not one of the list cards that comes out during discussions (people like to talk about their Chase Sapphire Reserve®), but I think it is a criminally underrated card that offers a lot of value for its annual fee.
IHG Premier Earn Structure
This card offers excellent returns on IHG purchases, but not as good on other categories:
- Up to 26x IHG points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels and Resorts
- 5x IHG points on travel, dining, and gas stations
- 3x IHG points on all other purchases
Ideally, you would only use this card for IHG purchases, but I would use the likes of the American Express® Gold Card for dining (4x at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for other travel (3x).
One Free Night Every Account Anniversary Year
This standout feature allows cardholders to redeem a free night (valued up to 40k pts) each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide, providing significant value. Whether you're planning a luxury getaway or a simple 1-night stay, this benefit alone can justify the card's annual fee.
You're also able to use an unlimited number of points to top off the certificate. For example, if there's a night priced at 50k points comes up, you can use 10k points to supplement your certificate and make the booking.
Please note: you will not get the free night until you've had the card for at least 12 months. So, if you open the card, don't expect to get the free night immediately.
$25 Semiannual United Airlines Travel Credit:
This card also offers up to $50 in annual United Airlines credits, awarded semiannually in $25 TravelBank credits. These TravelBank cash credits are given every January and July. When you get the card, make sure you activate the benefit to receive the credits!
- Grab your United MileagePlus number by logging into your United account
- Link your IHG and United accounts by following this link
- Login to your IHG account
- If you have the IHG Personal or Premier card, you will be prompted to add your United MileagePlus number and name
- Once completed, you will get a notification that your accounts are linked
Unfortunately, you can only get this credit once, meaning even if you both the personal IHG Premier and the business version of the card, you cannot get both credits.
IHG Platinum Elite Status
As a cardholder, you're automatically granted IHG Platinum Elite status, elevating your travel experience with benefits such as room upgrades upon availability, late checkout, and increased earnings on stays (a bonus of 6x points at IHG Hotels & Resorts). This status not only enhances your comfort and convenience during IHG stays but also accelerates your rewards accumulation, leading to more free nights.
While it's exciting to get a free status, Platinum status is so easily accessible that I wouldn't necessarily expect any amazing benefits. However, it's been possible to match into airline statuses using hotel statuses in the past, so this may be a great entry point into the status game.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit
The card offers up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees once every four years, simplifying your travel with expedited security screening. This benefit is essential for domestic and international travelers alike, reducing wait times and making airport navigation a breeze.
Fourth Night Free on Award Stays:
When you book a stay of four consecutive nights using points, the fourth night is complimentary. This remarkable feature maximizes the value of your points tremendously, encouraging you to make 4 night stays at IHG properties to stretch the value of your points.
Aiming for staying 4 nights (no more, no less) helps optimize your points. If you stay 3 nights, you're missing out on a free 4th night! If you stay more than 4 nights, you start to lose some point value (since it's no longer a 25% discount, but is spread out).
Excellent Spending Bonuses
Big spender or someone who has to pay a lot of taxes? This card can be very rewarding after spending at least $20,000 and $40,000 on it each January 1-December 31 calendar year:
- $20,000: $100 statement credit & 10,000 bonus IHG points
- $40,000: Qualify for Diamond Elite status through December 31st of the following year
In some cases, the math might work out for you and make sense to pursue these benefits. However, it is important to consider the opportunity cost of your spend (as in, where else can you spend your $s).
Conclusion
Despite not being a mainstream credit card, this hotel card is criminally underrated given its fantastic year-to-year benefits and perks. It offers tremendous value through its annual free night award, United TravelBank credits, and more, and its hefty sign-up bonus is no laughing matter.
Editorial note: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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