IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Review: 5 Must-Know Perks

Explore IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Benefits & Rewards

For travelers who frequently stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a powerful tool that can unlock numerous benefits, travel rewards, and exclusive perks. The card offers generous bonus points, automatic upgrades, and valuable travel protections, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize rewards and convenience. Whether you’re already a loyal member of the IHG One Rewards program or just starting to explore the brand, this review will break down everything you need to know about the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

What is the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card?

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is part of the broader IHG Rewards program, which rewards members with points for hotel stays, dining, travel purchases, and more. By becoming a cardholder, you gain access to exclusive benefits like bonus points on purchases, Platinum Elite status, and anniversary free night rewards. Designed for frequent travelers, the card offers high earning potential for anyone who stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts or wants to earn IHG One Rewards points on everyday purchases.

The card is issued in partnership with Chase, one of the leading credit card issuers, and provides numerous features that make it stand out in the competitive landscape of travel rewards cards.

Card Highlights

• Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Get 26X points at IHG Hotels & Resorts, including bonus points for Platinum Elite status.
• 5X points on gas and dining purchases.
• Earn 3X points on all other purchases, including everyday spending.
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night (up to 40,000 points) each year.
• There are no foreign transaction fees for international purchases.
• Receive a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
• Get 10,000 bonus points when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year.
• Baggage delay insurance: Up to $100 per day for 3 days.
• Lost luggage reimbursement: Up to $3,000 for lost or damaged baggage.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: Coverage up to $5,000 per traveler.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee credit for faster airport access.
• There is no annual fee for the first year for new card members (applies only to certain applications).
• Save 20% on Reward Points purchases to top off your balance.

Rates and Fees of IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• APR for Purchases: 19.99%–28.49% variable APR based on creditworthiness.
• Annual Fee: $99.
• APR for Cash Advances: 29.99% variable APR.
• APR for Balance Transfers: 29.99% variable APR.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0 (no fees on international purchases).
• Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater.
• Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater.
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40.
• Over limit Fee: None.
• Credit Card Replacement Fee: $5.
• Statement Copy Fee: $5 per statement.

These rates and fees are important to consider when evaluating the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. The card offers a range of benefits, but it is essential to manage spending and payments to avoid fees, especially with the variable APR for purchases and cash advances.

See Full Rates and Fee

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Credit Limit – Explained

Starting Credit Limit: Most new cardholders are approved with a minimum starting credit limit of $2,000, set by Chase Bank. This is the base limit, and every approved applicant should expect to receive at least this amount.

Maximum/Higher Limits: Some users receive higher credit limits, depending on their financial background and overall credit profile. Well-qualified applicants may get starting limits of $10,000 or more, based on income and creditworthiness.

Factors Influencing Credit Limit: Your credit score is one of the most important factors Chase considers when setting your limit. Other factors include annual income, current debt levels, and your history with Chase credit cards.
A strong credit profile and steady income may lead to better approval odds and a higher credit limit.

Requesting a Credit Limit Increase: If you manage your account effectively, you can request a credit limit increase from Chase later on. They will review how you use the card, including payment history, balance habits, and overall credit health.
Using the card responsibly and paying on time can increase your chances of being approved for additional credit.

Considerations: This card comes with a $99 annual fee, no matter what your credit limit may be.
Keeping balances low and making on-time payments can help improve your credit and increase your limit. Apply online or through Chase directly to check your personalized credit limit after approval.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Benefits

Here’s the list of benefits of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card:

1. Generous Bonus Points Offer

One of the biggest draws of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is the 140,000 bonus points available to new cardholders who spend $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. This is an attractive offer for anyone who plans to use the card frequently during their first few months. With 140,000 IHG One Rewards bonus points, you can get a free night at many IHG hotels and, in some cases, even multiple nights, depending on the hotel category.

2. Earning Points on Purchases

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card lets you accumulate IHG One Rewards points on all types of purchases. Whether you’re traveling, dining out, or filling up your gas tank, you’ll earn valuable rewards for your spending. The breakdown of how points are earned is as follows:

• 26X points at IHG Hotels & Resorts: If you stay at any participating IHG property, you’ll earn 10X points on your stay through the card, 10X points from IHG for being a member, and 6X points as a result of your Platinum Elite Status.
• 5X points on gas and dining: Whether you’re on the road or dining at your favorite restaurant, you’ll earn 5X points on those purchases. This is an excellent way to maximize rewards when spending on common categories.
• 3X points on all other purchases: You’ll earn 3X points on all non-gas and dining purchases. This applies to general purchases like online shopping or grocery store spending.

The IHG Premier Card rewards structure makes it easy for cardholders to rack up points quickly. Especially for frequent travelers, the 26X points at IHG hotels ensure that every stay is highly rewarding.

3. Automatic Platinum Elite Status

One of the standout benefits of the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is the automatic Platinum Elite Status that comes with the card. As soon as you activate your card, you will be enrolled in the IHG One Rewards Membership and will receive Platinum Elite Status. This offers a range of perks that can make your stays at IHG properties even more enjoyable, including:

• Room upgrades: When available.
• Late checkouts: To help you make the most of your stay.
• Bonus points on stays: Platinum Elite members earn extra points for every stay, helping you accumulate rewards faster.

As a Platinum Elite member, you’ll also receive exclusive access to special promotions, room rates, and additional benefits that improve your overall travel experience. If you’re a frequent traveler, this status can unlock perks that make your trips more comfortable.

4. Annual Fee and Additional Benefits

The annual fee of $99 for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is reasonable, given the rewards and benefits it offers. While the cost may seem like a deterrent for some, the value you get from the card far exceeds this amount, especially when you consider the following benefits:

• Anniversary Free Night: Each year, on your card member anniversary, you’ll receive a free night award worth up to 40,000 points. This is an excellent opportunity to redeem your points for a free night at one of IHG’s many hotels worldwide. Plus, you can combine your free night with points to stay at hotels above the 40,000 points redemption cap.
• $100 Statement Credit: If you spend $20,000 in a calendar year, you’ll receive $100 in statement credits and 10,000 bonus points. This is an additional way to earn rewards and make your spending more valuable.

5. Travel Protection Features

Travel comes with its risks, but the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card provides excellent travel protection to keep you covered on your trips:

• Baggage Delay Insurance: If your baggage is delayed for more than 6 hours, you’ll be reimbursed up to $100 per day for necessary items such as toiletries and clothing for up to 3 days.
• Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If your baggage is lost or damaged, you’ll be covered for up to $3,000 in repairs or replacement.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: In case of trip interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or severe weather, you’ll be reimbursed up to $5,000 per traveler and $10,000 per trip for non-refundable travel expenses.

Additional protections, including purchase protection and no foreign transaction fees, further enhance the card’s travel benefits.

• Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free: A fantastic benefit for those who want to maximize the value of their IHG One Rewards points is the 4th Night Free offer. When you redeem your points for a consecutive four-night stay, you’ll receive a free night at the same IHG property. This allows you to stretch your points even further, especially when booking longer stays.
• Save 20% on Reward Points Purchases: If you need to top off your points balance, the IHG One Rewards Premier Card lets you purchase additional IHG One Rewards points at a 20% discount. This can be particularly useful if you’re close to a redemption threshold and want to avoid missing out on a desirable hotel stay.
• Early Access to Reward Night Sales: Cardholders enjoy early access to IHG Reward Night Sales, allowing you to book discounted reward nights before the general public. This gives you a competitive advantage when looking for a hotel stay deal.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, you must meet certain criteria:

• You must not currently have an IHG One Rewards Credit Card: You must not currently have an IHG credit card to apply for this card.
• No new Card member bonus in the last 24 months: You must not have received a new card member bonus in the previous 24 months, although this does not apply to business card products.

The IHG One Rewards Membership is free, and by signing up, you begin earning points immediately on your purchases.

Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite Status Benefits

As a cardholder, you’re guaranteed Platinum Elite Status in the IHG One Rewards Membership. However, if you spend $40,000 or more in a calendar year, you’ll be upgraded to Diamond Elite Status, which provides even more benefits:

• Best room upgrades: Diamond members receive the highest room upgrades available.
• Bonus points: Diamond members earn a higher percentage of bonus points on every stay.
• Exclusive customer service: Diamond members have access to a dedicated concierge service for booking and customer inquiries.

How You Can Earn 140,000 Bonus Points with IHG One Rewards Premier Card?

• Spend $4,000 within the first 3 months after account opening.
• The points can be redeemed for hotel stays, IHG Rewards Hotel Stays, or transferred to airline partners.

This is a limited-time offer, so it’s essential to apply sooner rather than later to take advantage of it. The offer can significantly boost your points accumulation and make it easier to earn a free night faster.

How to Redeem IHG One Rewards Points?

Redeeming your IHG One Rewards points is simple and can be done through the IHG Rewards website or mobile app. Here are some of the main redemption options:

1. Free Nights: Points can be redeemed for a standard room at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide. Redemption rates vary, but the Anniversary Free Night and 4th Night Free offer the best value.
2. Reward Night Redemption: You can redeem points for reward nights at any IHG hotel, from budget options to luxury resorts.
3. Upgrades: Points can be used for room upgrades or even as partial payment to cover the difference in cost.
4. Travel Credit: Some programs allow you to convert points into travel credits, which you can use for other travel expenses.

This flexibility makes IHG One Rewards points versatile for business and personal travel.

IHG One Rewards Premier Card vs Other Similar Credit Cards

When deciding on a travel rewards credit card, it’s important to compare the benefits, fees, and offers each card provides. Below is a comparison of four popular cards from IHG and Marriott to help you make an informed choice.

Comparison of IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card vs.IHG One Rewards Traveler vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® vs. Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful®

Comparison Analysis:

1. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Offers the highest points on IHG stays, up to 26X points, and includes an anniversary free night, Platinum Elite Status, and a significant bonus offer.
2. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: An excellent choice for those looking for no annual fee. It offers a solid bonus and 17X points at IHG Hotels & Resorts, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Offers a solid bonus of 60,000 points and one free night after meeting spending requirements. It provides up to 14X points at Marriott hotels, with no annual fee.
4. Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card: Offers 85,000 bonus points but comes with a $250 annual fee. You earn 18.5X points at Marriott hotels, making it suitable for frequent Marriott guests who want elite status benefits.

Which One is Worth Buying?

1. If you frequently stay at IHG Hotels, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is the best option for maximizing rewards. It offers high points earning potential, status perks, and a valuable free night benefit.
2. If you’re more focused on Marriott stays, the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card offers a high points earning rate, plus an impressive sign-up bonus, but with a $250 annual fee.
3. For those seeking a no-fee option with great rewards at both IHG and Marriott, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card are both strong contenders. However, the IHG Traveler card offers better value if you prefer IHG stays.

Comparison of IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card vs. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

Comparison of IHG One Rewards Premier Business vs. World of Hyatt Business vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business

Comparison Analysis

1. IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Offers a large bonus of 140,000 points after spending $4,000, an annual fee of $99, and up to 26X points on IHG hotel stays. Its unique benefit is the Anniversary Free Night, making it an excellent choice for IHG loyalists.

1. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Provides 60,000 points plus a free night after qualifying purchases, with an annual fee of $199. It rewards 2X points in your top categories each quarter, ideal for Hyatt enthusiasts.
2. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Offers 80,000 points after $5,000 in spending, 4X points on Southwest purchases, and a $199 annual fee. It also offers 9,000-anniversary points.
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: Provides 60,000 points with a lower spend requirement of $3,000, an annual fee of $99, and 3X points on Southwest purchases.

Which One You Should Opt For?

If you’re loyal to IHG Hotels & Resorts, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is the best choice with its generous bonus and anniversary-free night. However, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance and Premier Business Credit Cards are great options for Southwest travelers, with the Performance card offering a higher point bonus. The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is ideal for those who frequently stay at Hyatt properties, offering solid points and a free night each year..

Why You Might Think About a Different Credit Card Than IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card?

While the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers substantial rewards for frequent travelers, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Before committing to this card, consider a few reasons why you might want to explore alternatives.

1. High Annual Fee: At $99, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with a relatively high annual fee compared to other no-fee cards or those with lower fees. If you’re looking for a card without such costs, consider exploring options with $0 annual fees.

1. Limited Rewards Outside IHG Hotels: While the card offers excellent rewards at IHG Hotels & Resorts, earning up to 26X points on IHG stays, the benefits drop significantly for other purchases. If you spend a lot on dining, gas, or non-travel purchases, you might find other cards offering more value in those categories.
2. Limited Global Hotel Options: IHG One Rewards is great for IHG properties, but it may not be as beneficial if you stay frequently at hotels outside of the IHG network. Cards like the Marriott Bonvoy cards offer wide hotel network benefits, making them a better fit for those who enjoy variety in their hotel stays.
3. Less Frequent Traveler: If you don’t travel often enough to maximize the full benefits of the IHG One Rewards Premier Card, the card might not provide enough value to justify the annual fee. Travel cards with broader reward categories could be more suitable for occasional travelers.

Best Alternatives to Consider than IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Known for its flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 2X points on travel and dining and a large sign-up bonus. Its points can be transferred to multiple travel partners, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
2. Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: This card offers 3X points on travel, shipping, internet, and more, and it offers valuable points transfer options to travel partners like airlines and hotels.
3. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: If you prefer Marriott properties, this card offers 6X points at Marriott Hotels, 2X on travel, and a generous sign-up bonus. It also comes with an annual free night award.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Perfect for those who want straightforward rewards, the Venture card offers 2X miles on every purchase and a large bonus. It’s great for travelers who don’t want to stick to one brand of hotel.
5. Citi Premier® Card: Offering 3X points on travel and dining, the Citi Premier Card is perfect for those who want a broad range of earning opportunities without a hefty annual fee. It also offers points that can be transferred to airline partners for great travel rewards.
6. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Ideal for loyalists, it offers 2X points in top spending categories and a free night annually.
7. Capital One Spark Miles for Business: A solid option for general travel rewards, offering 2X miles on every purchase and a great sign-up bonus.

If you’re not frequenting IHG Hotels or don’t want to limit yourself to one brand, exploring options like these can give you better rewards and flexibility for your lifestyle and travel preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: Is the IHG One Reward Premier Credit Card Worth It for Frequent Travelers?

For those who regularly stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is definitely worth considering. The card’s ability to earn up to 26X points at IHG hotels, combined with Platinum Elite Status, Anniversary Free Night, and valuable travel protection features, makes it a strong contender in the world of travel rewards cards.

Additionally, the 140,000 bonus points offer provides an excellent starting point for newcomers to the IHG One Rewards program. This bonus can lead to significant savings and free nights at IHG properties, making it a great investment for frequent travelers.