If you find yourself frequently staying at IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) properties, understanding how to earn and use IHG points can significantly enhance your travel experience. IHG points serve as a passport to exclusive rewards, discounts, and benefits that can transform your stays into more fulfilling adventures. This comprehensive guide explores the best ways to accumulate and utilize IHG points, including insights on the latest updates and benefits available to members.
Earning IHG Points
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is one of the most effective tools for accumulating IHG points. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits:
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening—valued up to $700, based on recent assessments.
- Earning Rate: Earn up to 26 total points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts. This includes 10 points per dollar as an IHG member, 10 points from the card itself, and an additional 6 points from the automatic Platinum Elite status.
- Category Bonuses: Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on various categories including travel, dining, and gas stations, and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
For travelers seeking a no-annual-fee option, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers an attractive alternative:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first three months of account opening.
- Earning Rate: This card allows you to earn up to 17 points per dollar at IHG hotels, including 5 points from the card, 10 points as an IHG member, and 2 points from automatic Silver Elite status. Also, this credit card provides 3 points per dollar on gas, monthly bills, and restaurants, and 2 points on all other purchases.
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
The business version of the Premier card shares many benefits with its consumer counterpart:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months after opening the account.
- Earning Rate: Enjoy up to 26 points per dollar at IHG hotels and additional category bonuses similar to the consumer Premier card.
Additional Ways to Earn IHG Points
IHG Hotel Stays
Points can also be accrued directly through stays at IHG hotels. The earnings will vary based on your membership status and the credit card used for payment.
Purchasing Points
Members can purchase IHG points, benefiting from a 20% discount if they use the IHG Premier Card. IHG occasionally has promotions that offer a 100% bonus on purchased points, effectively reducing the cost to 0.5 cents per point.
Using IHG Points
Free Night Certificates
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card provides an annual free night certificate valued up to 40,000 points. This can be used at any participating IHG hotel, and you may enhance this by adding extra points for stays at higher-tier properties.
Fourth Night Free
When redeeming points for a stay of four consecutive nights at an IHG hotel, the fourth night comes free of charge, making this an attractive option for extended trips.
Elite Status Benefits
With the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Premier Business Credit Card, members enjoy automatic Platinum Elite status. This status offers several perks, including complimentary room upgrades, a 60% bonus on points earned, and late check-out options.
Travel Protections and Perks
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Credit: Cardholders can receive a $120 credit every four years to reimburse application fees, starting from October 1, 2024.
- Purchase Protection: Purchases made with the IHG credit card are protected against damage or theft for up to 120 days, with coverage limits of $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Maximizing Your IHG Points
Utilizing Category Bonuses
To maximize point accumulation, it’s advantageous to use IHG credit cards for purchases in bonus categories such as travel, dining, and gas stations.
Combining Points
Members can combine free night certificates with additional points, allowing for premium accommodations during their travels.
Current Offers and Promotions
Welcome Bonuses
Potential cardholders should remain vigilant for elevated welcome bonuses, which can exceed the standard offers of 140,000 points for the Premier credit cards. These promotional events present excellent opportunities to boost point balances from the outset.
Points Purchases
Monitoring promotional periods is crucial for purchasing points at discounted rates, enabling members to maximize their rewards through strategic planning.
FAQs About IHG Points
What are IHG One Rewards?
The IHG One Rewards program is designed to allow members to earn and accumulate points for stays at IHG properties, redeemable for various rewards and benefits.
How can I check my IHG Points balance?
Members can conveniently check their points balance through the IHG website or mobile app, providing a straightforward way to manage their rewards.
Are IHG points transferable?
While IHG points typically can’t be transferred to others, members should check the latest policies as guidelines occasionally change.
By leveraging these strategies and insights, travelers can significantly enhance their earnings and redemption value with IHG points, making hotel stays at IHG properties even more rewarding. To explore more valuable information and updates, I invite you to visit my blog at FROZENLEAVES NEWS.
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