IHG One Rewards
Estimated value: 0.5¢ per points
IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program for InterContinental Hotels Group, covering brands like InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and more. With 6,000+ properties worldwide, IHG offers massive global coverage. Key strengths: - Huge global footprint (6,000+ hotels across 19 brands) - 4th night free on reward stays of 4+ nights - Points transfer from Chase UR and Bilt at 1:1 - Milestone Rewards at higher elite tiers (free night certificates) - Dynamic pricing but with reasonable rates at many properties - Elite status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) with good upgrade benefits
Current promotions on transfers to IHG One Rewards
Credit card programs that can transfer points to IHG One Rewards
Co-Branded Credit Cards
Past transfer bonuses — useful for spotting seasonal patterns
0.5¢
per points (baseline)
Inbound transfers: - Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1:1 - Bilt Rewards: 1:1 - Marriott Bonvoy: Points cannot transfer to IHG Strategy tips: - Chase UR at 1:1 is the primary transfer route (but Hyatt usually offers better value) - Bilt also transfers 1:1 - Only transfer to IHG when Hyatt doesn't have what you need - IHG point values are typically 0.5-0.7 cpp; transfer when hotel costs justify it - Compare IHG award price vs. booking Hyatt or using Chase portal at 1.5x
Best redemption values: 4th night free (key benefit): - Book 4+ nights and the 4th night is free (25% savings) - Plan stays around 4-night blocks for maximum value - Works at all properties with reward availability Sweet spots: - Holiday Inn Express/Holiday Inn: 15,000-25,000 pts/night for reliable stays - International properties: Often great value in developing markets - InterContinental during off-peak: Luxury at reduced point prices - Kimpton hotels: Boutique experience at moderate point prices PointBreaks / last-minute deals: - IHG occasionally offers reduced-rate awards at select properties - Check for promotions before booking at standard rates Free Night Certificates: - Premier card annual certificate (up to 40,000 pts value) - Use at the highest-value property within the cap - Milestone rewards at Diamond tier include additional certificates Avoid: - High-category properties during peak when point prices spike - Converting points to airline miles (poor value) - Paying cash + points when full point redemption or full cash is better
Card stacking strategy: Chase co-brand cards: - IHG One Rewards Premier: 26x at IHG, 5x dining/gas/travel, 3x everything else; Platinum Elite status - IHG One Rewards Traveler: 17x at IHG, 3x dining/gas, 1x everything else; no annual fee - IHG One Rewards Premier Business: 26x at IHG, 5x on travel/dining/gas, 3x everything else Key tips: - Premier card gives automatic Platinum Elite status - 26x earning at IHG properties is one of the highest hotel card earn rates - Annual free night certificate on Premier card (up to 40,000 pts value) - Stack with Chase Sapphire for non-IHG spending - IHG Rewards Club shopping portal for bonus online earning