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
Credit card programs that can transfer points to IHG One Rewards
Which cards help most with IHG One Rewards elite progress, and how they fit into a status-focused strategy
Best way to earn status, points and awards for IHG
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Chase
Start with the no-annual-fee Traveler card to earn IHG points with Silver Elite status. Great for casual IHG stays without ongoing costs.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
The Premier card offers Platinum Elite status, up to 26X points at IHG properties, and valuable perks like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits and annual free nights. Worth the $99 fee for frequent IHG guests
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Chase
For business travelers, earn Platinum Elite status and maximize points on travel, gas, and dining expenses. Ideal for companies with regular hotel stays.
Traveler is the no-fee entry point for IHG point earning; Premier adds a 4th-night-free benefit and anniversary free night — consider upgrading when you stay at IHG properties regularly.
IHG Premier delivers a 4th-night-free benefit and anniversary night cert worth far more than the fee; keep the no-fee Traveler for everyday non-IHG spend to earn more IHG points.
Co-Branded Credit Cards
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Chase
80,000 points bonus · ~$560 value
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
175,000 points bonus · ~$1225 value
140,000 pts
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Chase
200,000 points bonus · ~$10 value
140,000 pts
Past transfer bonuses — useful for spotting seasonal patterns
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Apr 1, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Dec 9, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Jul 1, 2024 – Jul 31, 2024
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Feb 1, 2024 – Mar 31, 2024
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Dec 9, 2023 – Jan 15, 2024
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Aug 2, 2020 – Aug 31, 2020
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