IHG® One Rewards is one of the most underrated hotel programs for travelers. As of 2024, IHG had the 4th largest global footprint. On family road trips, bucket list trips, and even after we saw the Eras Tour – we’ve often chosen IHG. Whether you’re looking for easy family hotels on road trips (Holiday Inn Express or Staybridge Suites OR bougie resorts like Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa (Cayman Islands), or even some nights near Disneyland – there are options for you! Here’s why we love IHG:

Easy to Earn Points – With great credit card welcome offers, it’s easy to earn a huge chunk of valuable points.
4th Night Free – When you book an IHG hotel on points, the 4th consecutive night is free for cardholders.
Bank Transfers from Chase & Bilt – Flexible ways to boost your points balance, if you choose.
Annual Free Night Certificate – Some credit cards offer an annual free night certificate – up to 40,000 points per night.
Platinum Elite Status – Free upgrades, late checkout, and other perks.

The IHG® One Rewards program offers incredible value.

Which IHG Personal Card Should You Get?

Of the two personal cards – IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card – I recommend the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Let’s Compare:

The perks:

• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card

My take: If I were debating between 2 personal IHG cards – this is the one I would choose! IHG One Rewards Premier offers an annual Anniversary Free Night Certificate, worth up to 40,000 points. You can top this certificate off with additional points of your own, if needed. This anniversary free night certificate, is worth well more than the annual fee, in my opinion.

The Perks:

• No Annual Fee
• Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free

My Take: I would pass on this card and go for one that has an annual free night certificate.

Let’s Talk Business

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a great business card option! The annual free night certificate is worth more than the annual fee, and by applying for a business card, you are not filling a 5/24 slot (read more about the 5/24 Rule here).

More Random Things to Know about IHG® One Rewards program and cards:

• You cannot hold both IHG personal cards at the same time.
• You can receive a welcome offer from a personal IHG card every 24 months. This is the date that you receive the welcome offer – not the date you apply for the card.
• You can receive a welcome offer from a business IHG card every 24 months. This is the date that you receive the welcome offer – not the date you apply for the card.
• You can hold a personal IHG card and a business IHG card simultaneously.

In Conclusion

We have each held the IHG One Rewards Premier and I’m sure the One Rewards Premier Business card is in our future! Any hotel card that comes with an annual free night certificate, in my opinion, is worth the annual fee and something I will keep in my wallet year after year!