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Limited time offer: Earn up to 185,000 bonus points — 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, plus 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.
Full benefits & perks
- Free anniversary night each year (up to 40,000 points, can be topped off with additional points)
- Fourth night free for cardholders when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG stay
- Complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status: includes early check-in, late checkout, room upgrades, and 60% bonus points on IHG stays (subject to availability)
- Path to Diamond Elite status after spending $40,000 in a calendar year
- Up to $120 statement credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee
- Up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each calendar year (must register IHG card with MileagePlus account)
- $100 statement credit + 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 in a calendar year
- IHG points redeemable at 6,000+ hotels including InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, and more
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
My thoughts
This is the IHG card I recommend for most people. It's the one I have! The annual free night alone is typically worth more than the $99 annual fee. I've personally used it at Holiday Inn Expresses where a room costs $150+ a night, so I'm easily recouping the fee and then some. Add in the fourth night free on award stays and Platinum Elite status and this card punches way above its weight. The welcome offer right now is the highest we've seen in a while, which makes it an even easier decision. We like to stay at IHG properties, mostly Holiday Inn Expresses because they often fit all of us in one room, so this card earns its keep in our wallet.
How to use your points
IHG One Rewards points are best used for free hotel nights at IHG properties. Here are the best ways to use them:
- Book free nights at Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, and more
- Use the fourth night free perk — pay points for 3 nights and get the 4th free on consecutive award stays
- Use your annual free night certificate + top it off with points to book a higher-category property
- Use Points & Cash awards to stretch your stash further
One of the best hotel cards under $100. The annual free night alone justifies the fee.
- The annual free night certificate is often worth more than the $99 annual fee by itself
- Fourth night free on award stays is a huge perk for longer trips. We've used this perk MANY times.
- The elevated welcome offer right now is one of the highest we've seen on this card
- Best for families who stay at IHG properties — many Holiday Inn Expresses fit us all in one room!
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Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.