IHG 1 Rewards Premier
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is designed for travelers who frequently stay at IHG properties, such as Holiday Inn, InterContinental, and Kimpton Hotels. With a $99 annual fee, the card offers a range of benefits aimed at enhancing the IHG experience.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• Up to 26X Points at IHG Properties: Earn up to 26 points per $1 spent at IHG hotels. This includes 10 points for using the card, 10 points from being an IHG One Rewards Club member, and 6 points from automatic Platinum Elite status.
• 5X Points on Travel, Gas Stations, and Restaurants: Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants.
• 3X Points on Other Purchases: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Annual Fee: $99.
Additional Benefits:
• Anniversary Free Night: Receive a free night certificate each year after your account anniversary, valid at IHG hotels costing up to 40,000 points per night.
• Fourth Reward Night Free: When redeeming points for a stay of four or more consecutive nights, enjoy the fourth night free.
• Automatic Platinum Elite Status: As long as you remain a cardmember, enjoy Platinum Elite status, which includes benefits like complimentary room upgrades (when available), priority check-in, and extended checkout.
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Fee Credit: Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring additional fees.
Pros:
• Generous Rewards on IHG Stays: Earning up to 26X points per dollar spent at IHG properties accelerates point accumulation for future stays.
• Valuable Annual Free Night: The anniversary free night certificate can easily offset the annual fee, especially when redeemed at higher-end IHG hotels.
• Fourth Night Free Benefit: This perk enhances the value of point redemptions for longer stays, effectively reducing the cost of four-night award stays by 25%.
• Automatic Platinum Elite Status: Enjoying mid-tier elite status without meeting stay requirements enhances the IHG experience with additional perks.
Cons:
• Limited Redemption Flexibility: While points can be redeemed for various options, the best value is typically achieved through IHG hotel stays.
• Annual Fee: The $99 fee may be a consideration for some, though it can be offset by utilizing the card’s benefits.
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 Rule: Approval for this card may be affected by Chase’s policy of not approving applicants who have opened five or more credit card accounts in the past 24 months.
Considerations:
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is well-suited for individuals who frequently stay at IHG properties and can leverage the card’s rewards and benefits to offset the annual fee. However, those who prefer more flexible redemption options or do not anticipate utilizing the card’s IHG-specific perks may find greater value in other travel rewards cards.