IHG 1 Rewards Traveler
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option tailored for those who enjoy staying at IHG properties, such as Holiday Inn, InterContinental, and Kimpton Hotels. It offers various benefits to enhance your travel experience.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• Up to 17X Points at IHG Properties: Earn up to 17 points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide. This includes:
• 5X points with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.
• Up to 10X points from IHG for being an IHG One Rewards member.
• Up to 2X points from IHG with Silver Elite Status, a benefit of this card.
• 3X Points on Select Categories: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining, utilities, select streaming services, and at gas stations.
• 2X Points on Other Purchases: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Annual Fee: $0.
Additional Benefits:
• Fourth Reward Night Free: When redeeming points for a stay of four or more consecutive nights, enjoy the fourth night free.
• Automatic Silver Elite Status: As long as you remain a cardmember, enjoy Silver Elite status, which includes a 20% bonus on base points earned during IHG stays, priority check-in, and extended checkout.
• 10,000 Bonus Points: Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring additional fees.
Pros:
• No Annual Fee: Access to IHG rewards and benefits without the burden of an annual fee.
• Generous Rewards on IHG Stays: Earning up to 17X points per dollar spent at IHG properties accelerates point accumulation for future stays.
• 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%.
Cons:
• Limited Elite Status Benefits: While Silver Elite status offers some perks, it lacks some of the more valuable benefits associated with higher tiers like Platinum Elite.
• Lower Earning Rates on Non-IHG Purchases: While the card offers elevated points on select categories, other purchases earn a modest 2X points.
Considerations:
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is well-suited for individuals who occasionally stay at IHG properties and seek to earn rewards without committing to an annual fee. However, frequent IHG guests or those seeking more comprehensive travel benefits may find greater value in the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, which offers higher earning rates, elevated elite status, and additional perks in exchange for a $99 annual fee.