IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: A Comprehensive Guide

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a premium credit card designed for business owners who frequently travel or stay at IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) properties. This card offers a wide array of benefits, including valuable travel rewards, elite status within IHG’s loyalty program, and useful perks for business owners. In this article, we will explore the essential features of the card, its benefits, how to apply, and some considerations before applying for the card.

Overview of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a co-branded card offered by Chase in partnership with IHG. The card is primarily geared toward business owners who travel frequently and want to earn valuable rewards for both business and personal expenses. It is linked to the IHG One Rewards program, which includes a network of over 6,000 hotels worldwide, including well-known brands such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton Hotels, and more.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Earn Points for Purchases One of the most attractive aspects of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is its rewards structure. Cardholders can earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for stays at IHG hotels or for other rewards.
   • 5 points per $1 spent on purchases at IHG hotels.
   • 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including gas stations, airfare, and car rentals.
   • 3 points per $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services, which can be essential for businesses.
   • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
   These points can be redeemed for hotel stays, gift cards, and even merchandise. The higher points earn rates for IHG purchases make it especially beneficial for those who regularly stay at IHG hotels.
2. Welcome Bonus The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card typically offers an enticing welcome bonus. As of the last update, new cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. This bonus can be redeemed for several free nights at IHG properties, depending on the category of hotel, making it an appealing offer for both personal and business travelers.
3. Annual Free Night Certificate One of the standout features of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is the Annual Free Night Certificate. After spending $40,000 or more in a calendar year, cardholders can earn a free night at an IHG hotel, which can be redeemed at properties that cost 40,000 points or less per night. This is an excellent benefit for business owners who travel frequently and want to enjoy a free night at an IHG hotel.
4. Elite Status in IHG One Rewards Program The card provides Platinum Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program as long as the cardholder maintains the account. This elite status offers a range of perks, including:
   • Bonus points on stays: Earn 60% more points on qualifying stays at IHG hotels.
   • Complimentary room upgrades (based on availability).
   • Early check-in and late check-out (when available).
   • Access to exclusive member rates and other benefits at IHG properties.
   Having Platinum Elite status is highly beneficial for frequent travelers, providing added value to your stays and ensuring that you receive more perks when staying at IHG properties.
5. Business-Friendly Features The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is designed with business owners in mind. Here are some business-specific features:
   • Employee Cards: You can add employee cards to your account at no additional cost. These cards earn rewards on purchases made by your employees, which can help accelerate your rewards earning potential.
   • Expense Management Tools: Chase offers tools for managing your business expenses, making it easier to track spending across various categories, create expense reports, and keep your accounting organized.
   • Purchase Protection and Travel Insurance: Cardholders enjoy purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, travel accident insurance, and trip delay reimbursement, which are all valuable for business owners who travel or purchase business-related items regularly.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees As a business credit card geared toward frequent travelers, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees. This is an essential feature for business owners who travel internationally, as it helps to reduce the cost of purchases made abroad.
7. Annual Fee The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $99. While this fee may seem high, it is outweighed by the value offered through the card’s points earning potential, the welcome bonus, the free night certificate, and other benefits.
8. Redeeming Points Points earned with the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can be redeemed in several ways:
   • Free Nights: Redeem points for hotel stays at IHG properties, including resorts, luxury hotels, and more.
   • Gift Cards: Points can also be redeemed for gift cards from a variety of retailers.
   • Merchandise: IHG points can be used to purchase various items, ranging from electronics to travel accessories.
   The best value for points is typically found when redeeming for hotel stays, especially if you can book during off-peak seasons or use points for properties in lower-tier categories.

How to Apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Applying for the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Visit the Chase Website: Go to the official Chase website and navigate to the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card page.
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including being a business owner (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.). You will need to provide business information such as your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) if you are a sole proprietor.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form, which includes personal and business details, such as your annual revenue, number of employees, and business address.
4. Submit the Application: After completing the form, review all the information and submit your application for approval.
5. Wait for Approval: Chase will review your application and typically provide a decision within a few minutes. In some cases, additional documentation may be requested.

Final Thoughts

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a fantastic option for business owners who frequently stay at IHG properties or travel for business. Its rewards structure, welcome bonus, free night certificate, and business-friendly features make it a valuable tool for earning points and managing business expenses. However, it’s important to carefully consider whether the $99 annual fee is worth it based on your business and travel habits. If you are a frequent traveler who stays at IHG hotels, this card can help you maximize your rewards and enjoy extra perks, making it a solid choice for business owners.