For travelers who frequent IHG properties, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is an indispensable tool. Issued by Chase, this card offers a wealth of benefits that enhance your travel experience, making it easier to earn rewards, enjoy elite status, and save on hotel stays. Whether you’re a regular guest at InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, or Holiday Inn, this card is designed to maximize your value and comfort during your stays.
Key Features of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
1. Generous Welcome Bonus The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card often offers a substantial welcome bonus, which can be enough for multiple free hotel nights. Typically, new cardholders might earn a bonus of 140,000 IHG One Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. The number of nights you can redeem with these points varies depending on the property, but it could equate to several nights at mid-tier IHG hotels or even a few nights at more luxurious properties.
2. Earning Points This card is a powerhouse when it comes to earning IHG One Rewards points. The earning structure is as follows:
- 10 points per $1 spent at IHG hotels: This includes bookings at InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and more.
- 5 points per $1 spent on travel, dining, and gas stations: These categories make it easy to rack up points quickly during your everyday activities.
- 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases: While this may not seem as lucrative as other categories, it still provides a solid return on everyday spending.
3. Platinum Elite Status One of the standout benefits of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is automatic Platinum Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program. This status comes with a range of perks, including:
- Room upgrades: When available, you can enjoy upgrades to better rooms.
- Extended check-out: Enjoy a more relaxed departure with later check-out times.
- Priority check-in: Skip the lines and check in more quickly.
- Bonus points on stays: Earn 50% more points on your stays at IHG hotels.
This elite status can significantly enhance your hotel stays, providing more comfort and convenience.
4. Free Anniversary Night Each year after your account anniversary, you’ll receive a Free Night Certificate, which is valid for a one-night stay at any IHG hotel costing up to 40,000 points. This benefit alone can justify the card’s annual fee, as it provides substantial value if used at a higher-end property.
5. Fourth Night Free When you redeem points for a stay of four nights or more, the fourth night is free. This benefit can stretch your points further, making it easier to enjoy longer vacations at IHG properties.
6. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit As a cardholder, you’ll be reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $100 every four years. These programs make travel more convenient by speeding up security and customs processes.
7. No Foreign Transaction Fees Like many travel-focused credit cards, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This makes it an excellent card to use when traveling abroad, as you can earn points without incurring extra costs.
Additional Benefits
1. Travel and Purchase Protection The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers several types of insurance coverage and purchase protections, including:
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Get reimbursed for essential purchases if your luggage is delayed.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If your luggage is lost or damaged, you’re covered up to a certain amount.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Receive compensation if your trip is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons.
- Purchase Protection: Purchases made with the card are covered against damage or theft for 120 days.
- Extended Warranty Protection: Extend the time period of the manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible purchases.
2. Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver When you rent a car and pay with your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, you can decline the rental company’s collision insurance and be covered for theft and collision damage. This coverage is primary when renting outside your country of residence.
3. Access to Exclusive Experiences Chase often provides cardholders with access to exclusive events and experiences, such as early ticket sales for concerts, VIP access to events, and curated travel opportunities.
Fees and APR
1. Annual Fee The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has a $99 annual fee. Given the extensive benefits, particularly the Free Anniversary Night and Platinum Elite status, this fee can be easily offset by the value you gain from the card.
2. APR The variable APR for purchases typically ranges between 20.49% and 27.49%, depending on your creditworthiness. The card also has a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Applying for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
1. Eligibility To be eligible for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, you generally need to have a good to excellent credit score, typically 700 or above. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. residents and at least 18 years old.
2. Application Process The application process for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is straightforward:
- Step 1: Visit the official Chase website or the IHG credit card page to review the most current offers and terms.
- Step 2: Click on “Apply Now” and fill out the application form with your personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and income details.
- Step 3: Review the terms and conditions, then submit your application.
- Step 4: Chase will review your credit history and other factors to determine your eligibility. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, although some may require additional review.
- Step 5: If approved, your card will arrive within 7-10 business days, and you can start using it immediately to earn points on your purchases.
3. Tips for Approval
- Ensure your credit report is accurate and up to date before applying.
- Pay down existing debts to improve your debt-to-income ratio.
- Consider applying when you have upcoming travel plans to help you meet the spending requirement for the welcome bonus.
4. Post-Approval After receiving your card, activate it right away and set up an online account to manage your card, track your points, and redeem rewards. Familiarize yourself with the IHG One Rewards program and plan your stays to maximize the benefits of your card.
Maximizing the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
To get the most out of your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, consider these strategies:
- Use the card for all IHG hotel bookings: This will ensure you earn the maximum points for your stays.
- Take advantage of the Fourth Night Free benefit: Plan longer stays to make your points go further.
- Utilize the Free Anniversary Night: Redeem it at a higher-end property for the best value.
- Leverage Platinum Elite status: Enjoy upgrades, late check-out, and other perks to enhance your hotel stays.
- Redeem points strategically: Look for off-peak times or special promotions where your points can cover more nights.
Conclusion
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is an exceptional choice for travelers who regularly stay at IHG properties. With its robust earning potential, elite status benefits, and valuable perks like the Free Anniversary Night and Fourth Night Free, it offers significant value for the $99 annual fee. Whether you’re a business traveler or someone who enjoys frequent vacations, this card can enhance your travel experience and help you save on hotel stays. If you’re considering a card that aligns with your IHG loyalty, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is definitely worth considering.