What the IHG One Rewards card gives you
The IHG One Rewards credit card is a co-branded card issued by a major bank in partnership with InterContinental Hotels Group. When you open the card, you become an IHG One Rewards member automatically. The card earns points on every purchase you make, and those points convert directly into free nights, room upgrades, and other benefits at IHG properties worldwide — which includes brands like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Kimpton.
The card itself has an annual fee, which the issuer typically offsets with a free night certificate you receive each year just for holding it. You also earn a welcome bonus of points after you meet a spending threshold in the first few months, and you earn accelerated points when you book hotels through the IHG website or app.
Membership in IHG One Rewards is free and separate from the credit card. You can join without the card, but the card is the fastest way to accumulate points if you travel regularly or spend on everyday purchases.
Key Takeaways
- The IHG One Rewards card charges an annual fee but includes a free night certificate each year that often covers the cost.
- You earn points on every purchase with the card, and points redeem for free nights or room upgrades at any IHG hotel brand.
- The welcome bonus requires you to spend a set amount within a few months, and the bonus is paid in points, not cash.
- Elite status tiers within IHG One Rewards unlock perks like late checkout, room upgrades, and bonus points on stays, and the credit card can help you reach these tiers faster.
- Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, but your membership can close if you do not use it for a long period.
How points work and what they are worth
Every dollar you spend with the IHG One Rewards credit card earns a set number of points. The exact rate depends on what you are buying — you earn more points per dollar at IHG hotels than you do on other purchases, and some card versions offer bonus points in specific categories like dining or gas. You can check your card's terms to see the exact earning rates.
Points redeem for free nights at any IHG hotel. The number of points required varies by hotel and by season. A budget Holiday Inn might cost 10,000 points for one night, while a luxury InterContinental could cost 50,000 or more. You can also use points to upgrade your room, extend a stay, or pay for incidental charges like parking or dining.
The real value of points depends on which hotels you actually stay at. If you regularly book expensive properties, your points go further. If you mostly stay at budget chains, you may need more points to reach a free night. Many cardholders track their points-per-dollar value by dividing the cash price of a hotel night by the points required to book it.
The annual fee and what comes with it
The IHG One Rewards card charges an annual fee each year on your card anniversary. The exact amount varies by card version — some versions charge more than others. When you pay this fee, you automatically receive a free night certificate that you can use at most IHG properties.
The free night certificate has restrictions. It typically covers one standard room for one night at a hotel in a specific category or below — for example, a certificate might work at any IHG hotel that costs 50,000 points or fewer. You still pay taxes and resort fees out of pocket. The certificate usually expires after one year if you do not use it, so mark your calendar.
Whether the annual fee is worth it depends on whether you will use the free night certificate. If you stay at IHG hotels at least once a year, the certificate often covers the fee. If you do not travel to IHG properties, the fee is a pure cost.
Welcome bonus and how to earn it
When you open the card, you are offered a welcome bonus of points. To receive the bonus, you must spend a minimum amount within a set timeframe — usually three to six months. The bonus is substantial: it often equals the points needed for several free nights, depending on the card version.
The bonus is paid in points only, not as a statement credit or cash back. Once you meet the spending requirement, the points post to your IHG One Rewards account within one to two billing cycles. You can then use those points to book a hotel when ready or save them for later.
The spending requirement is a real threshold. If you spend $4,999 and the requirement is $5,000, you do not receive the bonus. Plan your spending carefully, and consider timing large purchases — like flights or insurance renewals — to help you reach the threshold.
Elite status and how the card helps you reach it
IHG One Rewards has four elite status tiers: Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Diamond Elite. Each tier unlocks perks like room upgrades, late checkout, bonus points on stays, and lounge access at higher levels. You reach each tier by earning a certain number of may have access to nights or points within a calendar year.
The IHG One Rewards credit card accelerates your progress toward elite status. Every dollar you spend with the card counts toward your annual point total, which moves you up the tiers. Some card versions also grant you a status match or automatic entry at a lower tier when you open the card, so you start earning elite perks when ready.
Elite status resets on January 1 each year. If you reach Platinum Elite in November, you start back at the base level in January unless you have already earned enough points or nights in the new year to maintain it. The credit card helps you stay in the tier year-round because you earn points on everyday spending, not just hotel stays.
How to use your points to book hotels
To book a free night with points, log into your IHG One Rewards account on the IHG website or mobile app. Search for your hotel and dates as you normally would. When you see the room options, you will see a points price displayed alongside the cash price. Select the room and choose to pay with points instead of a credit card.
You can also call IHG's reservation line and book over the phone. A representative can help you find availability and complete the booking. Some cardholders prefer this method because a representative can sometimes offer additional perks or clarify blackout dates.
Points bookings are subject to the same cancellation policies as cash bookings. If you cancel within the hotel's cancellation window, your points are refunded to your account. If you cancel after that window closes, you lose the points. Always check the cancellation policy before you book.
What happens to your points and membership
IHG One Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains active. An account is considered active if you earn or redeem points, stay at an IHG hotel, or use your credit card at least once every 12 months. If your account goes inactive for 24 months or longer, IHG may close it and you will lose your points.
If you close the credit card, your IHG One Rewards membership does not automatically close. Your points remain in your account as long as you keep the membership active through the methods listed above. However, you will stop earning points on credit card purchases once the card is closed.
You can transfer points to another person's IHG One Rewards account, though there may be a fee depending on the amount. You can also donate points to certain charities. Check the IHG website for current transfer and donation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the credit card to be an IHG One Rewards member?
No. You can join IHG One Rewards for free without a credit card by signing up on the IHG website. However, the credit card is the fastest way to earn points if you travel frequently or make everyday purchases. Without the card, you earn points only on hotel stays and certain partner purchases.
What if I do not use my free night certificate before it expires?
The certificate expires one year after you receive it, and expired certificates cannot be reissued. Mark the expiration date on your calendar and book a hotel before that date if you want to use it. Some cardholders book a hotel in advance and cancel if plans change, as long as they cancel within the hotel's cancellation window.
Can I combine points from multiple IHG accounts?
You can transfer points between accounts, but each account must be registered under a different name. If you have multiple accounts under your own name, you may not be able to combine them. Contact IHG customer service to discuss your specific situation.
What is the difference between points earned on the credit card and points earned on hotel stays?
Points are points — they redeem the same way regardless of how you earned them. However, elite status qualification may treat them differently. Some elite tiers require a minimum number of may have access to nights, which credit card points do not count toward. Check your card's terms to see which earnings count toward elite status.
Can I use points to book a hotel for someone else?
Yes. You can book a room with your points and put someone else's name on the reservation. The person staying in the room does not need to be an IHG One Rewards member, though they will not earn points on that stay unless they provide their membership number at check-in.