Today Chase has announced new welcome bonuses for its IHG One Rewards consumer credit cards. New cardholders can earn up to 170,000 bonus points, depending on which card they choose.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is my single favorite hotel credit card and the elevated bonus gives a great reason to consider whether it works for you. From instant Platinum status to a unique fourth-night-free benefit on award nights, the card will never leave my wallet.
New cardholders who apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can earn an elevated welcome bonus when they meet a minimum spending threshold: 170,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months from account opening
If you are committed to paying no annual fee, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has an elevated offer of 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months from account opening.
What can you do with IHG One Rewards points?
In short, a lot. IHG has more than 6,000 properties, ranging from budget to luxury brands, around the world. In just the past year I’ve used IHG Rewards in Madrid, Miami, and Marseille, among other cities that don’t start with M.
The Chase Anniversary Night that comes upon renewal of the IHG Premier is a lot more flexible than most. Any night up to 40,000 IHG points is covered, but you have the ability to top the certificate off with points if the hotel you need costs more than that.
My stay in Madrid at the Voco Retiro on my card’s Anniversary Night cost 41,000 points, so I easily added 1,000 points to the certificate to use it. Without that flexibility, I wouldn't have been able to use the certificate.
My go-to staycation spot is the Willard Intercontinental in Washington, DC. The hotel dates from 1818 and is a living American history museum. From the term “lobbyist” to the mint julep, the Willard has been front and center to much of what makes D.C., well, D.C. After three flawless stays, all paid for with IHG One Rewards points, visiting the Willard has become a family tradition.
Jill Robbins, a Texas-based writer, raves about the Holiday Inn Resort in Pensacola, FL. “It’s right in the middle of the action, has beach access and a sweet resort pool with a lazy river and comfortable amenities,” she says. “I love the location because it’s easy to find things to do outside the hotel but there are enough amenities inside the hotel to get you through if you don’t feel like leaving.”
Should you apply?
The IHG Traveler offer is decent, but of the two the Premier is well worth the nominal carrying cost. Between the free night and the fourth-award-night-free benefit, I easily get $500 of value each year out of the Premier card. Consider both your spending and travel habits and evaluate the card's benefits and annual fees to determine if it will give you value over time.
