The IHG Credit Card gives you points on hotel stays, free nights, and lounge access
The IHG One Loyalty Credit Card earns points on every purchase you make, with bonus points on InterContinental Hotels Group stays. You get a free night certificate each year, room upgrades when available, and access to hotel lounges at certain properties. The card comes in two versions—the standard card and the premium card—with different earning rates and annual fees.
The standard IHG One Loyalty Credit Card charges no annual fee and earns 2 points per dollar on IHG hotel purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The premium version, called the IHG One Loyalty Premier Credit Card, charges an annual fee (the amount varies by issuer) but earns 3 points per dollar on IHG stays and 1 point per dollar elsewhere, plus additional perks like elite status and a higher free night certificate value.
Points can be redeemed for IHG hotel stays, room upgrades, or other travel rewards through the IHG One Loyalty program. The redemption value depends on the hotel category and location—a night at a budget property costs fewer points than a night at a luxury resort.
Key Takeaways
- Both versions of the IHG card earn points on every purchase, with higher earning rates on IHG hotel stays if you choose the premium card.
- You receive an annual free night certificate that can be used at most IHG properties, though the certificate value differs between the standard and premium cards.
- The standard card has no annual fee, while the premium card charges an annual fee but offers elite status, more points per dollar, and a higher-value free night certificate.
- Points earned through the card can be combined with points from actual hotel stays to reach higher redemption thresholds faster.
How the Free Night Certificate Works
The free night certificate is issued each year on your card anniversary. With the standard card, the certificate covers one free night at most IHG properties up to a certain point value. With the premier card, the certificate covers a higher point value, meaning you can book at more expensive or luxury properties without paying out of pocket.
The certificate does not cover taxes, resort fees, or other incidental charges—you pay those separately. You must use the certificate within a set timeframe (usually one year from issuance), or it expires. If you book a room that costs more points than your certificate covers, you can pay the difference with your own points or cash.
The certificate applies to standard room rates only. You cannot use it during blackout dates, which vary by property and season. Check the IHG website or call the hotel directly to confirm availability before booking.
Earning Points on Purchases and Hotel Stays
With the standard card, you earn 2 points per dollar spent at any IHG property and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. With the premier card, you earn 3 points per dollar at IHG hotels and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. Both cards also offer bonus points when you first open the account—the amount varies depending on the current promotion.
Points earned through the card stack with points you earn by staying at IHG hotels under your IHG One Loyalty account. This means a single stay can generate points from both the hotel stay itself and the credit card charges, which helps you reach redemption thresholds faster. Make sure your IHG account number is linked to your card so points post correctly.
Certain purchases do not earn points, including balance transfers, cash advances, and fees. Some merchants may code differently than expected—for example, a hotel booking made through a third-party site might earn 1 point per dollar instead of the higher IHG rate, depending on how the transaction is classified.
Hotel Perks Beyond Points and Free Nights
Both versions of the IHG card include automatic room upgrades when available at check-in, though upgrades are not may provide and depend on occupancy. You also receive late checkout (usually until 4 p.m.) at most IHG properties, which can be valuable if you have an afternoon flight.
The premier card includes elite status in the IHG One Loyalty program, which grants additional benefits like complimentary breakfast, lounge access at certain properties, and bonus points on stays. The level of elite status varies by promotion and issuer, so check your card's specific terms.
Both cards waive the annual IHG One Loyalty membership fee (if one applies). You also receive a welcome gift of points when you open the account, though the amount changes based on current promotions.
Annual Fees and When They Make Sense
The standard IHG card has no annual fee, making it a low-cost way to earn points if you stay at IHG hotels occasionally or want to accumulate points slowly over time. The premier card charges an annual fee, which is offset by the annual free night certificate and higher earning rates if you stay frequently.
To determine whether the premier card's fee is worth it, calculate how much you would spend on a free night at your preferred IHG property. If the free night certificate value exceeds the annual fee and you stay at IHG hotels at least once or twice per year, the premium card may save you money. If you rarely stay at hotels or prefer other chains, the standard card is the better choice.
The annual fee posts on your card anniversary each year. You can cancel the card before the anniversary date to avoid paying the fee, though you will lose access to future benefits and any remaining free night certificate.
How to Redeem Points for Hotel Stays
Log into your IHG One Loyalty account on the IHG website or mobile app and search for available properties by location and dates. The search results show the point cost for each room type and date. Select your room, review the total points required, and confirm the booking. Points are deducted from your account when ready.
You can also call IHG customer service to book with points if you prefer not to use the website. Some properties may have limited point-redemption inventory, meaning certain dates or room types are not available for points—you can only book those with cash.
Points do not expire as long as you have activity in your IHG One Loyalty account at least once every 24 months. Activity includes earning or redeeming points, staying at a hotel, or using a co-branded credit card. If your account goes inactive, points may be forfeited.
Comparing the Standard and Premier Cards
| Feature | Standard Card | Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | None | Yes (amount varies) |
| Points on IHG Stays | 2 points per dollar | 3 points per dollar |
| Points on Other Purchases | 1 point per dollar | 1 point per dollar |
| Annual Free Night Certificate | Yes (lower value) | Yes (higher value) |
| Elite Status | No | Yes (level varies) |
| Room Upgrades | Yes, when available | Yes, when available |
| Late Checkout | Yes | Yes |
Things to Know Before You Open the Card
The card issuer will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report when you open the account, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. You will need to provide your Social Security number, address, and income information during the process process.
The welcome bonus points are subject to terms—you typically must spend a certain amount within a set timeframe to earn them. If you do not meet the spending requirement, you will not receive the bonus. Read the terms carefully before opening the account.
The free night certificate has restrictions. It does not cover taxes or resort fees, cannot be combined with other promotions at some properties, and may have blackout dates. Some luxury or resort properties may require additional points on top of the certificate value. Always check the specific property's terms before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the free night certificate at any IHG hotel?
The certificate works at most IHG properties, but not all. Some luxury resorts, properties under renovation, or newly opened hotels may exclude the certificate. Check the IHG website's redemption search to see which properties accept it for your travel dates.
What happens to my points if I cancel the card?
Your points remain in your IHG One Loyalty account and do not disappear when you close the card. However, if your account becomes inactive (no activity for 24 months), your points may expire. Keep your IHG account active by staying at hotels or using another IHG co-branded card.
Do I earn points on the annual fee?
No. Annual fees and other card fees do not earn points. Only purchases and hotel stays generate points.
Can I transfer points to another person's IHG account?
IHG One Loyalty does not allow direct point transfers between accounts. However, some promotions periodically offer the ability to gift points to family members. Check the IHG website for current transfer options.
What is the difference between the free night certificate and booking with points?
The free night certificate is issued annually and covers one night up to a set point value. Booking with points lets you use any number of points you have accumulated to reserve a stay. The certificate is a separate benefit that does not reduce your point balance.