The award traveler's guide to IHG One Rewards
Editor's Note
IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program for IHG Hotels & Resorts, which includes brands like Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental, Kimpton and Crowne Plaza. It's become one of my go-to hotel loyalty programs, especially after it improved in 2022 alongside its rebrand to IHG One Rewards.
The IHG hotels and resorts portfolio includes a mix of luxury and mainstream brands. I absolutely love the Six Senses brand, but even the least-prestigious brands like Candlewood Suites, Avid and Holiday Inn Express usually provide acceptable quality. Here's what you need to know about the IHG One Rewards program.
IHG One Rewards elite status
There are five membership tiers within the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. Plus, IHG offers two additional membership programs: InterContinental Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle. Here's an overview of each of these membership options.
IHG One Rewards Club member
You'll become a Club member simply by signing up for the IHG One Rewards program. Club members get the following benefits:
- Access to member rates and promotions
- Reward nights count toward elite status
- Free internet access
- 2 p.m. late checkout, upon request and subject to availability
Club members earn base points as follows when paying a qualifying rate at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts:
- 2.5 points per dollar spent at IHG-branded Residence properties, excluding Voco Residences (a 1.25% return based on TPG's valuations)
- 3 points per dollar spent at IHG Army Hotels (a 1.5% return)
- 5 points per dollar spent at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites (a 2.5% return)
- 2,000 points per stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (worth $10)
- 10 points per dollar spent at other IHG properties (a 5% return)
However, only select Six Senses properties and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts participate in IHG One Rewards. So, you'll only earn IHG points and get IHG One Rewards benefits at participating Six Senses and Iberostar properties.
Related: The 19 best IHG hotels in the world
IHG One Rewards Silver Elite member
Silver Elite membership typically requires 10 qualifying nights per calendar year. However, those who have the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card get automatic Silver Elite status.
On top of the benefits available to IHG One Rewards Club members, Silver Elite members also get the following perks:
- 20% bonus earnings on top of base points
- Points don't expire while you have elite status
Based on TPG's valuation of IHG One Rewards elite status, requalifying for Silver Elite status is worth about $35 per year.
Related: IHG revamped its loyalty program, and travelers noticed
IHG One Rewards Gold Elite member
Gold Elite membership typically requires 20 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points per calendar year. However, cardholders of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card can earn Gold Elite status through the end of the next calendar year if they spend $20,000 or more on their card within the current calendar year.
On top of the benefits available to IHG One Rewards Silver Elite members, Gold Elite members also get the following perks:
- 40% bonus earnings on top of base points
- Qualifying nights that surpass what you need for status during a particular year roll over to the next year (although rollover nights are only valid for one calendar year)
TPG values requalifying for IHG One Rewards Gold Elite status at about $155 per year.
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite member
Platinum Elite membership typically requires 40 qualifying nights or 60,000 qualifying points per calendar year, but cardholders of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card get automatic Platinum Elite status. You'll also get complimentary Platinum Elite status if you buy an InterContinental Ambassador membership. Select United credit card holders can register for complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status.
On top of the benefits available to IHG One Rewards Gold Elite members, Platinum Elite members also get the following perks:
- 60% bonus earnings on top of base points
- Occasional reward night discounts
- Complimentary upgrades, subject to availability
- Welcome amenity at check-in of points or a drink and a snack
- Early check-in, upon request and subject to availability
TPG values requalifying for IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status at about $1,290 per year.
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member
Diamond Elite membership typically requires 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 qualifying points per calendar year. However, those with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can earn Diamond Elite status through the end of the next calendar year if they spend $40,000 or more on their card within the current calendar year.
On top of the benefits available to IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite members, Diamond Elite members also get the following perks:
- 100% bonus earnings on top of base points
- Dedicated support phone line for Diamond Elite members
- Welcome amenity at check-in of free breakfast (per night for up to two people), points (per stay) or a drink and snack (per stay)
TPG values requalifying for IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status at about $3,840 per year.
Related: How to earn and redeem IHG food and beverage rewards
InterContinental Ambassador
You can purchase a 12-month InterContinental Ambassador membership for $200 or 40,000 IHG points. InterContinental Ambassador members get extra perks at InterContinental hotels and resorts, including a guaranteed one-category room upgrade and 4 p.m. late checkout. Plus, membership comes with IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and a complimentary weekend night at an InterContinental hotel or resort (valid on the second night of a minimum two-night paid weekend stay booked using a special rate).
Even if you already have Platinum Elite or higher status, it can be worth purchasing InterContinental Ambassador status if you frequently stay at InterContinental properties. It can also make sense if you get more than $200 of value from your complimentary weekend night. Occasionally, InterContinental offers enrollment or renewal offers that can provide extra points or award night certificates as incentives.
IHG invites select InterContinental Ambassadors to become Royal Ambassadors based on their qualifying activity at InterContinental hotels and resorts. Royal Ambassadors get even more perks, including Club InterContinental lounge access.
Related: I paid $200 to renew Ambassador even though I rarely stay with InterContinental: Here's why
Kimpton Inner Circle
If you're an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member and frequently stay at Kimpton hotels, you might be invited to the Kimpton Inner Circle.
Kimpton Inner Circle members get various extra perks when staying at Kimpton hotels, including an ultra-personalized treat upon arrival, guaranteed one-category room upgrades, waived amenity fees, guaranteed 10 a.m. early check-in and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.
Which bookings are eligible for IHG elite benefits and earnings?
You normally have to book directly with IHG to get elite benefits and earnings on stays. Specifically, IHG's terms and conditions state you can book qualifying stays through:
IHG Customer Care, IHG websites, the IHG One Rewards app, IHG WeChat mini program, Iberostar website, Iberostar Contact Center, IberostarPro, authorized travel agents (excluding online travel agents such as Expedia.com and booking.com, and unauthorized agents on online vertical travel portals), or directly at the hotel.
Related: What credit card should you use for IHG stays?
How to earn IHG points
There are many ways to earn IHG points. Here's a quick overview of some of the most popular ways.
Hotel stays
One of the primary ways to earn IHG points is through hotel stays. All IHG One Rewards members earn base points as follows when paying a qualifying rate at a participating property:
- 2.5 points per dollar spent at IHG-branded Residence properties, excluding Voco Residences (a 1.25% return based on TPG's valuations)
- 3 points per dollar spent at IHG Army Hotels (a 1.5% return)
- 5 points per dollar spent at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites (a 2.5% return)
- 2,000 points per stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (worth $10)
- 10 points per dollar spent at other IHG properties (a 5% return)
Elite members get bonus earnings on top of these base points. Specifically, Silver Elite members get a 20% bonus, Gold Elite members get a 40% bonus, Platinum Elite members get a 60% bonus and Diamond Elite members get a 100% bonus. IHG often offers bonus promotions that let members earn even more points on stays.
Related: Booking directly: How much value does IHG status provide?
Credit cards
There are three IHG One Rewards credit cards currently accepting applications that you can use to earn IHG points:
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: 5 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts; 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery), at gas stations and on utilities, internet, cable and phone services, and select streaming services; 2 points per dollar spent on other purchases (no annual fee)
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts; 5 points per dollar spent at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery), at gas stations and on travel and hotels; 3 points per dollar spent on other purchases ($99 annual fee)
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts; 5 points per dollar spent at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery), at gas stations and on travel, hotels, social media, search engine advertising and office supply stores; 3 points per dollar spent on other purchases ($99 annual fee)
You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Rewards points to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Related: Why you should get (and keep) the IHG One Rewards Premier card
Meetings and events
The IHG Business Rewards program allows you to earn IHG points when you book rooms, meetings and events for others at select IHG properties.
First, you must register for IHG Business Rewards on IHG's website. Then, you can earn 3 points per dollar spent on the following:
- Guest rooms
- Meetings and events
- Conference rooms
- Food and beverage service linked to meetings and conferences
- All-inclusive meeting packages
However, you generally can't earn over 60,000 points on a meeting or event.
Related: Best IHG beach hotels, ranging from family-friendly resorts to luxury stays
IHG Trip Extras
IHG Trip Extras is a booking platform that allows you to earn IHG points on select bookings. Specifically, you'll earn as follows when you book through the IHG Trip Extras portal:
- Hertz car rentals: Earn 1,500 points per rental plus 500 points per day for Elite members and 125 points per day for Club members.
- Dollar and Thrifty car rentals: Earn 125 points per day.
- Viator tours and activities: Earn 1,000 points per activity booking.
- OpenTable reservations: Earn up to 500 points when you make an OpenTable restaurant reservation.
- Grubhub food delivery to select U.S. IHG hotels: Earn 500 points for your first Grubhub order placed through IHG's food delivery page and 250 points for every subsequent order.
- Viator transport services: Earn up to 1,000 points per transportation booking.
Most of these bounties are relatively small. So, you'll generally only want to book through the IHG Trip Extras portal when it matches or beats the lowest competitor.
IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn
The IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn program lets you earn IHG points on dining. To earn points at participating restaurants, join the program and enroll at least one credit or debit card. You'll then earn IHG points when you use an enrolled card to pay at participating restaurants, bars and clubs.
Specifically, your earning rate will depend on your elite status level within the IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn program:
- VIP members earn 8 points per dollar spent (a 4% return based on TPG's valuations)
- Select members earn 5 points per dollar spent (a 2.5% return)
- Basic members earn 1 point per dollar spent (a 0.5% return)
To earn Select status, opt in to receive emails. You'll earn VIP status when you opt in to receive emails and complete 11 qualified transactions in a calendar year. Once you've earned VIP status, you'll keep it for the rest of the current year and the following calendar year.
However, you can only enroll each card in one dining rewards program at a time. So, if you use another program, such as AAdvantage Dining or Hilton Honors Dining, you'll need to decide whether IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn will provide more value.
Buying points
You can also boost your account balance by buying IHG points. You can periodically buy points during promotions for as little as 0.5 cents apiece.
You generally can't purchase more than 150,000 IHG points per calendar year, but IHG sometimes increases this limit during promotions.
Related: The best credit cards for buying points and miles
Which points qualify for elite status?
Some activities above produce elite qualifying IHG points, while others provide non-elite qualifying points. Both types of points are redeemable, but only elite qualifying points count toward earning elite status.
Based on IHG's terms and conditions, the following activities produce points that are redeemable and qualify for elite status:
- Qualifying rates for hotel stays
- Spending on select partner activity
- IHG One Rewards bonus points packages
- Qualified spending through IHG Business Rewards
On the other hand, the following activities produce points that are redeemable but do not qualify for elite status:
- Spending on U.S.-issued IHG One Rewards credit cards
- Transfers of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to IHG
- New cardmember bonuses and bonus points promotions through IHG One Rewards credit cards (unless otherwise indicated)
- Points earned from IHG and select partner promotions
- Elite tier bonus points
- Point vouchers, purchases, deposits and transfers (unless otherwise indicated)
If you aren't looking to earn IHG elite status through elite qualifying points, you don't need to worry about which points qualify.
Related: The best IHG all-inclusive resorts, from Jamaica to Mexico
How to redeem IHG points
You'll generally get the most value when you redeem IHG points for hotel stays, but other options exist. Here's what you need to know.
Reward nights
In 2020, IHG gradually switched to dynamic award pricing. The number of points required to book a reward night at a particular property may vary from night to night and may change at any point.
You can use points to book reward nights at most IHG properties. However, you may be unable to redeem points at InterContinental Residences, IHG Army Hotels, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts and Six Senses resorts. The least I've found any IHG property bookable for recently is 5,000 points per night.
Based on TPG's valuation of IHG points at 0.5 cents each, you'll generally want to get at least this value when redeeming IHG points. For example, consider the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort. For a two-night stay in March, you could pay 44,500 points per night or $359.85 per night for a rate with free cancellation until three days before your stay. In this case, you'd be getting a value of 0.81 cents per point.
Getting this type of value when redeeming IHG points isn't uncommon. If you have an eligible IHG One Rewards credit card, you can use the fourth-night reward benefit when redeeming IHG points. This fourth-night reward allows you to effectively pay zero points for every fourth night when you redeem points for a stay of four nights or longer.
Related: How to maximize redemptions with the IHG One Rewards program
Points + Cash
If you're looking to conserve points, you may want to book using Points + Cash. As the name implies, you'll pay partially with points and partially with cash on a Points + Cash booking. The cost to pay partially with cash through Points + Cash bookings varies, so consider whether the rate at which you'd be purchasing points provides good value.
One additional caveat about Points + Cash bookings: You don't get the cash portion back if you cancel the stay. Instead, IHG refunds the cash copay as points deposited to your IHG One Rewards account.
Related: Top IHG pet-friendly hotels for animal lovers
IHG One Rewards Access
IHG One Rewards Access is an auction platform where you can redeem IHG points for experiences. There are some experiences that you can bid on, but there are also some experiences that you can obtain by redeeming a set number of points. IHG members with a Mastercard can also redeem IHG points for Mastercard Priceless Experiences.
Digital Rewards
You can redeem IHG points for a wide selection of e-magazines, movies, e-books, games and software through IHG's Digital Rewards program. If you only have a few points to redeem, digital rewards could be a worthwhile option.
IHG One Rewards Catalog
You can use your points to shop in the IHG One Rewards Catalog. The catalog offers many items, including electronics, gift cards, event tickets and the ability to donate your points. However, you'll often get a low redemption rate when redeeming points for items in this catalog.
Redeem for airline miles
Finally, you can redeem IHG points for airline miles with select partners by calling the IHG One Rewards Service Center. You can only redeem in increments of 10,000 IHG points, and it will usually take 14 to 21 days for the miles to post to your airline loyalty account.
How to book an IHG award
Booking award nights through the IHG website is easy. From the homepage, type in your destination, dates, number of guests and number of rooms. Before clicking "Search," click the "Rate Preference" drop-down and select "Reward Nights."
Once you click "Search," you'll see options bookable within a set radius of your destination. You can filter these options by brand and amenities. You can sort your results by distance, price or rating.
You can also choose to see your results on a map.
Click "Select Hotel" to see award rates for each room type. You can see paid rates and Points + Cash rates by selecting the applicable tiles. This will let you decide if redeeming points is worthwhile.
In this case, you could pay 36,000 IHG points per night or $278 per night for a reservation you could cancel without charge until one day before your stay. So, you'd be getting 0.77 cents per point if you redeem points for this stay.
Unfortunately, IHG doesn't make it easy to see a calendar view of award prices for an individual property. But, if you can find a date without any award availability, click the "View available dates" link to view a calendar of award rates.
Frequently asked questions
How much are IHG points worth?
Based on TPG's valuations, IHG points are worth about 0.5 cents each. So, it would be best if you generally tried to get at least 0.5 cents of value per point when redeeming IHG points.
How many IHG points do you need for a free night?
Before IHG switched to dynamic pricing, you'd generally need 10,000 to 70,000 IHG points for a free night. Now, award night costs vary more widely, but I've found hotels bookable for as little as 5,000 points.
Do IHG points expire?
Points don't expire for Elite members, but points expire for Club members after 12 months without any earning or redeeming activity.
Related: How to keep your points and miles from expiring
Can I transfer my IHG points to someone else?
You can transfer your IHG points to another member in 1,000-point increments for a fee of $5 per 1,000 points. This means you'll pay a fee of 0.5 cents per point transferred.
However, a member's points may be transferred to the member's beneficiary (or beneficiaries) without transfer fees if a member passes away. The executor or administrator of the estate should contact IHG Customer Care and provide the requested documents within one year of the member's death.
Related: What happens to your points and miles after you die?
Bottom line
IHG improved its loyalty program by adding breakfast for Diamond Elite members and milestone rewards during its 2022 program overhaul. I also appreciate that getting a good value when redeeming IHG points is usually easy. Plus, IHG occasionally offers sales that let you buy IHG points for just 0.5 cents per point.
It's worth having the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, even if you only stay with IHG hotels and resorts a few times per year. Both cards provide automatic Platinum Elite status and access to the valuable fourth-night reward benefit when you redeem IHG points for stays of four nights or longer.