Who Is the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card For?

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The ideal candidate for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is someone who:

• Stays at IHG Properties Regularly: Frequent guests at brands like Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Kimpton, or other IHG Hotels & Resorts will benefit most
• Values Hotel Elite Status: Those who appreciate Platinum Elite status perks including potential room upgrades, late check-out, and member rates & offers
• Takes Longer Hotel Stays: Travelers who often book four-night stays can maximize value with the fourth reward night free benefit
• Wants Flexible Booking: The no blackout dates policy allows for more booking freedom
• Seeks Anniversary Benefits: Cardholders who will use the annual free night certificate can often offset the annual fee with this benefit alone

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This card is less ideal for travelers who rarely stay at IHG properties or who prefer premium travel protections and more flexible rewards structures.

Comparing the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card With Other Credit Cards

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When considering the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:

• Annual fee: $95
• Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
• Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
• Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel^SM

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:

• Annual fee: $95
• Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
• Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners

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American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:

• Annual fee: $325
• Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
• Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
• Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.

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Key Takeaways:

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card excels in delivering significant value for travelers.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile travel rewards
• Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
• American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards

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Earning and Redeeming Points With the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

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How to Earn Points

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers multiple avenues for accumulating points:

• 10x points on purchases at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide
• 5x points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x points on all other purchases
• Bonus points for new cardmembers after meeting minimum spending requirements
• Points purchase transactions earn bonus points when buying IHG points
• Anniversary bonus points based on your account behavior and spending

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Your points earning potential is enhanced through the Chase mobile app, which allows you to track your transaction history and points accumulation easily. Additionally, your Platinum Elite status earns you a 60% bonus on base points from IHG stays.

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How to Redeem Points

Your IHG One Rewards points can be redeemed in several ways:

• Award travel at over 6,000 IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide with no blackout dates
• Fourth reward night free when redeeming points for stays of 4+ nights
• Access to reward night sales for discounted redemptions
• United TravelBank cash conversions for use toward United flights
• Merchandise, gift cards, and experiences through the IHG rewards portal

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The most valuable redemption typically comes from using points for hotel stays, especially when taking advantage of the fourth night free benefit. Points expiration isn't a concern for cardmembers, giving you flexibility in when you redeem.

Premium Benefits and Protections

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Travel Benefits

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card includes several premium travel benefits:

• Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit (up to $100 every 4 years)
• Baggage delay insurance covering essential purchases when your baggage is delayed
• Lost luggage reimbursement for covered losses
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses due to severe weather and covered situations
• Purchase protection against damage or theft for eligible items

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Elite Status Benefits

With automatic Platinum Elite status, cardmembers enjoy:

• Room upgrades when available
• Late check-out privileges
• Priority service at the front desk
• Free Wi-Fi at all IHG properties
• Member rates & offers for discounted bookings
• Personalized relationship with IHG hotels
• Welcome amenity at check-in
• Early access to room availability

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Additional Features

Other notable card features include:

• Chase Pay Over Time allowing flexible payment options for larger purchases
• Chase Security Center providing fraud monitoring and protection
• Anniversary Free Night certificate valid at properties costing up to 40,000 points
• Path to Diamond Elite Status when spending $40,000 on purchases in a calendar year
• 20% discount on points purchases with your card

Consider Using Kudos

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While the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers excellent benefits for IHG loyalists, smart cardholders know that maximizing credit card rewards requires a strategic approach to every purchase. This is where Kudos becomes an invaluable companion to your IHG Premier card.

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Kudos is a free AI-powered smart wallet that can help you determine exactly when to use your IHG card versus other cards in your wallet. With Kudos, you'll receive personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase, ensuring you're always earning the maximum rewards possible.

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For example, while your IHG card earns 5x points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants, you might have another card that offers even higher returns in specific categories. Kudos automatically suggests the optimal card for each transaction, helping you build your points balance faster across all your rewards programs.

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With integration at over 15,000 stores, Kudos can multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events. This complements your IHG card strategy perfectly, especially when booking travel or making everyday purchases.

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If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.

Our Expert Takeaway

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The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card delivers exceptional value for frequent IHG guests. Its combination of anniversary free nights, automatic Platinum Elite status, and fourth night free on reward stays can easily outweigh the annual fee for regular IHG customers.

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The earning structure rewards loyalty with generous 10x points at IHG properties, while still providing solid returns on everyday spending categories. The pathway to Diamond Elite status through spending offers aspirational value for heavy card users.

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However, this card isn't for everyone. Those who stay at various hotel chains or prefer more flexible rewards might find better value elsewhere. Credit approval depends on your creditworthiness, and eligibility requirements apply based on your account behavior and credit limit considerations.

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For IHG loyalists who can utilize the anniversary free night and elite status benefits, this card represents an excellent addition to your wallet—especially when complemented by smart shopping tools like Kudos to maximize your overall rewards strategy.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card FAQ

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What is the annual fee for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card?

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The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has an annual fee that isn't waived the first year. Check the current offer details for the exact fee amount, as it may change over time.

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How does the anniversary free night certificate work?

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Upon each account anniversary, the primary cardmember receives a free night certificate valid at IHG properties costing up to 40,000 points per night. The certificate appears in your account approximately 2-3 weeks after your anniversary date and is valid for 12 months.

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Can I combine the free night certificate with points?

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No, the anniversary free night certificate must be used for a single night stay and cannot be combined with points. However, you can book consecutive nights using points or cash alongside your certificate.

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What benefits does Platinum Elite status include?

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Platinum Elite status includes room upgrades when available, late check-out, 60% bonus on base points, welcome amenity, priority check-in, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive member rates & offers.

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How does the fourth reward night free benefit work?

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When you redeem points for a stay of four consecutive nights or more, the cost of the fourth night (in points) is automatically discounted. This benefit can be used unlimited times per year as long as you're redeeming points for your stay.

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How do I earn Diamond Elite status with the card?

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You can achieve Diamond Elite status by spending $40,000 on purchases in a calendar year with your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

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Can I use my points on airlines or for other travel expenses?

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While the primary value comes from hotel redemptions, you can convert IHG points to United TravelBank cash through the United MileagePlus® account connection. However, this typically offers less value than hotel stays.

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Are there foreign transaction fees?

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No, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel and stays at IHG properties worldwide.

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How do I redeem my Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit?

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Simply charge the application fee to your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, and you'll automatically receive a statement credit of up to $100. This benefit is available once every four years.

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Do my IHG points expire?

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For IHG One Rewards Premier Credit cardmembers, points do not expire regardless of account activity, providing flexibility in when you choose to redeem them.