Hotel credit cards often fly under the radar, but the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card stands out as one of the most rewarding options available, even for casual travelers. This card provides significant perks, including free night certificates and elite status, making it worth considering even if you don’t spend heavily on hotel stays.
Why This Card Matters: The Power of Hotel Rewards
Hotel credit cards are often overlooked because people assume they only benefit frequent travelers. However, the real value lies in the anniversary free night certificates and automatic elite status upgrades. These benefits can easily outweigh the $99 annual fee, especially if you strategically use the free night at a higher-value property. The IHG One Rewards Premier Card delivers precisely this value.
Key Benefits & Eligibility
The IHG One Rewards Premier Card offers a range of perks that make it worthwhile:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 175,000 IHG points after spending $5,000 within the first three months. Valued at approximately $875 based on a 0.5 cent per point valuation.
- Anniversary Free Night: Receive a free night certificate each year, redeemable at any IHG hotel costing up to 40,000 points. This certificate can be combined with additional points for more expensive stays.
- Fourth Night Free: Get a free fourth night when redeeming points for four-night stays.
- IHG Platinum Status: Enjoy complimentary room upgrades, bonus points, late check-out, and more.
- Travel Perks: Up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash per year and a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fees.
The welcome bonus is currently the largest it has been, making this an excellent time to apply. However, if you currently hold another personal IHG credit card, you won’t be eligible for this bonus. The business version of the card does allow for bonus eligibility if you already hold a personal IHG card.
Maximizing Value: Spending & Elite Status
The card’s earning structure is solid, making it a viable option for everyday spending:
- 10x Points at IHG Properties: Earn a combined 26x points when staying at IHG hotels.
- 5x Points on Travel, Gas, & Dining: A strong return on common expenses.
- 3x Points on All Other Purchases: A reasonable baseline for non-bonus categories.
Spending $40,000 annually unlocks IHG Diamond status, the program’s highest tier, which includes even more perks. Spending $20,000 earns a $100 statement credit and 10,000 additional points.
Is It Worth the Annual Fee?
Absolutely. The anniversary free night certificate alone justifies the $99 annual fee. Redeeming this certificate at a hotel that typically costs $250 or more provides significant value. The added perks – including elite status, travel credits, and purchase protection – further enhance the card’s worth.
In fact, the IHG Premier Card is so valuable that holding both the personal and business versions allows you to earn two free night certificates per year with minimal spending.
The Bottom Line
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a must-have for anyone who travels even occasionally. The combination of lucrative rewards, valuable perks, and a reasonable annual fee makes it one of the most rewarding hotel credit cards on the market. If you want to maximize your travel benefits, this card is a smart addition to your wallet.
