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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card review

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Snapshot

4.7

Bankrate rating
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Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)

Intro offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points

Rewards rate

3X - 26X

Annual fee

$99

Regular APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

4.7
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Bankrate Score

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Overview

If you’re looking for an IHG credit card and do enough traveling to justify an annual fee after the first year, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can be a great option. The card carries a lucrative sign-up bonus and some valuable perks for frequent travelers looking to earn hotel rewards, including a credit for expedited security screening, automatic Platinum Elite status and more. The Premier card also offers a great mix of practical bonus categories (including at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) to go along with the rewards you’ll earn on hotel bookings.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    High rewards rate on IHG stays and in a number of other practical categories.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Potentially valuable sign-up bonus and annual rewards.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Automatic elite status and perks.

Cons

  • Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule.

  • $99 annual fee

  • Inflated points.

  • Only hotel stay redemptions are a good use of points.

A deeper look into the current card offer

Quick highlights

  • Rewards rate: Up to 26X points at IHG properties (10 points as a cardholder in addition to 16 points per dollar earned as an IHG One Rewards Club member), 5X points on gas, restaurants and grocery, 3X points on other purchases
  • Welcome offer: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
  • Purchase intro APR: N/A
  • Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
  • Regular APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Current sign-up bonus

The current welcome offer is 140,000 bonus points after a $3,000 spend on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Based on Bankrate's latest hotel point valuations, which give IHG points an average value of around 0.7 cents, this new bonus is worth $980, which is highly valuable. However, the past offer could far outclass this — five Free Nights after spending $4,000 in their first three months, which could have been worth anywhere from 25,000 points to 300,000 points total, depending on where and when you'd book. IHG typically values Free Nights at up to 30,000 points each, but the booking portal also notes that nights can be booked starting at 5,000 points each. This previous bonus could've been worth around $175 ($35 per 5,000-point night) to $2,100 ($420 per 30,000-point night) in IHG stays based on Bankrate's points and miles valuations, which made it one of the most valuable offers available for a premium card of its caliber. 

The current sign-up bonus is well worth pouncing on, but it could be even more worth it to wait to see if the previous offer makes a comeback so you can take advantage of its stellar potential.

Rewards

Earning rewards

Every purchase with your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card earns you points toward your next hotel stay. For every $1 spent with your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, you can earn up to 26 points on stays at IHG properties, 5 points on restaurants, gas or groceries and 3 points on everything else.

The up to 26X rewards rate technically breaks down as 10x points for paying with your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, 10X points for being a member of the free IHG Rewards program, which is automatic upon card approval if you’re not already a member, and 6X points for having Platinum Elite Status, which also comes with the card.

Redeeming rewards

While redeeming points for stays at IHG hotels is by far the best use of your rewards, you have a few other (less valuable) options, including gift cards and merchandise. You can also transfer IHG points (typically at a poor rate) to a number of airline partners, including Delta and United.

Although there are no blackout dates for IHG One Rewards Club members, there may be limited availability for rooms that can be booked with points. A room’s point value depends on the property and type of room, with higher-end hotels requiring more points per night than a basic room at a Holiday Inn.

The Fourth Night Reward bonus allows you to have a complimentary fourth night when you redeem your points for a consecutive four-night stay. That’s like getting a 25 percent bonus when you use your points in this way. You can enjoy this reward an unlimited number of times per year.

How much are points worth?

The IHG points value can vary due to the dynamic pricing model IHG uses to assign point value. However, based on our latest points valuations, we estimate IHG points are generally worth around 0.7 cents each on average.

Benefits

Avid travelers and hotel guests will get plenty of mileage out of this card with the numerous benefits it offers. Comparing the IHG Premier to the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card the Premier offers better benefits hands down.

No foreign transaction fees

As one would expect with a travel-centric credit card, there is no foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside of the U.S.

Fourth reward night

You’re entitled to an additional night’s stay, no points needed, when you redeem points for a stay of three or more nights. Enjoy this perk as many times as you want, all year long.

Anniversary Reward

Each year, after your cardholder anniversary, you’ll receive a reward night stay in any of the eligible IHG Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Platinum status

As long as you remain a Premier card member, you get IHG platinum elite status automatically. This comes with a 50-percent point bonus on stays and perks like complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, guaranteed room availability, free minibar access at Kimpton hotels and a $30 spa credit for each hotel stay.

Annual 10,000 point bonus opportunity

If you spend $20,000 on your card each year, you’ll automatically get a 10,000-point bonus on your card anniversary, as long as you make an additional purchase after the anniversary date.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit

Pay your application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck with your card and receive up to $100 in fee reimbursement once every four years ($120 starting 10/1/2024).

Rates and fees

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card carries an 20.99% - 27.99% Variable APR. Unfortunately, it lacks a promotional 0 percent introductory APR interest period for new purchases and balance transfers, so it’s not a great choice if you need to pay off debt or finance a large purchase. The annual fee is $99.

We tried it: Here’s what our experts say

Bankrate credit cards writer Ryan Flanigan uses his IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card benefits for significant savings.

This card has helped me with some great luxury stays over the years. I can offset the annual fee using the United TravelBank credits and there’s additional value when I meet the $20,000 spending to get another $100 back. The fourth night free benefit and annual free night provide excellent savings on my stays. It also runs bonus promotions for extra earnings, which really add a lot of extra points to my balance. While this isn’t an everyday card, it has value for my travel expenses.

—  Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Credit Cards

How the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card compares to other hotel cards

The IHG card is great for those who are loyal IHG brand enthusiasts, but if you are brand agnostic, there are plenty of other options to consider, both general travel cards and hotel cards from competing brands. Here are a couple to consider:

Image of IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Annual fee

$99

Intro offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
Info Icon

Rewards rate

3X - 26X
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info Icon
Image of Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Bankrate Score
Apply now Lock Icon
on Chase's secure site

Annual fee

$95

Intro offer

$300 Chase Travel℠ Credit + 60,000 bonus points
Info Icon

Rewards rate

1x - 5x
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info Icon
Image of Hilton Honors American Express Card
Bankrate Score
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site

Annual fee

$0

Intro offer

Earn 100,000 points
Info Icon

Rewards rate

3X - 7X
Info Icon

Recommended Credit Score

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info Icon

Best cards to pair with IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

This card can’t be beat when it comes to paying for your stays in hotels and resorts within the IHG family, but depending on your spending habits, it may not be the best fit for your everyday expenses. Pairing it with a flat-rate or rotating bonus cash back credit card could help you enjoy the best of both worlds.

For a simple, no-frills cash back card, the Citi Double Cash® Card is hard to beat. You’ll get a flat 1 percent cash back reward on all purchases as you make them, and then another 1 percent cash back when you pay them off, for a total of up to 2 percent back, no matter where, when or what you buy. Another great option is the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. You’ll earn 5 percent cash back on all travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 percent back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5 percent back on all other purchases.

Bankrate’s Take—Is the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card worth it?

This card could be an exceptional choice for fans of IHG and frequent travelers who are willing to make IHG their go-to hotel brand. The card carries a terrific sign-up bonus, solid rewards rate and great perks, many of which, like the Anniversary Reward, can more than offset the annual fee.

The information about the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

What cardholders think

Image of IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

4.4 Star Icon
38 ratings
Info Icon
Score breakdown
5 stars
50%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
3%
2 stars
3%
1 star
0%
Score by category
Overall 4.4 / 5
Extra perks 4.1 / 5
Meets financial needs 4.4 / 5
Privacy and security 4.5 / 5
Customer service 4.2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4.3 / 5

In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with third-party SliceMR to survey 6160 cardholders nationwide. Bankrate and Slice MR collected, averaged and presented website analytics and cardholder responses to six questions on a 5-point scale. Responses are based on individual cardholder’s product details, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. User ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by credit card issuers, nor do these ratings reflect Bankrate’s own reviews of these cards.

Community Reviews

Explore IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card reviews from certified cardholders.
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Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Able to use rewards for hotel stays in Thailand
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Hotel points
Score by category
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes, I use it for everyday tranactions
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I love the anniversary nights and my family uses and enjoys them, particularly the day before traveling to allow us to stay close to the airport
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I haven't made enough points to use it yet.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Yes I would recommend its a good reward plan
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Free hotel rooms.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
The innovative features and optimistic approach
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
It gives me a free night every year.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
We use it every time we make a purchase in order to get more points.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
If this card had an annual fee, do you feel it was worth it? What card features and benefits helped you offset the cost?
Worth it for Rewards nights and travel points
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
Their amazing customer service
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
They have good rates
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
Like and use this card - builds points when purchasing groceries and gas which I use.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
yes. I love the perks and its interest rates are reasonable
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
I use this card for a lot of different purchases. I would definitely recommend this credit card to all people.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I chose this card because I travel a lot for business and pleasure and having this card gives me many perks when I stay at one of the IHG family of hotels.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I love the name
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Extra points that go towards hotel stays and premier accessibility to all IHG hotels
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It can help with hotels and travel if you build up rewards
Score by category
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I would recommend this card for the extra points you get for going to IHG hotels. There is also a one-night free stay at an IHG hotel. The customer service is also good.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes it is because it helps me in emergency situations like unexpected bills.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No it’s used for travel
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
The card is easy to use and using points for hotel rooms is fantastic and helps us affordably travel
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
Besides early check in and allowing us to leave our luggage and hang in lounge while room gets ready
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
No. I don’t use credit cards too much
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I have had nothing but great experiences with IHG one rewards club premier credit card. I was once having troubles with the card not working so I contacted customer service and they fixed the issue immediately.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
Yes I use it regularly as I travel from work setting modular construction homes. I like using it because of the amount of free nights I can generate.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
The benefits were fantastic.
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 5 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I chose this card because the benefits are great and it offers great rewards.
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 5 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I travel a lot and try to always stay and IHG brand hotels to earn the extra points
Score by category
Extra perks 5 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
What made you choose this card?
I received a significant number of rewards points and IHG is my preferred hotel brand
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 5 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It's really good for getting points towards hotel rooms, the interest rate is not that great.
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
I am able to achieve status faster with the card and earn more points toward free nights
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 5 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
It doesn’t give as many points as other cards
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Is this card a part of your everyday life, why or why not?
It is good just not as good as The others as it is not as versatile and easy to use
Score by category
Extra perks 4 / 5
Meets financial needs 4 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 3 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Why would you or would you not recommend this card to a friend?
I had difficulties with getting cash out from atm machines with this card. But other than that it’s like every other credit card
Score by category
Extra perks 3 / 5
Meets financial needs 2 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 3 / 5
Customer service 4 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Anonymous Cardholder
May 31, 2024
Tell us about an experience you had because of the benefits earned from the card
It’s been okay, it’s honestly not great if you’re not consistently staying in IHG hotels because the points earned on daily purchases is too low
Score by category
Extra perks 2 / 5
Meets financial needs 3 / 5
Online portal or mobile app 4 / 5
Customer service 3 / 5
Privacy and security 4 / 5
Written by
Sarah Estime
Former Associate Writer, Credit Cards
As a former staff writer for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Sarah offers sound advice that will improve your financial life and help simplify topics like travel hacking and credit card rewards.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.