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Introduction: Is the IHG Premier Card Right for You?
As a frequent traveler and credit card enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for cards that offer exceptional value, especially when it comes to hotel loyalty programs. Today, I’m diving deep into the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card to determine if it truly lives up to the hype. We’ll explore its perks, benefits, earning potential, and redemption options to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your wallet. If you often find yourself staying at IHG properties, this card might be a game-changer. However, it’s important to remember that the right card for you will depend on your individual travel habits.
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Unveiling the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is designed with the frequent IHG guest in mind. While it does have an annual fee of $99, the perks it offers can easily outweigh the cost if you regularly stay at IHG hotels. In fact, one particular benefit – the anniversary free night – has consistently justified the annual fee for me personally. Also, let’s not forget the automatic Platinum Elite status, which elevates your IHG experience with valuable benefits.
To give you a quick overview, here’s a breakdown of the card’s key features:
* Annual Fee: $99 * Anniversary Free Night: Valid for a one-night stay at an IHG property costing up to 40,000 points. * Automatic Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy perks like bonus points on stays, room upgrades, and welcome amenities. * Fourth Night Free: Receive the fourth night free when redeeming points for stays of four nights or longer. * Earning Rates: Earn bonus points on IHG stays, travel, gas station, and restaurant purchases. * Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive a statement credit for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application.
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Diving into the Pros and Cons
Like any credit card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s examine both sides:
Pros:
* Generous Earning Potential: I appreciate the bonus points earned on IHG hotel stays, travel, gas stations, and restaurant purchases. I can really rack up points on everyday spending and travel expenses. * Valuable Statement Credit: The statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus is a fantastic perk. I personally use this to renew my Global Entry every few years, saving me a significant amount of money and time at the airport. * Anniversary Free Night Award: This has incredible value. I find a way to use mine every year, and it more than covers the annual fee. * Platinum Elite Status: This is a great perk. I have been able to get room upgrades at check in.
Cons:
* Annual Fee: The $99 annual fee can be a deterrent for some, particularly if you don’t stay at IHG properties often. * Limited Redemption Value Outside IHG: The redemption options outside of IHG properties offer limited value. I prefer to use my points for hotel stays to maximize their worth. * Poor Transfer Rates: The transfer rates to airline partners are not competitive. I would advise you to not use this option.
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Maximizing the Welcome Offer
The IHG One Rewards Premier Card frequently features attractive welcome offers for new cardholders. Currently, new cardholders can earn five free nights (up to 60,000 points per night) after spending $5,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months from account opening. This is an incredible bonus that can get you some serious value.
If you’re considering applying for this card, now is a great time to do so. However, keep in mind that you won’t be eligible if you currently have any IHG personal credit card or have earned a welcome bonus on another IHG personal credit card within the last 24 months. You also need to be under Chase’s 5/24 rule, which means you haven’t opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months.
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Unlocking the Power of IHG Premier Benefits
The IHG One Rewards Premier Card is packed with benefits designed to enhance your IHG experience. Here’s a closer look at the most valuable perks:
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Anniversary Free Night
As I mentioned earlier, the anniversary free night is a standout benefit. Each year, I receive a reward night certificate valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property costing up to 40,000 points. The best part? You can use additional points to top off the certificate and book a stay at a higher-priced property. This flexibility allows me to redeem my free night at some truly luxurious hotels. In the past, I’ve used my certificates for stays at InterContinental hotels in major cities and Kimpton boutique hotels, experiencing top-notch accommodations without breaking the bank.
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Automatic Platinum Elite Status
With automatic Platinum Elite status, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including:
* 60% bonus earnings on paid stays: I love earning extra points on my IHG stays, which helps me accumulate rewards even faster. * Room upgrades: Subject to availability at check-in, I’ve received some fantastic room upgrades with this status. * Welcome amenity: Choose from a selection of welcome amenities at check-in, such as bonus points or a complimentary drink.
Additionally, you can unlock Diamond Elite status through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year.
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Fourth Night Free
This is a fantastic perk that I try to take advantage of whenever possible. When you redeem points for a stay of four nights or longer, you’ll pay zero points for every fourth night. This benefit can significantly stretch your points and make your award stays even more affordable.
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Other Noteworthy Perks
* 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000: You’ll earn 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 in a calendar year. While this requires significant spending, it can be a nice bonus if you already plan to put a lot of purchases on your card. * 20% off when buying IHG points: This can be useful if you need to top off your account for a specific redemption. * Application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus: As I mentioned earlier, this perk is a lifesaver. It saves you money and time when traveling. * United TravelBank cash: You can get up to $50 of United TravelBank cash per calendar year after registering your IHG Premier with your MileagePlus account. * Travel and purchase protections: The card offers valuable travel and purchase protections, providing peace of mind on your trips.
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Earning and Redeeming IHG One Rewards Points
Earning points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is straightforward. You’ll earn:
* 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts. * 5 points per dollar spent on travel, dining, and gas purchases. * 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
As a Platinum Elite member, you’ll also earn a bonus on your IHG stays, further boosting your earning potential.
When it comes to redeeming points, IHG One Rewards offers a variety of options, including hotel stays, merchandise, and gift cards. However, I highly recommend using your points for hotel stays to maximize their value. IHG uses dynamic award pricing, so the number of points required for a stay can vary. But with a little bit of searching, you can often find redemptions that offer a great value per point.
Don’t forget about the fourth-night-free perk! This is a great way to stretch your points even further and enjoy longer stays at your favorite IHG properties.
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Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not sure if the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is the right fit for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:
* IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: If you want IHG perks with no annual fee, this card offers automatic Silver status, a 20% discount on IHG points purchases, and a fourth night free on award stays. * Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card has a $95 annual fee and allows for 1:1 points transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG One Rewards. You can also transfer your points to other travel partners, providing more flexibility. * IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: If you’re a business owner, this card offers similar benefits to the IHG One Rewards Premier card, but it won’t count toward Chase’s 5/24 rule.
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Final Verdict: Is the IHG Premier Card Worth It?
In conclusion, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a fantastic option for loyal IHG travelers who want to maximize their IHG One Rewards. The card provides valuable perks like automatic Platinum Elite status, a fourth-night-free reward on award stays of four or more nights, and a large bonus multiplier for IHG stays.
I find the card a great value due to the anniversary free night and Platinum elite status. If you stay at IHG properties even just a few times a year, the benefits can easily outweigh the $99 annual fee. However, if you only occasionally stay at IHG properties, you might prefer a card with different benefits. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual travel habits and preferences.
