Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain.
With over 6,000 properties worldwide, IHG has hotels and resorts to fit your budget no matter where your travels take you. IHG credit cards are perfect for family vacations, business travelers or luxury travel to exotic locales. Whether you are a frequent IHG customer or a casual traveler, IHG credit cards offer a way to earn points to use toward free hotel accommodations.
Both the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card allow individuals to earn rewards toward free IHG stays, along with a host of other benefits. Which IHG credit card is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at each card to find out.
IHG One Rewards Premier Card vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler Card
There are many similarities between the Premier Credit Card and the Traveler Credit Card. But that doesn’t mean they are the same card. Distinct differences separate these IHG credit cards from each other. Here are some ways these cards differ.
IHG One Rewards Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Intro Bonus | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Perks | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
80,000IHG One Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $480 (80,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.006 base) |
$0 |
2x - 17xPoints
Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Elite Status: Silver |
Apply Now |
|
|
140,000IHG One Rewards Points
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening Dollar Equivalent: $840 (140,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.006 base) |
$99 |
3x - 26xPoints
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Elite Status: Platinum |
Apply Now |
††Exclusions apply. *Terms apply.
IHG Card Sign-Up Bonuses
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card offers new cardholders 80,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. One night’s stay at the most expensive IHG properties in the world costs 70,000 bonus points, but most accommodations fall under that amount.
In comparison, the IHG One Rewards Premier Card comes with 140,000 after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Card is a better choice based on the sign-up bonus alone.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$99
-
Sign Up Bonus
140,000IHG One Rewards Points
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening Dollar Equivalent: $840 (140,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.006 base)
Aside from its astounding sign-up bonus, this card offers tons of value, especially for loyal IHG customers, like a free Reward Night on your account anniversary and Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member. Plus, it offers a Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA Pre✓® fee credit every four years, and IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at a variety of hotels.
Overview
Frequent customers of IHG hotels and other people who enjoy earning rewards nights for hotel stays and premium hotel status should consider picking up this card.
Pros
- Generous rewards rate on IHG Hotels and Resorts purchases
- Automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status which gets you perks like upgrades
- Free reward night every account anniversary, with the potential to be worth hundreds of dollars
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Only makes sense if you plan to stay at IHG properties
Points Earned for IHG Hotel Stays
Another factor to consider is how many points are earned for IHG stays. Rewards rates are the same for each card, with the exception of IHG purchases.
Traveler
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card earns 17X total points at IHG properties worldwide if you’re an IHG One Rewards member:
- 5x points per dollar spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Up to 10x points for being an IHG One Rewards member
- Up to 2x points for being an IHG Silver Elite member—a perk of the card
That’s impressive earning, considering the next highest rewards rate is 3x points per dollar.
Premier
Now, let’s look at the IHG One Rewards Premier Card. It also offers a higher rewards rate for IHG stays, but at 26x bonus points instead:
- 10x points per dollar spent at IHG Hotels and Resorts
- Up to 10x points just for being an IHG One Rewards member
- Up To 6x IHG points for being an IHG Platinum Elite member—a perk of the card
It’s easy to see how your bonus points could snowball if you stay at IHG hotels regularly.
Both cards provide excellent earning rates, but the IHG One Rewards Premier Card comes with more value in this area for sure.
Recommended Travel Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Intro Bonus | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
60,000Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $1,380 (60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points * 0.023 base) |
$95 |
1x- 5xPoints
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. |
Apply Now |
|
|
$400 statement credit + 40,000 pts.Southwest Rapid Rewards Points
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening. Dollar Equivalent: |
$69 |
1x - 2xPoints
Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases. |
Apply Now |
|
|
$200Cash Bonus
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. |
$0 |
1% - 5%Cashback
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026. |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
|
|
75,000Citi ThankYou® Points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com. Dollar Equivalent: $1,350 (75,000 Citi ThankYou® Points * 0.018 base) |
$95 |
1X-10XPoints
10x on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Restaurants 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets 3x -- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Gas and EV Charging Stations 1x -- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on All Other Purchases |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
Benefits and Fees
Silver Elite Status
IHG One Rewards Traveler cardholders automatically earn Silver Elite status includes:
- Exclusive access to member rates
- Extended check-out
- Free internet
- Accelerated bonus earnings
- Points don't expire
Platinum Elite Status
Having Platinum Elite status provides considerable value to travelers. Cardholders with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card automatically receive Platinum Elite status.
Perks that come from having Platinum Elite status include:
- Exclusive access to reward night discounts
- Complimentary room upgrades
- Accelerated bonus earnings
- Welcome amenity at check-in
- Elite Rollover Nights
Anniversary Night
Another benefit only found with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is a free reward night every year on your card anniversary. Anniversary nights are good for 12 months and are redeemable at IHG properties with a redemption level of 40,000 points or less.
Global Entry/NEXUS/TSA Pre✓® Credit
For frequent flyers, having Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA Pre✓® status can be extremely valuable. Individuals have to apply for this status and pay an application fee. The IHG One Rewards Premier Card comes with a one-time statement credit that covers an application fee once every four years.
Annual Fee
The one area the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card gets the better of the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is its annual fee. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card doesn’t have an annual fee, while the IHG One Rewards Premier Card has a $99 annual fee.
Looking at the benefits listed already, you can see the value that comes with the Premier Card far outweighs the cost of this annual fee. If you’re not interested in paying an annual fee, though, the Traveler Card also comes with considerable value.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
Sign-Up Bonus
80,000IHG One Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $480 (80,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.006 base)
Whether your family is looking for some free hotel nights for a road trip or you’re a loyal customer of the IHG hotel brand, this card offers you a chance to earn decent rewards. Aside from its generous sign-up bonus, it offers tons of value, including the option to redeem points at all IHG properties.
Overview
Whether you’re a family looking for some free hotel nights while making your annual road trip or you’re a loyal customer of the IHG hotel brand, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card — which has no annual fee, by the way — offers you a chance to earn some decent rewards.
Perks
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Silver Elite Status included with the card
Pros
- One of the top picks for a no-annual-fee hotel credit card
- Book three nights with points, get your fourth free
- Entry-level Silver Elite status, with the chance to upgrade to Gold with $20,000 or more in annual spend
Cons
- No free night account anniversary reward
Earning Rewards With IHG Credit Cards
Beyond earning rewards for IHG stays, both cards also earn bonus points in other categories. Both the IHG One Rewards Premier Card and the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card have similar rewards earning structures:
With the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card, earn:
- 3x points per dollar spent at gas stations, monthly bills and restaurants
- 2x points per dollar spent on all other purchases
The more premium IHG One Rewards Premier Card earns:
- 5x points per dollar spent on travel, dining or at gas stations
- 3x points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Most people will find that bonus points add up quickly with either IHG credit card with the inclusion of these spending categories.
Compare IHG Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Intro Bonus | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
140,000IHG One Rewards Points
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening Dollar Equivalent: $840 (140,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.006 base) |
$99 |
3x - 26xPoints
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Apply Now |
|
|
80,000IHG One Rewards Points
Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Dollar Equivalent: $480 (80,000 IHG One Rewards Points * 0.006 base) |
$0 |
2x - 17xPoints
Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
Apply Now |
Redeeming IHG One Rewards Points
The best use of IHG One Rewards points is for free hotel accommodations at IHG properties. That’s not the only way to use your points with IHG, though. Here are other redemptions available:
- Points and cash option for Hotel Nights
- Gift cards
- Airline miles
- Merchandise
- Digital rewards
- Charitable donations
The popular IHG PointBreaks program was a staple of IHG loyalists’ redemptions, with free nights available for purchase for as little as 5,000 bonus points. Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.
FAQs
-
Yes, IHG One Rewards Premier is a valuable option for both IHG loyalists and people who stay at hotels a couple of times each year. This card offers a free stay every cardholder anniversary, fourth night reward, and complimentary Platinum Elite status—which offers perks like late checkout and priority check-in.
That's a lot of value for a hotel credit card with a modest annual fee that's easily offset with its sign-up bonus. Even though IHG is a global hotel chain with multiple brands across the U.S., make sure they're in places you visit frequently before you apply.
-
Hotel brands that are part of IHG range from low-cost options to five-star luxury rooms. Brands include:
Atwell Suites
Avid Hotels
Candlewood Suites
Crowne Plaza
EVEN Hotels
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Hotel Indigo
HuaLuxe
Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Regent Hotels & Resorts
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Vignette Collection
Voco -
Redemption varies depending on hotel location and season, but you can book IHG One rewards nights for as little as 10,000 points.
-
One credit card carries an annual fee with extra perks and a larger sign-up bonus, while the no-annual-fee version has fewer benefits and a more modest bonus for new account holders. Frequent travelers who value a premium experience during their hotel stays may find the IHG One Rewards Premier meets their needs. Whereas people who are interested in earning hotel rewards, but do not want to commit to an annual fee may find the IHG One Rewards Traveler is a stronger option.
-
Yes, IHG credit cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 Rule. If you’ve opened five or more new credit card accounts in the last 24 months, you’re likely to be denied for any Chase credit card. Take inventory of your current credit cards before applying for either IHG credit card.
-
Yes, you can carry multiple IHG credit cards. However, when opening co-branded Chase cards, you are subject to the issuer's unofficial 5/24 rule that automatically denies approvals for Chase products once you've opened five lines of credit within the past 24 months.
-
Yes, you can have both the IHG One Rewards Premier Card and the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card. There’s no guarantee you will qualify for both cards. Also, because they have the same spending categories and both offer many of the same rewards, it doesn’t make sense to have both cards unless you want to earn both sign-up bonuses.
-
The IHG One Rewards Premier Card is the better credit card choice for many people. Whether you’re an avid traveler or only stay at IHG hotels a few times a year, it offers so much more value than the Traveler Card. The value far exceeds the $99 annual fee. Both IHG credit cards offer ways to earn free stays at IHG properties around the world, but the IHG One Rewards Premier Card provides too much value to pass up for the Traveler Card just because of its $99 annual fee. If you’re going to get an IHG credit card, opt for the Premier Card.
Kevin Payne
Kevin Payne is a personal finance, credit card, and travel writer. He is the family travel and budget expert behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com. Kevin lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife and four kids. His work has appeared on several websites, including FinanceBuzz, Credit Karma, Millennial Money, Club Thrifty, Student Loan Planner and Slickdeals.
