IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card: Unlock Hotel Luxury and Global Travel Benefits
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a high-value travel rewards card designed specifically for loyal IHG hotel guests and frequent travelers who want to make the most out of their stays. Issued by Chase, this card offers a compelling package of benefits that make it easy to earn free nights, boost loyalty status, and access exclusive travel perks across the globe.
Right off the bat, the card provides an attractive welcome bonus—typically 140,000 IHG One Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. That’s potentially enough for multiple nights at over 5,000 IHG properties, including brands like InterContinental, Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and more.
With this card, you’ll earn:
10x points on IHG hotel stays,
5x points on travel, dining, and gas,
and 3x points on all other purchases.
You also receive automatic Platinum Elite status, giving you room upgrades, extended checkout, and bonus earnings on IHG stays. Plus, you’ll receive one Free Anniversary Night every year, and you can earn a second night when you spend $20,000 annually.
Another highlight: cardholders enjoy the 4th Reward Night Free on stays of four nights or more when booking with points—a benefit that quickly adds up to hundreds in savings per year.
With a modest $99 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and robust travel protections, the IHG® Rewards Premier Card offers powerful value whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys an elevated hotel experience a few times a year.
Why the IHG® Premier Card Is a Must-Have for Hotel Rewards Lovers
Anniversary Free Night Every Year
Just for keeping the card open, you get a Free Night Certificate every year, redeemable at IHG properties costing 40,000 points or less. This benefit alone can easily cover the $99 annual fee—and often much more, depending on the property and timing.4th Night Free on Reward Stays
When you redeem IHG points for a 4-night stay, you’ll automatically get the 4th night free—no strings attached. This powerful perk can save you thousands of points annually, making longer stays significantly more affordable.Elite Status Benefits
Enjoy automatic Platinum Elite status, which includes benefits like room upgrades (when available), priority check-in, late checkout, welcome amenities, and up to 60% bonus points on paid IHG stays.High Earning Potential Across Categories
You’ll earn 10x points at IHG hotels, 5x on dining, travel, and gas, and 3x on everything else. Whether you’re at home or abroad, this card rewards you generously across multiple everyday categories.
What to Consider Before Applying—A Few Downsides to Balance the Benefits
Limited Free Night Cap Value
While the Free Night Certificate is a great perk, it’s capped at 40,000 points per night. This limits you to mid-tier properties unless you’re willing to top off the certificate with extra points. However, IHG has a wide network of quality hotels within this range, and this restriction is fairly standard in the industry.Best Value Requires Loyalty to IHG
To extract the maximum value from this card, you’ll need to stay at IHG hotels somewhat regularly. Travelers who prefer boutique stays or other hotel chains might not benefit as much. Still, with over 6,000 properties globally, IHG offers plenty of flexibility and availability to suit different travel needs.
How to Apply for the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Applying for the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is fast, secure, and can be done entirely online. Chase has streamlined the application process to ensure a smooth experience, even for first-time applicants. Before you begin, make sure you have your personal and financial information ready, including your Social Security number, income, and employment details.
This card is best suited for applicants with good to excellent credit scores (typically 700+). You’ll also want to review your 5/24 status, as Chase limits approvals if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months.
Once submitted, most applications receive a decision within minutes. If approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7–10 business days, and you can start earning rewards from day one.
This card offers not just travel perks, but also peace of mind with Chase’s world-class fraud protection and account management tools.
Visit the official Chase website.
Navigate to the IHG Premier Credit Card page.Review card details and current offer.
Understand the welcome bonus and rewards structure before applying.Click “Apply Now.”
Fill out your name, address, income, and Social Security number.Submit your application.
Most applicants receive an instant decision.Receive and activate your card.
Start using your card as soon as it arrives—or even earlier via digital wallet.
The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card delivers a powerful value proposition for travelers seeking to earn meaningful hotel rewards and unlock elite perks. Its wide-reaching benefits span both frequent and occasional travelers, offering tools to transform your hotel stays from standard to standout.
With features like automatic Platinum Elite status, a Free Anniversary Night, and the 4th Reward Night Free on longer stays, the card creates tangible value almost immediately after approval. Add to that the generous welcome bonus—often worth multiple free nights—and you’re looking at one of the most compelling travel cards in its class.
Its earning potential is robust, rewarding you not just at IHG properties, but also on daily categories like gas, dining, and travel. Combine that with no foreign transaction fees, and this card becomes a strong ally for both domestic and international trips.
Yes, there’s a $99 annual fee—but with even one or two stays per year, the perks you receive will far surpass that cost. And while its rewards are best maximized within the IHG ecosystem, the sheer size of IHG’s global footprint ensures options nearly anywhere you travel.
In short, if you’re looking for a card that earns fast, delivers consistent value, and enhances your hotel experience at every level, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card deserves a prime spot in your wallet.
Our Post
Real Estate Investing in the U.S.: Why 2025 Might Be the Smartest Year to Start
