IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card: Elevate Every Stay and Maximize Your Travel Rewards
Earn free nights, elite status, and powerful perks across 6,000+ IHG® hotels worldwide.
- Free Anniversary Night – Every Year
One of the standout features of the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is the Free Night Certificate you receive each year on your account anniversary. This reward, redeemable at hotels costing up to 40,000 points per night, can be used at thousands of IHG properties around the world—from cozy Holiday Inns to upscale Kimpton or InterContinental hotels. When used strategically, this one benefit alone can easily offset the card’s $99 annual fee. It’s essentially a free vacation night, year after year, just for being a cardholder.
- 4th Night Free on Reward Stays
When you book a 4-night stay using points, you’ll automatically get the 4th night free—no promo codes, no restrictions. This feature can lead to huge savings for frequent travelers or families planning extended vacations. It’s a powerful benefit that multiplies the value of your points, making your reward redemptions stretch further and creating opportunities to enjoy more travel experiences without spending more.
- Platinum Elite Status Automatically
Enjoy IHG Platinum Elite status just for having the card—no nights required. This elite tier includes perks like complimentary room upgrades (when available), early check-in, late checkout, and bonus earnings on stays. Platinum Elite members also receive priority check-in and special treatment at most IHG hotels, giving your stays a more premium, stress-free experience from the moment you arrive.
A Few Things to Know Before You Apply
Annual Fee of $99
While the $99 annual fee may deter some users, it’s easily offset by the card’s Free Night Award. Just one redemption at a qualifying IHG property can return more than the fee’s value, especially in high-demand locations. For frequent or even occasional IHG travelers, the benefits far outweigh the cost.Best Value Requires Loyalty to IHG
To truly maximize the card, you need to stay at IHG hotels regularly. If you prefer other hotel brands or boutique stays, you may not benefit from the elite status or 10x earnings. However, with over 6,000 hotels globally, IHG offers a wide range of options to suit most travel styles.
How to Apply for the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Applying for the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is fast, secure, and fully online. You can start the process through Chase’s official website. Before you apply, ensure you have a good to excellent credit score (usually 700+), along with basic personal and financial information like income, address, and your Social Security number. The application form takes just a few minutes to complete, and many applicants receive a decision instantly. If approved, your card should arrive within 7–10 business days. Once activated, you can begin earning points and accessing benefits right away—even before your first hotel booking.
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is more than just a travel card—it’s a key to unlocking meaningful travel experiences and elite hotel benefits with minimal effort. Issued by Chase, one of the most reputable and secure banks in the U.S., this card is backed by robust fraud protection, real-time account alerts, and top-rated customer service to ensure your finances are safe while you earn and redeem points.
But the real value lies in its benefits. The card includes automatic Platinum Elite status, giving you perks like early check-in, late checkout, and complimentary room upgrades—privileges usually reserved for frequent travelers. And with the Free Anniversary Night, you get a bonus night at eligible IHG properties every year just for keeping the card open. Used wisely, this alone can recoup the $99 annual fee many times over.
You’ll also benefit from the 4th Reward Night Free—a standout perk that gives you a free night when you book four nights with points. This makes it easier to take longer trips without draining your points balance. Combined with 10x points at IHG properties and strong earning categories for travel, gas, and dining, this card makes it simple to accumulate rewards on both travel and everyday purchases.
Whether you’re staying at a luxurious InterContinental in Paris or a convenient Holiday Inn Express off the highway, this card helps you get more from every stay. Add in no foreign transaction fees, travel protection, and the reliability of the Chase brand, and it’s clear why this card is a great fit for travelers looking to get maximum value from their hotel stays.
If you’re ready to travel smarter, save more, and enjoy premium hotel perks, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a decision you won’t regret.


