IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card Review: Key Benefits & Features

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a popular travel rewards card designed for frequent guests of IHG hotel brands. This card comes with a generous sign-up bonus, as well as multiple perks that significantly benefit travelers who often stay at IHG properties. With a focus on earning points for stays at IHG hotels and associated benefits, the card has become a go-to option for many hotel rewards enthusiasts.

One of the most attractive features of the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card is its sign-up bonus, currently offering 175,000 bonus points. Cardholders also enjoy a variety of perks, such as an annual free night, automatic IHG Platinum Elite status, and even a fourth night free benefit when redeeming points for stays. Plus, the card provides impressive earning potential on IHG hotel-related expenses, making it a valuable addition to the wallet of any IHG loyalist.

In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. By evaluating these factors, potential applicants can make informed decisions about whether this hotel rewards card aligns with their travel preferences and spending habits.

Key Features

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a popular choice for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels. Its key features focus on helping cardholders earn loyalty points and enjoy attractive perks while staying at IHG properties.

One of the main attractions of this card is the generous sign-up bonus. Currently, new cardholders can earn 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Earning points on everyday purchases is also a strong point for the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. Cardholders will receive:

  • 10 points per dollar spent at IHG® Hotels
  • 2 points per dollar spent on gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants
  • 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Another valuable feature of the card is the anniversary free night. Each year, on the cardholder’s account anniversary, they will receive a free hotel night at selected IHG properties. This benefit alone can potentially offset the $99 annual fee if utilized strategically.

Additional perks of the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card include:

  • Fourth-night free: When staying four consecutive nights or more, cardholders can receive the fourth night free on the total-point cost of their stay.
  • Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status: Enjoy benefits such as complimentary room upgrades, priority check-in, and late check-out during IHG stays (when available).

Considering the range of benefits and earning potential, the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card offers significant value for frequent IHG hotel guests.

Rewards Earning Potential

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a competitive rewards earning structure for IHG hotel stays and everyday purchases. Cardholders can earn:

  • 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels, which include brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn Express
  • 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers or those looking to maximize their normal spending habits
  • 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases, ensuring that no spending goes unrewarded

Additionally, cardholders can achieve the highest reward earning potential when they redeem their points for IHG hotel stays. This is supported by a best-ever 175,000-point welcome bonus, as highlighted by The Points Guy.

Beyond the rewards earning rates, IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card users benefit from an anniversary free night each year at eligible IHG hotels, further enhancing the card’s value for frequent travelers.

It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of the rewards earning potential largely depends on the cardholder’s spending habits and loyalty to IHG hotel brands. Thus, individuals who frequent IHG properties can maximize their rewards by strategically utilizing the card’s benefits.

Redeeming Rewards

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card allows cardholders to redeem their earned points for various rewards within the IHG Rewards Program. One of the most popular redemption options is using points for free hotel nights at IHG properties. Cardholders can redeem their points for stays at any hotel that costs up to 40,000 points per night, as mentioned on Upgraded Points.

When redeeming points for hotel stays, it’s important to pay attention to the point value, which may vary between properties. IHG Rewards does not publish an award chart, so it’s crucial to compare the cash value and point value before making a redemption to ensure getting the best value for your points.

Apart from free hotel stays, IHG Rewards points can also be used for other rewards, such as:

  • Airline miles with IHG’s partner airlines
  • Gift cards from popular retailers and restaurants
  • Online shopping through the IHG Rewards Catalog
  • Donations to charitable organizations

However, it’s worth noting that points redeemed for non-hotel rewards are generally less valuable, according to Forbes. For example, the points may not have a 1:1 redemption ratio with partner airlines, as mentioned by Investopedia. Therefore, to maximize the value of your IHG Rewards points, it’s best to focus on redeeming them for hotel stays.

Additional Benefits

With the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, cardholders can enjoy a variety of additional benefits that enhance their overall experience. One of the notable perks of this card is the complimentary Platinum Elite status, which offers an upgraded in-hotel experience, including extended checkout and priority check-in.

Another valuable advantage of this credit card is the fourth-night-free reward. When cardholders redeem their points for a stay of four nights or more, they won’t need to pay for their fourth night, making their vacation even more affordable.

The earnings rate for the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is also attractive, as cardholders earn 10 points per dollar spent at IHG® hotels. This high rewards rate helps cardholders accumulate points quickly for their future travels.

In addition to these benefits, the card offers an annual free night at eligible IHG hotels, which is awarded to cardholders on their account anniversary. This perk allows cardholders to plan a special getaway without worrying about hotel costs for one night.

Furthermore, the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card provides cardholders with various travel protection benefits, such as baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, and travel accident insurance. These safeguards offer cardholders peace of mind while travelling, knowing they are protected in case of unforeseen events.

6. Fees and Interest Rates

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $99, which you should weigh against the benefits when considering the card. On a positive note, there are no foreign transaction fees for this card, making it suitable for international travelers.

As for interest rates, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card has a variable APR ranging from 20.49% to 27.49% depending on your creditworthiness. It’s essential to maintain a good credit history to qualify for more favorable interest rates.

Late fees can also be applied to your account, up to $40, so make sure to make your payments on time to avoid any additional charges. Here’s a summary of the card’s fees and interest rates:

Fee/Interest Rate Amount
Annual Fee $99
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Interest Rates 20.49% – 27.49% Variable
Late fees Up to $40

It is crucial to consider these fees and interest rates when evaluating whether the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a good fit for your financial situation and travel habits. Ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs, and always make a conscious effort to pay your bills on time, as late payments can lead to additional expenses and affect your credit.

Pros and Cons of IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a variety of rewards and perks for cardholders who frequently stay at IHG hotels. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of this credit card.

Pros:

  • Outstanding welcome bonus for new cardholders.
  • Free hotel night each year on your card anniversary.
  • Automatic elite status, granting privileges such as room upgrades, priority check-in, and late checkout with IHG hotels.
  • Decent earnings on IHG hotel purchases, with 3 – 10 points per $1 spent.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit up to $100.

Cons:

  • $99 annual fee.
  • Poor earnings for everyday and non-category hotel purchases.
  • Low overall point value and limited flexibility in rewards.
  • No worthwhile redemption options outside of IHG properties.

While the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card has several attractive benefits for frequent IHG hotel guests, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if this card will provide enough value to justify the annual fee and its limitations on earning and redeeming rewards.

Comparison with Competitor Cards

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card competes with other hotel credit cards in the market. One of its main competitors is the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card. Let’s compare the two cards and see how they stack up against each other:

Card Welcome Bonus Annual Fee Earning Rates
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card 175,000 points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months $0 first year, then $99 Up to 40x points at IHG hotels, 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, 1x on all other purchases
IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card 120,000 points $0 Up to 15x points at IHG hotels, 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, 1x on all other purchases

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a higher welcome bonus and earning rates at IHG hotels compared to the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card. However, the Traveler Card has no annual fee, making it more affordable for those who may not stay at IHG hotels frequently.

Another competitor of the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card. Here’s a quick comparison:

Card Welcome Bonus Annual Fee Earning Rates
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card 175,000 points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months $0 first year, then $99 Up to 40x points at IHG hotels, 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, 1x on all other purchases
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card 100,000 points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months $95 Up to 17x points at Marriott hotels, 2x points on all other purchases

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card has a lower welcome bonus and earning rates at their respective hotels compared to the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card. However, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ card has a lower annual fee and offers a simpler earning structure.

These comparisons highlight the differences between the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card and its competitors. Potential cardholders should consider factors such as welcome bonuses, earning rates, annual fees, and hotel brand preferences when choosing the best hotel credit card for their needs.

Who Should Apply for This Card

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is best suited for individuals who frequently stay at IHG-branded hotels and want to capitalize on rewards and perks associated with their stays. With the card’s attractive sign-up bonus of 175,000 points ValuePenguin, cardholders can enjoy immediate value upon meeting the minimum spending requirements.

Business travelers may also find this card beneficial, as it offers 5x points on travel, gas, marketing, and restaurant purchases with the IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Upgraded Points. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who regularly travel for work and need a card that helps maximize their spending in these categories.

Moreover, cardholders who value hotel perks will appreciate the anniversary free night certificate offered by the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card One Mile at a Time. This benefit alone can make the card worthwhile, especially if used strategically for higher-priced hotel stays.

In summary, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a strong choice for:

  • Frequent IHG hotel guests
  • Business travelers
  • Individuals who value hotel perks and benefits

Conclusion

The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a valuable choice for frequent travelers who prefer staying at IHG properties. With its generous welcome bonus and rewarding points structure, cardholders can effectively earn free stays and enjoy exclusive benefits at IHG hotels worldwide.

The card’s annual fee is justified by the complimentary hotel night each year on your anniversary, provided by the ValuePenguin review. Additionally, the card offers valuable perks for globetrotters, such as a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees and Platinum Elite status in the IHG Rewards Club.

While the card’s earning potential is strongest when used for IHG hotel purchases, it still provides decent rewards for everyday spending. As mentioned by Forbes, it earns 10 points per dollar at IHG hotels, 2 points per dollar at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

In summary, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a solid option for those who frequently stay at IHG properties and wish to maximize their rewards and benefits. However, for travelers who prefer flexibility with their hotel choices or who don’t stay at IHG hotels often, there may be other credit cards better suited to their needs.

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