IHG One Rewards
The loyalty program for IHG Hotels & Resorts, with over 6,000 properties across 17 brands in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Program Basics
Earning Structure
10 points per dollar at most IHG hotels, with 5 points per dollar at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.
Points Expiration
Points expire after 12 months of inactivity. Any earning or redemption activity extends them.
Free Night Awards
Available through credit cards, milestone rewards, and promotional offers.
Credit Card Transfer Partners
You can transfer points to IHG One Rewards from these programs:
Current Transfer Bonuses
Valid until June 30, 2025. Transfer 1,000 UR points, get 1,200 IHG points.
Elite Status Tiers
| Status Level | Requirement | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Club | None | Member rates, no blackout dates for reward nights |
| Silver Elite | 10 nights/year | 20% bonus points, priority check-in |
| Gold Elite | 20 nights/year | 40% bonus points, 2 PM late checkout, welcome amenity |
| Platinum Elite | 40 nights/year | 60% bonus points, room upgrades, guaranteed room availability |
| Diamond Elite | 70 nights/year | 100% bonus points, dedicated support, guaranteed room availability, free breakfast |
Maximizing IHG One Rewards Points
Best Ways to Earn Points
- 1
IHG One Rewards Credit Cards
Earn up to 10x points on IHG stays and 2-3x points on everyday purchases.
- 2
Stay at IHG Properties
Earn 10x points per dollar on most stays, plus elite status bonuses up to 100%.
- 3
IHG One Rewards Dining
Earn up to 8x points when dining at participating restaurants.
- 4
IHG One Rewards Shopping Portal
Earn bonus points for online purchases through their shopping portal.
High-Value Redemption Options
- 1
4th Night Free on Award Stays
Get every 4th night free when booking with points (with eligible credit card), a 25% discount on four-night stays.
- 2
Points + Cash Bookings
Combine points and cash for stays when you don't have enough points for a full redemption.
- 3
Milestone Rewards
Choose from rewards like bonus points, food and beverage credits, or confirmable suite upgrades.
- 4
PointBreaks Promotions
Look for limited-time PointBreaks promotions offering discounted award nights.
Sweet Spots and Strategy Tips
Award Sweet Spots
InterContinental Bora Bora
70,000-100,000 points/night
Luxury overwater villas with rates often exceeding $1,000/night.
Holiday Inn Express London
20,000-30,000 points/night
Excellent central locations for reasonable point rates in an expensive city.
Kimpton Hotels in Major Cities
40,000-60,000 points/night
Boutique luxury experiences with excellent amenities and no resort fees.
Strategic Tips
- ✓
Book with IHG Rewards Card
Use the IHG Premier Card to get the 4th night free on award stays.
- ✓
Strategically Choose Milestone Rewards
Select confirmable suite upgrades for high-end properties and bonus points for other tiers.
- ✓
Watch for Point Purchase Promotions
IHG frequently offers 100% bonus on purchased points, making high-value redemptions possible.
Pro Tip: Status Match
IHG occasionally offers status match programs. If you have elite status with another hotel chain, check for opportunities to match to IHG One Rewards elite status.
Best Credit Cards for IHG Points
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
- •Welcome Bonus: 140,000 points after spending $3,000 in first 3 months
- •Earning: 10x at IHG hotels, 5x on travel, gas stations, and restaurants, 3x on everything else
- •Free Night Award annually after card renewal (worth up to 40,000 points)
- •Fourth Night Free on award stays
- •Automatic Platinum Elite status
Annual fee: $99
IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- •Welcome Bonus: 80,000 points after spending $2,000 in first 3 months
- •Earning: 5x at IHG hotels, 3x on dining and gas stations, 2x on everything else
- •Fourth Night Free on award stays
- •Automatic Silver Elite status
Annual fee: $0
Frequently Asked Questions
Do IHG One Rewards points expire?
IHG One Rewards points expire after 12 months of inactivity. Any qualifying activity like earning, redeeming, buying, or transferring points will reset the clock.
How does the 4th Night Free benefit work?
IHG Premier and IHG Business cardholders receive every 4th night free on award stays of 4+ nights. When you redeem points for a stay of 4 or more nights, you automatically get the fourth night for 0 points.
What is IHG One Rewards' dynamic pricing model?
IHG uses dynamic award pricing, meaning the number of points required for a free night varies based on demand, season, and cash rates. Points requirements can range from 10,000 points for budget properties to 100,000+ for luxury resorts.
What are Milestone Rewards?
IHG One Rewards Milestone Rewards are benefits you can choose after reaching certain night thresholds (20, 40, 70, and 100 nights). Rewards include bonus points, food and beverage credits, confirmable suite upgrades, and annual lounge memberships.