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As peak summer travel season approaches, hotel prices are on the rise. But hotel points can reduce or eliminate lodging costs, and Chase’s lineup of IHG One Rewards Consumer Credit Cards has a pair of elevated bonus offers that can help travelers rack up a large sum of them. There’s just one catch—you’ll have to act quickly.
Through April 3, new cardmembers can take advantage of opportunities to earn up to 165,000 bonus points, which is enough to cover several nights at a lower-tier property or a few nights at a luxury resort. Here’s a closer look at the welcome offers, who should consider each card, and how to use the bonuses.
Chase IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offer and benefits
Under the current offer, new Premier cardmembers can net 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months from account opening.
While that’s a nice tally on its own, it doesn’t take into account the points you’ll accrue through the spending required to meet the bonus threshold. You’ll earn 10x points per dollar at IHG hotels; 5x points per dollar on travel, dining, and gas station purchases; and 3x points per dollar on everything else. That means that by spending the $3,000 for the bonus, you’ll score at least 9,000 more points to put toward your trip.
And that’s not all—the card comes with plenty of perks outside its points-earning potential. Some of our favorites? A free reward night worth up to 40,000 points each cardmember anniversary, automatic IHG Platinum status, a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years, and the ability to earn an additional 10,000 points and a $100 statement credit by spending $20,000 or more each calendar year.
Who should consider the Chase IHG One Premier Card?
The Premier charges an annual fee, which is not uncommon in the world of hotel credit cards. But its $99 tag is relatively low, and for those who can afford it, it’s easily offset by the included anniversary free night certificate, which could be spent on a hotel night easily worth more than the annual fee. It’s a no-brainer for frequent IHG guests, and if you stay at IHG properties even a couple times a year, finding value from this card won’t be difficult.
Chase IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offer and benefits
New applicants for the Traveler can rack up 80,000 bonus points by spending $2,000 on purchases on the card in the first three months from account opening.
Like its sister card, the Traveler comes with the ability to earn points as you spend. You’ll get 5x points per dollar on IHG purchases; 3x points per dollar on dining, utilities, select streaming services, and gas; and 2x points per dollar on all other purchases.
And while it doesn’t pack as many perks as the Premier, the Traveler does come with automatic IHG Silver status and the ability to move up to Gold after spending $20,000 on purchases in a calendar year. You’ll also score 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit by spending $10,000 or more each calendar year.
Who should consider the Chase IHG One Traveler?
As a no-annual-fee card, the Traveler is a stellar budget-friendly option for those who are venturing into the world of hotel credit cards for the first time and aren’t necessarily ready to commit to a fee or particular hotel chain. It can also be a great pick if you don’t stay at IHG hotels frequently but want to capitalize on your spending when you do.
How to use the welcome bonuses
The Traveler’s 100,000 points can go a long way, even if you’re looking to venture abroad, take a stylish city trip, or spend some time on the beach. Rooms at the InterContinental Bali, for example, are below 30,000 points per night for several dates this spring, while closer to home, the bonus can cover a long weekend at the Kimpton Gray in Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Premier’s higher 140,000-point bonus can help you book longer stays—especially when combined with the free night certificate—or unlock some of the IHG portfolio’s most aspirational properties. It’s enough to cover a night on many upcoming dates at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, whose overwater bungalows come with a private infinity pool, and leave you points to spare.
Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.