So, you’re looking at the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card. Honestly, hotel cards can be a massive headache. You see a flashy "140,000 point bonus" and think, "Sweet, I'm going to Maui for free!" Then you realize those points are worth about half a cent each if you aren't careful.
But here’s the thing. This specific card—the one with the $99 annual fee—is actually one of the few "sock drawer" cards that pays for itself. You don't even have to use it for your daily groceries to come out ahead. It’s kinda weird how that works.
The Free Night Math: Why You Probably Won’t Lose Money
Most people get hung up on the annual fee. It’s $99. That feels like a lot for a piece of metal in your wallet. However, the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card gives you a "free night" every single year on your account anniversary.
There's a catch, obviously. The certificate is capped at 40,000 points. Back in the day, that used to be a problem because if a room cost 42,000 points, your certificate was useless.
Now? You can "top off."
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Basically, if you want to stay at a fancy InterContinental that costs 60,000 points, you just use your 40k certificate and pay the extra 20,000 points from your balance. It’s a game-changer. If you can’t find a hotel room that costs more than $99 anywhere in the world, you’re probably not traveling much anyway.
That Fourth Night Free Perk is a Secret Weapon
This is the part that most people overlook. When you book a stay using points, you get the fourth night free.
Let’s say you’re heading to a Holiday Inn Express for a wedding. It’s 20,000 points a night.
- 1 night: 20k
- 2 nights: 40k
- 3 nights: 60k
- 4 nights: 60k
You literally just saved 25% of your points balance because you have the card. You don't even have to pay with the card! You just have to have the card linked to your IHG One Rewards account.
What About the Status?
You get automatic Platinum Elite status. Is it Diamond? No. You aren't getting free breakfast at every single property (though some brands like Holiday Inn Express and Avid give it to everyone anyway).
What you do get:
- 60% bonus on base points for stays.
- Space-available room upgrades (I've actually had decent luck with this at Kimpton and Indigo).
- Early check-in and late check-out.
It’s "soft" luxury. It won't make you feel like a celebrity, but it’ll make your stay noticeably less annoying.
Earning Points Without Trying
If you actually use the card at an IHG property, the math gets stupid. You earn 10x points per dollar from the card. Plus, as a Platinum member, you're earning another 16x points from IHG itself.
That is 26 points per dollar.
If you spend $500 on a hotel stay, you’re walking away with 13,000 points. That’s already halfway to another free night at a mid-tier hotel. For everything else, you get 5x on travel, gas, and restaurants, and 3x on the boring stuff.
Honestly? Don't use this card for your "everything else" spend. There are better cards for that. Use it for IHG, use it for gas if you have to, and then put it away.
The Extra Goodies
- United TravelBank Cash: You get up to $50 a year ($25 every six months) in United Airlines credit. You just have to link your accounts.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: They’ll pay for your application fee every four years (up to $120). If you already have it, use the credit to pay for a friend or family member.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is huge if you’re traveling to Europe or Asia. Most "basic" cards charge you 3% just for the privilege of spending money abroad. This one doesn't.
The "5/24" Problem
Since this is a Chase card, you have to worry about the 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more credit cards (from any bank) in the last 24 months, Chase will almost certainly say no.
It’s annoying, but it’s the reality of the game. If you're at 4/24, you have to decide if the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card is worth your last slot.
Is it actually a good deal in 2026?
The hotel landscape has changed. Points are worth less than they used to be—it's called "devaluation," and it happens to everyone. But because IHG has such a massive footprint (over 6,000 hotels), you can find a place to stay in literally any tiny town in America or any major city in the world.
If you stay at an IHG hotel even twice a year, this card is a "yes." If you're a Hyatt loyalist who only stays at Kimptons once a decade, skip it.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your Chase 5/24 status. Look at your credit report and count how many cards you've opened in the last two years.
- Audit your travel. Look at where you stayed last year. Were there Holiday Inns, Crowne Plazas, or Kimptons? If yes, look up the current welcome offer. Usually, it's around 140,000 points, which is a massive haul.
- Register for United TravelBank. If you already have the card, go to the United website and link your IHG card now. That $25 for the first half of the year is waiting for you.
- Plan a 4-night trip. To maximize the card, don't book 2-night stays. Save your points for a 4-night block to get that 25% discount.