If you’re a frequent traveler who often stays at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) properties, a co-branded credit card can significantly enhance your experience. One of the best options for those looking to start their journey into travel rewards is the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card. This card is designed for the savvy traveler who wants to earn valuable points on their everyday spending and unlock perks that make every stay more comfortable and rewarding, all without paying an annual fee.
What is the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card is a credit card issued by Chase in partnership with IHG. It’s a fantastic entry-level card for anyone who wants to earn IHG One Rewards points, the loyalty currency of IHG’s extensive portfolio of brands. This includes well-known names like Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels, and many more.
The card’s main appeal is its combination of strong earning potential and a lack of an annual fee, making it a low-risk, high-reward option for both casual and dedicated travelers. By simply using the card for your daily purchases, you’ll be on your way to earning free nights, room upgrades, and other exclusive benefits.
Key Benefits of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card offers a range of benefits that make it a compelling choice for travelers. Let’s break down some of the most important ones:
1. Earning Points: The Core of the Card
The card has a tiered earning structure that rewards you most for your spending at IHG properties, which is exactly what you’d want from a hotel co-branded card. Here’s how you’ll earn points:
- Up to 17x total points at IHG Hotels & Resorts: This is where the magic happens. You’ll earn 5x points per dollar spent on the card at IHG hotels. On top of that, as an IHG One Rewards Traveler cardmember, you automatically receive Silver Elite status, which grants you an additional 2x points per dollar. When you combine this with the 10x base points you earn as an IHG One Rewards member, you get a total of 17x points per dollar spent at IHG properties. This is a powerful earning rate that can quickly add up to free nights.
- 3x points per dollar on purchases at gas stations, dining, and select streaming services.
- 2x points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
This earning structure allows you to build a healthy points balance quickly, even when you’re not staying at an IHG hotel. The bonus categories cover common expenses, making it easy to rack up points on your everyday spending.
2. Automatic Silver Elite Status
Upon approval, you’ll be automatically granted IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status. This is a great perk that provides a few key benefits:
- 20% bonus earnings on top of your base points when you stay at an IHG hotel.
- Late checkout (subject to availability).
- Priority check-in (where available).
- No points expiration.
While Silver Elite is the entry-level status, it’s a solid foundation that enhances your experience right from the start.
3. Fourth Night Free
One of the most valuable benefits of the card is the “Fourth Night Free” perk. When you redeem points for a three-night stay at an IHG hotel, the fourth night is free. This is an incredible value proposition that can significantly stretch the value of your IHG points. For example, if you book a four-night stay that would normally cost 200,000 points, you’d only be charged for three nights, saving you 50,000 points. This benefit alone can make the card a no-brainer for those who take longer trips.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees
For international travelers, this is a huge plus. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card has no foreign transaction fees, which means you won’t incur any extra charges when you use your card for purchases outside of your home country. This can save you a significant amount of money over time, especially if you travel abroad frequently.
5. Additional Card Benefits
- Redeem Points for Award Nights: Use your points to book free stays at any of IHG’s more than 6,000 properties worldwide.
- Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the time period of the original manufacturer’s warranty by one additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by covered situations, you can be reimbursed for non-refundable travel expenses.
Who is the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card For?
This card is an excellent fit for a few different types of people:
- IHG Loyalist: If you already frequent IHG properties, this card is a must-have. You’ll maximize your points earnings and get added benefits on every stay.
- Beginner Travel Rewards User: With no annual fee and a straightforward rewards structure, this card is a great entry point into the world of travel credit cards. You can learn how to earn and redeem points without the pressure of an annual fee.
- Casual Traveler: Even if you only stay at an IHG hotel a few times a year, the card’s ability to earn points on everyday spending and the “Fourth Night Free” benefit can still provide significant value.
How to Apply for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card
Applying for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect:
- Check Eligibility: You should have a good to excellent credit score to be approved for this card. While there is no official number, a FICO score of 670 or higher is generally recommended.
- Gather Your Information: You’ll need to provide personal and financial information, including your full name, address, social security number, annual income, and monthly housing payment.
- Visit the Official Chase Website: The application is typically done online through Chase’s official website. You can find the card on their page dedicated to credit card offers.
- Fill out the Application Form: Follow the prompts and fill in all the required information accurately.
- Submit the Application: After reviewing your information, submit the application. In many cases, you may receive an instant decision. If not, Chase will notify you of their decision via mail within a few weeks.
- Receive and Activate Your Card: If approved, your new card will be mailed to you. Once it arrives, follow the instructions to activate it and start earning rewards!
Important Note: Before applying, it’s always a good idea to check for any special signup bonuses. These promotions can give you a significant number of points after meeting a certain spending requirement in the first few months, which can accelerate your path to a free night’s stay.
Conclusion
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card is a compelling option for anyone looking to get more out of their travel. With no annual fee, a generous rewards structure, and valuable benefits like the “Fourth Night Free” and automatic Silver Elite status, it’s a powerful tool for maximizing your stays at IHG properties. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey into the world of travel rewards, this card provides a simple and effective way to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.
