Best Credit Cards for Earning IHG Points

IHG is another one of the world's leading hotel chains with a solid loyalty program that allows members to earn points for stays at IHG hotels worldwide. These points can be redeemed for various rewards including free nights, gift cards, and more. Signing up to be a member is free, and pairing your membership with an IHG card can help you gain elite status, get access to exclusive membership offers, and other perks. Any card that you see on this list that isn’t an IHG card allows you to transfer its points to the IHG program for continued travel benefits!

Personal Cards

🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Annual Fee: $99

140,000 Bonus PointsBonus Points

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers and hotel enthusiasts. With this card, you can earn valuable IHG Rewards points on your everyday purchases and enjoy premium benefits like complimentary hotel nights, automatic elite status, and more, making it the perfect companion for those seeking luxury hotel experiences.

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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Annual Fee: $0

80,000 Bonus PointsBonus Points

Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

The IHG Rewards Traveler card is a co-branded rewards credit card associated with IHG hotels. It allows cardholders to earn IHG Rewards points for their spending, making it a suitable choice for travelers who occasionally stay at IHG hotels.

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Business Cards

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Annual Fee: $99

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

The IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a powerful tool for business travelers. With this card, you can earn IHG Rewards points on business expenses and take advantage of exclusive perks such as free anniversary night certificates, automatic elite status, and a variety of travel benefits, making it a top choice for those seeking a rewarding business travel experience.

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Which Card is Right for You?

For fans of IHG’s diverse hotel brands, an IHG credit card is a great way to earn rewards on both stays and everyday spending. Whether you’re staying at Holiday Inn or InterContinental, these cards let you build up points quickly. If you travel frequently and enjoy IHG properties, this card could be your go-to for hotel rewards.

Other Ways to Earn

In addition to hotel stays, you can earn IHG points by using your card for dining, gas, and travel purchases. Some cards also feature pretty nice welcome bonuses for new cardholders who meet spending requirements. With IHG’s partnerships and promotions, there are plenty of ways to boost your points balance, from booking car rentals to participating in seasonal offers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Earn points on IHG stays and everyday purchases

Free night certificates after meeting spending requirements

Automatic elite status with perks like late checkout and upgrades

Exclusive access to IHG promotions and discounts

Cons

Redemption rates can vary significantly by location and date

Perks like room upgrades are not guaranteed

FAQs

How do I earn free nights with an IHG credit card?

Most IHG credit cards offer free night certificates as part of an annual benefit or as a reward for meeting spending thresholds.

What is the value of IHG points?

IHG points are typically worth around 0.5 cents per point, though the value can vary depending on the hotel and redemption option.

Do I get elite status with IHG credit cards?

Yes! Most IHG credit cards come with automatic elite status, which includes perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and more.

Can I transfer IHG points to airline miles?

Yes, IHG allows you to transfer points to select airline partners, though the transfer ratio might not always be the best use of your points.

Do IHG points expire?

Yes, after 12 months of inactivity for non-elite members, but elite members’ points don’t expire.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Written by: McKay Moffitt

Writer

Edited by: Tiffany Eastham

Writer & Editor

Updated:May 4, 2026