IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Automatic Platinum Elite Status
• Receive your Anniversary Free Night valued at 40,000 points
• Get your 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay
• Receive a credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application
• Earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 each calendar year
• Up to $50 United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year (with registration)

When it comes to IHG Rewards Points the best way to maximize your points is to redeem them with travel.

[.dontreco] We don’t recommend: Redeeming for Cash Back [.dontreco]

Using your points for cash back typically provides a lower value than redeeming for travel.

[.sometimesreco] We sometimes recommend: Booking through the IHG Portal [.sometimesreco]

You can redeem your points for hotel stays directly through the IHG portal, but this usually gives you a value of 0.5 cents per point or less. While this is a decent option, it’s still not the best.

[.alwaysreco] We always recommend: Using Points for Free Nights [.alwaysreco]

Redeeming points for free nights at IHG hotels provides the best value. This can give you more than 0.7 cents per point, especially if you take advantage of promotions and the fourth-night free benefit.

While the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card does have certain airline and hotel transfer partners, those ratios do not provide the best value for your points...or really any value for that matter.

1. The IHG Loyalist

If you frequently find yourself booking stays at IHG properties such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, or Holiday Inn, the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is a must-have in your wallet. This card is designed to maximize your rewards and elevate your hotel experiences. With automatic Platinum Elite status, you'll enjoy perks like complimentary room upgrades, extended check-out times, and bonus points on stays (uhh…bring it). Plus, the card offers an annual free night at any IHG hotel, which alone can often cover the cost of the annual fee. For loyal IHG customers, the combination of these benefits and the potential to earn tons of bonus points makes this card a no-brainer.

1. The Frequent Traveler

For those jet-setting often, the IHG Rewards Premier offers super solid value. The card's travel perks, including up to $120 in statement credits for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® and up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each year, are perfect for frequent flyers. And, the card’s earning potential is impressive, with up to 26x points per $1 spent at IHG hotels and 5x points on travel, dining, and at gas stations. These points can quickly add up, which means you get to enjoy free nights at IHG properties worldwide. The card also provides travel protection benefits, so if you’re someone who travels often and enjoys staying at a variety of IHG hotels, this card can offer some awesome perks while saving you money.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: You probably shouldn’t own a credit card if you: (1) have a bad credit score, (2) are a non-U.S. resident (for this particular card), and (3) cannot control your spending. If your credit score is low, you'll need to improve it before applying for travel credit cards, as approval for the best ones, like the IHG Rewards Premier, is unlikely. Be honest with yourself: if a new credit card will tempt you to overspend, it's best to avoid it. Credit cards are crucial for earning miles and points, but they require responsible use.

An good to excellent credit score is recommended for the IHG Rewards Premier Card. But again, if you’re in a solid place with your credit and feel you are ready for a new card, don’t let the fear of being rejected keep you from applying. We’ve known several people to be rejected on their first application, use the reconsideration line, and be granted the IHG Rewards Premier. While it’s not considered a beginner card, the worst they can say is “no.”