IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program for IHG Hotels & Resorts, which includes brands like Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental, Kimpton and Crowne Plaza. It has become one of my go-to hotel loyalty programs; I spent 72 nights with it in 2025, and I've already logged 81 nights in 2026.
The IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes a mix of luxury and mainstream brands. I love the high-end Six Senses brand, but even less prestigious properties, like those affiliated with Candlewood Suites and Holiday Inn Express, usually offer solid quality.
Cobranded IHG credit cards often have generous welcome offers and can unlock valuable perks. So, especially since the IHG cards portfolio just got a major refresh, here's what you need to know about the IHG One Rewards program.
A few notes first, though. When discussing card benefits throughout this guide, we discuss the benefits you'd get as a new cardholder (benefits for existing cardholders may be different). We also present the earning and redeeming options available to U.S. residents, as these vary by country of residence.
IHG One Rewards elite statusThere are five IHG elite status tiers. Plus, IHG offers two additional membership programs: InterContinental Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle. You can also earn Milestone Rewards as you reach specific elite qualifying night thresholds.
IHG One Rewards Club member
You'll become a Club member simply by signing up for the IHG One Rewards program. Club members get the following benefits:
- Access to member rates and promotions
- The ability to earn points when paying qualifying rates for stays
- Free internet access
- 2 p.m. late checkout, upon request and subject to availability
Related: The best IHG hotels in the world
IHG One Rewards Silver Elite member
Silver Elite membership typically requires 10 elite qualifying nights per calendar year. However, travelers with the IHG One Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) get automatic Silver Elite status if their account is open and in good standing.
InterContinental Phuket Resort in Thailand. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUYOn top of the benefits available to Club members, Silver Elite members get:
- 20% bonus earnings on top of base points
- No points expiration while they have elite status
Keep in mind that getting automatic elite status as a credit card perk doesn't reduce the requirements for earning a higher tier. However, elite night credits you receive from a credit card count toward the applicable night threshold.
Related: IHG One Rewards Credit Card review: Hotel perks for no annual fee
IHG One Rewards Gold Elite member
Gold Elite membership typically requires 20 elite qualifying nights or 40,000 elite qualifying points per calendar year. However, travelers with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) enjoy automatic Gold Elite status. And travelers with the IHG One Rewards Credit Card can earn Gold Elite status through the end of the following calendar year if they spend $15,000 or more on their card within the current calendar year.
In addition to the benefits available to Silver Elite members, Gold Elite members get:
- 40% bonus earnings on top of base points
- Hertz Gold+ Five Star status
- The ability to roll over qualifying nights that surpass what they need for status during a particular year to the next year (although rollover nights are only valid for one calendar year)
Related: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card review: Strong perks for a $150 annual fee
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite member
Platinum Elite membership typically requires 40 elite qualifying nights or 60,000 elite qualifying points per calendar year, but travelers with the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (see rates and fees) or the IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) get automatic Platinum Elite status.
Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUYYou'll also get complimentary Platinum Elite status if you buy an InterContinental Ambassador membership, and travelers with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card can earn Platinum Elite status through the end of the following calendar year if they spend $15,000 or more on their card within the current calendar year. Further, those with a United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) can register for complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status, and those with a Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) can enroll in complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status through Dec. 31, 2027.
On top of the benefits available to IHG One Rewards Gold Elite members, Platinum Elite members get:
- 60% bonus earnings on top of base points
- Occasional reward night discounts
- Complimentary upgrades, subject to availability
- A welcome amenity at check-in (usually points or a drink and a snack)
- Early check-in, upon request and subject to availability
- Guaranteed room availability if they book at least 72 hours in advance, subject to blackout dates
Related: IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card review: Valuable perks for true IHG loyalists
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member
Diamond Elite membership typically requires 70 elite qualifying nights or 120,000 elite qualifying points per calendar year. However, you can also earn Diamond Elite status through the end of next year if you meet one of the following spending requirements:
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Spend $40,000 or more on your card within the current calendar year.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card: Spend $25,000 or more on your card within the current calendar year.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Starting in 2027, spend $50,000 or more on your card within the current calendar year.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Spend $75,000 on purchases on your Sapphire Reserve within the current calendar year.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business: Make $120,000 in purchases on your Sapphire Reserve for Business card within the current calendar year.
In addition to the benefits available to IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite members, Diamond Elite members get:
- 100% bonus earnings on top of base points
- Hertz President's Circle status
- Access to a dedicated support phone line for Diamond Elite members
- A welcome amenity choice of free breakfast (per night for up to two people), points (per stay), or a drink and a snack (per stay) at check-in
InterContinental Ambassador
You can purchase a 12-month InterContinental Ambassador membership for $225 or 45,000 IHG points. InterContinental Ambassador members get extra perks at InterContinental hotels and resorts, including a guaranteed one-category room upgrade and 4 p.m. late checkout.
Additionally, membership includes IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and a complimentary weekend night at an InterContinental hotel or resort (valid for the second night of a minimum two-night paid weekend stay booked at a special rate).
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUYInterContinental Ambassador members also get extra perks at Six Senses properties participating in IHG One Rewards. These benefits include complimentary breakfast daily for two in the main restaurant, a wellness platter welcome amenity on the day of arrival and a complimentary one-category room upgrade (subject to availability).
Even if you already have Platinum Elite status or higher, purchasing InterContinental Ambassador status can be worth it if you frequently stay at InterContinental properties. It can also make sense if you get more than $225 of value from your complimentary weekend night.
IHG invites select InterContinental Ambassadors to become Royal Ambassadors based on their qualifying activity at InterContinental hotels and resorts. Royal Ambassadors receive even more perks, including access to Club InterContinental lounges.
Kimpton Inner Circle
If you're an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member and frequently stay at Kimpton hotels, you might be invited to become a Kimpton Inner Circle member.
Kimpton Margot Sydney. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUYKimpton Inner Circle members get extra perks, including personalized treats upon arrival, guaranteed one-category room upgrades, waived amenity and destination fees, guaranteed 10 a.m. early check-in and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, when staying at Kimpton hotels.
IHG Milestone Rewards
As you accrue elite qualifying nights each calendar year, you can earn IHG Milestone Rewards at specific thresholds. Here are the IHG Milestone Rewards you can earn as you reach the following elite qualifying nights milestones each calendar year (you can choose one at each level, except at 40 and 70 nights, which get two):
- 20 nights: 5,000 bonus points, two $20 food-and-beverage rewards or one confirmable suite upgrade
- 30 nights: 5,000 bonus points or two $20 food-and-beverage rewards
- 40 nights (choose two): 10,000 bonus points, five $20 food-and-beverage rewards, one confirmable suite upgrade (limit one) or one annual lounge membership (limit one)
- 50 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food-and-beverage rewards
- 60 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food-and-beverage rewards
- 70 nights (choose two): 10,000 bonus points, five $20 food-and-beverage rewards, two confirmable suite upgrades (limit one) or one annual lounge membership (limit one)
- 80 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food-and-beverage rewards
- 90 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food-and-beverage rewards
- 100 nights: 10,000 bonus points or five $20 food-and-beverage rewards
You'll earn one elite qualifying night per night stayed, up to one night per day. So, if you book two rooms for the same night, you'll only earn one elite qualifying night. Elite qualifying nights count toward the calendar year in which the checkout day occurs. You can also earn elite night credits toward elite status and Milestone Rewards with IHG credit cards as follows.
CardAnnual elite qualifying nights you get as a cardholderAdditional elite qualifying nights you can earn through card spendingIHG One Rewards Credit CardFive elite night creditsN/AIHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card15 elite night creditsTwo elite night credits per $5,000 spent, plus five elite night credits when you spend $15,000 with your card in a calendar yearIHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card20 elite night creditsTwo elite night credits per $5,000 spent, plus five elite night credits when you spend $15,000 with your card in a calendar yearIHG One Rewards Business Credit Card15 elite night creditsTwo elite night credits per $5,000 spent, plus five elite night credits when you spend $25,000 with your card in a calendar yearRelated: How to earn and redeem IHG food-and-beverage rewards
Which bookings are eligible for IHG elite benefits and earnings?
You generally need to book through IHG or another eligible direct booking channel to receive elite benefits. However, bookings through certain authorized travel agents that IHG recognizes as qualifying can also earn points and elite qualifying nights. And you are eligible for on-property member benefits even when staying as part of a group booking.
Related: Which credit card should you use for IHG stays?
How do IHG perks compare to Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton?
Here's a quick look at how IHG One Rewards benefits compare with those of Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors in some key areas.
IHG One RewardsMarriott BonvoyWorld of HyattHilton HonorsConfirmable upgradesVia confirmable suite upgrades within 14 days of check-in, where each upgrade is good for a stay of up to five nights (you can select a confirmable upgrade through the Milestone Rewards program after just 20 elite qualifying nights in a calendar year)Via nightly upgrade awards confirmed within five days of check-in, where each award is only good for one night (you can select nightly upgrade awards as your choice benefit after 50 or 75 elite nights within a calendar year)Via suite upgrade awards at booking, where each upgrade is good for a stay of up to seven nights (you can select suite upgrade awards as milestone rewards after 40 nights or 65,000 base points within a calendar year)Via confirmable upgrade rewards at booking, where each upgrade is good for a stay of up to seven nights (you get a confirmable upgrade once you earn Diamond Reserve status)Elite member breakfastDiamond Elite members can choose as a welcome amenity at most brands where breakfast isn't offered to all guestsPlatinum Elite and higher can choose as a welcome amenity at select propertiesGlobalist members get breakfastGold elite members and higher get breakfast or a food-and-beverage credit on most staysBest late checkout benefits2 p.m., upon request and subject to availability, for all members4 p.m. at most properties for Platinum Elite and higher4 p.m. at most properties for Globalist4 p.m. at most properties for Diamond ReserveThe top status you can get automatically as a cardholderPlatinum ElitePlatinum EliteDiscoveristDiamondHow to earn IHG pointsThere are many ways to earn IHG points. Here's a quick overview of some of the most popular ways.
Hotel stays
All IHG One Rewards members earn base points as follows when paying a qualifying rate at participating IHG hotels and resorts:
- 3 points per dollar spent at IHG Army Hotels
- 5 points per dollar spent at Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and IHG Residences (serviced apartments and extended-stay units)
- 10 points per dollar spent at other IHG properties
You can also earn points on eligible charges billed to your room, such as food-and-beverage, telephone and laundry charges.
Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUYOnly specific Six Senses properties, select Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties and select Ruby Hotels participate in IHG One Rewards. So, if you'd like to earn IHG points and elite nights, check if your desired hotel participates before you book.
As discussed above, elite members earn bonus points in addition to these base points. Specifically, Silver Elite members receive a 20% bonus, Gold Elite members receive a 40% bonus, Platinum Elite members receive a 60% bonus and Diamond Elite members receive a 100% bonus.
IHG often offers bonus points promotions that let members earn even more on stays. Plus, you can pay to add up to 5,000 elite qualifying points per night on select bookings.
Credit cards
IHG currently offers four credit cards: three consumer cards and one small-business card. Here are their welcome offers, annual fees, earning rates and bonus points opportunities.
CardWelcome offerEarning rates on purchases with the cardBonus points opportunitiesAnnual fee<a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/11226?pid=11226&name=The%20Brand%20New%20IHG%20One%20Rewards%20Premier%20Select%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card</a>Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li>12 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards</li> <li>6 points per dollar spent on travel (excluding purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards that qualify for 12 points) and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)</li> <li>3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases with your card during a calendar year.$350<a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6153?pid=6153&name=The%20New%20IHG%20One%20Rewards%20Premier%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card</a>Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li>10 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards</li> <li>5 points per dollar spent on grocery stores, gas stations and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)</li> <li>5 points per dollar spent on travel (excluding purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards that qualify for 10 points) through Dec. 31, 2026 (starting Jan. 1, 2027, only on airline tickets when purchased directly with the airline and car rental agencies)</li> <li>3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases with your card during a calendar year.$150<a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6799?pid=6799&name=The%20New%20IHG%20One%20Rewards%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">IHG One Rewards Credit Card</a>Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li>5 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards</li> <li>3 points per dollar spent on grocery stores, gas stations and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)</li> <li>3 points per dollar spent on utilities, internet, cable services, phone services and select streaming services through Dec. 31, 2026</li> <li>2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases with your card during a calendar year.$0<a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/8249?pid=8249&name=The%20New%20IHG%20One%20Rewards%20Business%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card</a>Earn 190,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li>10 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards</li> <li>5 points per dollar spent on gas stations, dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), social media and search engine advertising</li> <li>5 points per dollar spent on travel (excluding purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards that qualify for 10 points) and office supply stores through Dec. 31, 2026 (starting Jan. 1, 2027, only on airline tickets when purchased directly with the airline and car rental agencies)</li> <li>3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $25,000 on purchases with your card during a calendar year.$200You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Points to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Related: How to transfer