Yearly, it is best to consider what’s in your pockets and determine which playing cards you are conserving. Usually, it is best to make that call earlier than the subsequent annual charge is due.
Among the many issues it is best to think about are how a lot the annual charge prices and how much worth you are getting out of a card. And keep in mind, even when a card has a decrease annual charge, that does not mechanically imply it is price conserving.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) is a well-liked lodge card with a $99 annual charge, however is it price a spot in your pockets? Here is what it is best to know earlier than selecting.
Welcome provide
New candidates for the IHG Premier card can earn 5 free nights (valued at as much as 300,000 factors) after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Supply ends July 23.
This bonus is price as much as $1,500, in keeping with TPG’s June 2025 valuations.
Notice that you could’t get this bonus for those who at present have a private IHG bank card, such because the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (see rates and fees), or for those who’ve acquired a welcome bonus on any IHG private bank card prior to now 24 months.
You may redeem your factors for luxurious stays at motels just like the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort or budget-friendly properties just like the Vacation Inn Agra — town in which you’ll be able to go to the Taj Mahal.
Associated: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Annual free night time award
On every account anniversary, you will obtain a free night award price as much as 40,000 factors, legitimate for bookings with IHG One Rewards. If you wish to redeem it for a lodge that prices extra, you possibly can high it up with factors out of your account.
Every day Publication
Reward your inbox with the TPG Every day publication
Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
This free night time award can be utilized for as much as $200 in worth, per TPG’s June 2025 valuations, that means this profit alone may justify the cardboard’s annual charge of $99.
Associated: How to use the IHG One Rewards anniversary night certificate
United TravelBank Money
In January and July, you will obtain $25 credit to your United TravelBank Money steadiness. These funds can be utilized to buy flights operated by United and United Categorical.
These credit can scale back your out-of-pocket prices when shopping for money fares, however they do have limitations:
- They expire about six months after they’re deposited, i.e., on July 15 and Jan. 15.
- Funds can’t be used to pay taxes and fees on award travel or for inflight purchases.
- TravelBank funds can’t be mixed with vouchers from canceled flights.
Nonetheless, for those who can maximize this profit, you will simply justify over half the cardboard’s annual charge.
Associated: The 5 easiest travel credits to redeem
Computerized standing
Cardholders will get pleasure from complimentary Platinum Elite status with the IHG Premier card, which is the second-highest tier within the IHG One Rewards program.
Advantages at this degree embody:
- Complimentary upgrades at check-in (based mostly on availability)
- Early check-in and late checkout, topic to availability
- A welcome amenity of both factors or a drink and snack
- Assured room availability inside 72 hours
Associated: So, what exactly is elite status in travel — and how can I get it?
Fourth night time free on award stays
IHG cardholders can even use the fourth night time free profit when redeeming factors for award stays with IHG.
When utilizing factors to cowl a keep of 4 nights or extra, every fourth night time is free. The worth of this profit will range based mostly on how typically you utilize it and the value of the motels the place you utilize it.
Different perks
Cardholders earn 10 factors per greenback spent at IHG when paying for a stick with the IHG Premier card. This implies they’ll web as much as 26 factors per greenback spent once they earn an extra 10 factors per greenback spent for being IHG One Rewards members on high of 6 factors per greenback spent due to their Platinum elite standing (a profit that comes with this card).
You may additionally earn 5 factors per greenback spent on journey, motels, gasoline stations and eating (together with takeout and eligible supply companies) and three factors per greenback spent on different purchases.
That quantities to a 13%, 2.5% and 1.5% return on spending, respectively, based mostly on TPG’s June 2025 valuations.
Different key advantages embody reimbursement (as soon as each 4 years) in your software charge to Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus and a 20% low cost on factors purchases (although this cannot be added to different sales on IHG points).
You may additionally earn a $100 assertion credit score and 10,000 bonus factors after spending $20,000 on purchases in your card in a calendar 12 months.
The IHG Premier card additionally gives useful journey and buying protections. You may get pleasure from trip cancellation and interruption insurance and purchase protection.
Associated: How an often overlooked credit card benefit put $1,400 back in my wallet
Backside line
If you need to use this card’s perks for common worth (or higher), you shouldn’t have any drawback justifying its annual charge and conserving it in your pockets.
But when your IHG stays are rare and you do not benefit from the cardholder advantages that include the IHG Premier card, then the $99 annual charge is probably not price it.
For extra particulars, learn our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier.
Apply right here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Trending Merchandise
