What the Chase IHG Credit Card gives you
The Chase IHG Credit Card is a rewards card designed around stays at InterContinental Hotels Group properties — the chain that includes InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, and several others. You earn points on every purchase, get a free night certificate each year, and can redeem points for hotel stays without blackout dates.
The card comes in two versions: the standard version and the Premier version. The Premier version has a higher annual fee but offers more points per dollar spent and additional perks. Both versions are issued by Chase and carry the Visa Signature designation, which includes benefits like travel accident insurance and emergency medical and dental referral services.
Unlike some hotel cards that lock you into one property or require you to stay a certain number of nights to unlock benefits, this card rewards you straightforward for holding it and using it. The free night certificate arrives each year on your account anniversary, and you can use it at any IHG property worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- You earn points on every purchase, with the standard card earning 2 points per dollar on IHG stays and 1 point per dollar on everything else, while the Premier version earns more.
- Each year on your account anniversary, you receive a free night certificate that covers one night at most IHG properties, with no blackout dates.
- Points never expire as long as your account remains open and you use the card at least once every two years.
- The standard card has no annual fee for the first year, then $99 per year; the Premier card costs $149 per year and includes additional benefits like elite status and bonus points.
How points and the free night certificate work
Every time you use the card, you earn points. On IHG hotel stays charged to the card, you earn 2 points per dollar with the standard version or 4 points per dollar with the Premier version. On all other purchases — groceries, gas, restaurants, everything else — you earn 1 point per dollar with the standard card or 2 points per dollar with the Premier card.
The free night certificate arrives automatically each year on the anniversary of when you opened the account. This certificate covers one night's room rate at most IHG properties, though some high-end properties charge an additional fee. You can use it whenever you want during the year it is valid, and there are no blackout dates. If you do not use it before the next anniversary, it expires and a new one takes its place.
Points themselves can be redeemed for hotel stays at any IHG property. The number of points required varies by property and season — a budget Holiday Inn might cost 10,000 points per night while a luxury InterContinental could cost 50,000 or more. You can also transfer points to airline partners, though the conversion rate is typically less favorable than redeeming them directly for hotel stays.
Annual fees and when they make sense
The standard Chase IHG card waives the annual fee for the first year, then charges $99 per year. The Premier version costs $149 per year from the start. To decide whether the card pays for itself, you need to think about the free night certificate alone.
If you stay at IHG properties regularly, the free night certificate often covers the annual fee by itself. A single night at a mid-range Holiday Inn or Hotel Indigo typically costs $100 to $150, which means the certificate alone justifies keeping the card. The Premier version's higher fee makes sense if you stay more frequently or at higher-category properties, since you also earn more points per dollar spent and receive elite status benefits.
If you rarely stay at IHG hotels, the annual fee becomes harder to justify. In that case, you would need to earn enough points on everyday purchases to make up the difference, or you might be better served by a general rewards card with no annual fee.
Sign-up bonuses and introductory offers
Chase periodically offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses typically come in the form of bonus points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months — for example, 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first three months. The exact bonus amount and spending requirement change over time, so check Chase's website for the current offer.
These bonuses can be substantial. 80,000 points might cover several nights at a mid-range property or one night at a luxury property, depending on the hotel and season. If you are planning a hotel stay anyway, timing your card process to coincide with that spending can help you meet the bonus requirement while earning points toward a trip you were already going to take.
Elite status and additional benefits
Holding the Premier version of the card grants you automatic elite status with IHG's loyalty program. This status gives you perks like room upgrades (when available), late checkout, and bonus points on stays. The standard card does not include automatic elite status, though you can earn it by staying at IHG properties or through other means.
Both versions include Visa Signature benefits, which are protections and services that come with the card itself rather than the IHG program. These include travel accident insurance, emergency medical and dental referral services, and purchase protection. The specific benefits and coverage limits are detailed in the card's terms and conditions.
How points expiration works
IHG points do not expire as long as your account remains open and you use the card at least once every two years. This is more generous than some hotel loyalty programs, which require activity every 12 months. The two-year window gives you flexibility if you take a break from travel or do not have a reason to use the card for a while.
If your account does close — because you cancel the card or Chase closes it due to inactivity — your points will expire. To keep points alive, you only need to make one purchase on the card every two years, even a small one. Some cardholders set a small recurring charge, like a monthly subscription, to may support they stay active without thinking about it.
Comparing the standard and Premier versions
The two versions serve different travel patterns. The standard card works well if you stay at IHG properties occasionally and want to test whether the card fits your habits before committing to a higher fee. The Premier card makes more sense if you stay frequently or prefer higher-category properties, since you earn more points per dollar and receive automatic elite status with its perks.
| Feature | Standard Card | Premier Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 first year, then $99 | $149 |
| Points on IHG stays | 2 points per dollar | 4 points per dollar |
| Points on other purchases | 1 point per dollar | 2 points per dollar |
| Free night certificate | Yes, each anniversary | Yes, each anniversary |
| Automatic elite status | No | Yes |
| Bonus points on anniversary | No | 10,000 points |
The Premier card's higher earning rate means you accumulate points faster, especially if you use the card for everyday purchases. The automatic elite status and anniversary bonus points add value if you stay at IHG properties regularly. Over time, the extra points and perks can offset the higher annual fee if your travel habits support it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the free night certificate at any IHG hotel?
The certificate works at most IHG properties worldwide, but some luxury properties charge an additional fee on top of the certificate. Check the specific hotel's terms when you are ready to book. The certificate covers the room rate but not taxes, resort fees, or other charges.
What happens to my points if I cancel the card?
Your points remain in your IHG account and do not disappear when you cancel the card. However, if your IHG account becomes inactive for two years, the points will expire. You can keep the account active by staying at an IHG property or using another way to earn IHG points.
Do I have to use the free night certificate every year?
No. If you do not use the certificate before your next account anniversary, it expires and a new one takes its place. You cannot bank multiple certificates or carry one over to the following year, so plan to use it or lose it.
Is the sign-up bonus worth the annual fee?
Often yes. A sign-up bonus of 80,000 points can cover several nights at mid-range properties or one night at a luxury property. Combined with the free night certificate you receive on your first anniversary, the total value often exceeds the annual fee in year one, especially if you were planning to stay at an IHG hotel anyway.
Can I earn points on the card without staying at hotels?
Yes. You earn 1 point per dollar (standard card) or 2 points per dollar (Premier card) on all purchases, not just hotel stays. This means you can accumulate points through everyday spending on groceries, gas, and other expenses, then redeem them for hotel stays when you travel.