Key takeaways
- Chase launched the new IHG One Rewards Premier Select with a 200,000-point welcome bonus, valued at $1,200 by The Points Guy, for customers who visit IHG properties frequently.
- The no-annual-fee IHG One Rewards card offers 125,000 bonus points and earns up to 17 points per dollar at IHG, making it ideal for occasional visitors.
- All four IHG cards—including the Business option with 190,000 points—have welcome offers expiring November 18, 2026.
Chase and IHG have restructured their cobranded credit card portfolio, introducing a new premium tier card and reshaping the benefits across the entire lineup. The refresh brings four distinct options designed to match different travel patterns, from occasional IHG visitors to chain loyalists and business travelers. All four cards are running compelling welcome offers through November 18, with bonuses ranging from 125,000 to 200,000 points.
The New Premier Select Card at the Top
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card represents Chase’s newest entry point for the most dedicated IHG customers. The card carries a welcome bonus of 200,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. According to The Points Guy’s October 2026 valuations, this welcome offer translates to approximately $1,200 in redemption value.
Since this is the first welcome bonus offered on the Premier Select since its launch, historical comparisons are not yet available. However, premium hotel cards typically debut with strong introductory offers to attract top-tier customers, suggesting this may be a favorable time to apply.
Earning and Anniversary Benefits
Cardholders can accumulate up to 28 points per dollar spent at IHG properties, one of the highest earning rates in the portfolio. The card also provides up to $75 in quarterly food and beverage rewards to redeem at IHG hotels, allowing cardholders to offset dining costs across stays. An annual free anniversary night worth up to 60,000 points adds significant value for frequent visitors.
Elite Status and Night Credits
The Premier Select grants Platinum Elite status automatically, along with 20 elite night credits each calendar year—enough to unlock IHG’s first-tier Milestone Reward without any additional spending. This combination positions the card for travelers who visit IHG properties multiple times annually and want to maximize loyalty program momentum.
The Mid-Tier Premier Card Still Packs Value
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card now sits as the second-tier option after the Premier Select launch. Its welcome bonus is 180,000 points after $3,000 in purchases within three months, ending November 18. The Points Guy has documented higher offers on this card historically—specifically a promotion offering five free nights valued at 60,000 points each, totaling 300,000 points—but that offer is no longer available. The current bonus still qualifies as strong by The Points Guy’s historical benchmarks for this card.
Earning and Hotel Perks
Cardholders earn up to 24 points per dollar at IHG properties and receive up to $25 in quarterly food and beverage credits. The annual free anniversary night is valued at 50,000 points, providing a tangible benefit for annual cardholders.
Elite Progression Path
The Premier includes automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year. For heavy spenders, every $5,000 charged to the card unlocks two additional elite night credits, offering a path to higher elite tiers without relying solely on stays.
The No-Fee Card for Occasional Visitors
The IHG One Rewards Credit Card carries no annual fee and appeals to travelers staying at IHG properties only once or twice yearly. The welcome bonus is 125,000 points after $2,000 in purchases within the first three months, with an expiration date of November 18. The best-ever offer documented by The Points Guy was two free nights plus 40,000 bonus points—totaling up to 140,000 points—but this promotion is no longer in circulation. The current 125,000-point offer approaches that historical peak, making it a solid application window.
Earning Without Annual Costs
Despite the absence of an annual fee, the card earns up to 17 points per dollar spent at IHG properties, a compelling rate for both award stays and incidental charges like parking or room upgrades. Cardholders receive Silver Elite status and five elite night credits annually.
The Fourth-Night-Free Unlock
Spending $5,000 on the card in a calendar year triggers IHG’s fourth-night-free benefit, a valuable perk that effectively provides a 25 percent discount on qualifying bookings made at participating properties.
Business Travelers: The Business Card Option
The IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card is designed for business owners and corporate travelers. Its welcome bonus is 190,000 points after $5,000 in spending within three months, with an expiration date matching the other cards at November 18. The Points Guy valued this bonus at $1,140, placing it well above the outlet’s minimum threshold for recommending an application based on the card’s welcome offer history.
Business-Specific Benefits
The Business card provides up to $100 in annual statement credits toward Expensify purchases, directly supporting expense management workflows. Cardholders earn up to 26 points per dollar at IHG properties—slightly higher than the mid-tier Premier—and receive up to $25 in quarterly food and beverage rewards.
Elite and Anniversary Perks
The card includes automatic Platinum Elite status and an annual free night valued at up to 50,000 points, matching benefits found on personal cards at the same earning tier.
Understanding Chase’s Application Rules
Chase applies its 5/24 rule to IHG credit cards, meaning applicants who have opened five or more personal credit card accounts across all issuers within the past 24 months are unlikely to receive approval. This rule does not include business cards in most cases, though policies can vary.
Prospective applicants should verify their eligibility before submitting applications to avoid an unnecessary inquiry that could temporarily lower credit scores.
Selecting the Right Card for Your Travel Habits
Frequent IHG guests should evaluate the Premier Select’s 200,000-point welcome offer against the higher point-per-dollar earning rates and anniversary benefits. Those visiting IHG properties three or four times annually may find the Premier’s 180,000-point bonus and lower earning rate a better fit than the Premier Select. Casual visitors staying at IHG once or twice yearly can pocket the 125,000-point welcome bonus and avoid the annual fee with the entry-level card. Business travelers managing corporate expenses should weigh the Business card’s $100 Expensify credit and 190,000-point bonus against the personal Premier Select option.
All four cards have welcome offers expiring November 18, providing a deadline for locking in the current bonus amounts. Comparing your anticipated annual stay frequency and willingness to pay annual fees against each card’s earning rates will determine which bonus delivers the most value over the card’s lifetime.
Source: The Points Guy Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest welcome bonus available on an IHG credit card right now?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card offers 200,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The Points Guy valued this bonus at approximately $1,200.
Can I hold multiple IHG credit cards at the same time?
Yes, you can have multiple IHG credit cards, but you are subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. If you have opened five or more personal credit card accounts with any issuer in the last 24 months, Chase is unlikely to approve you for another personal card.
When do these IHG credit card welcome bonuses expire?
All four IHG credit card welcome bonuses are valid through November 18, 2026. After that date, welcome offer amounts may change.
