What the IHG Credit Card gives you

The IHG Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Capital One in partnership with InterContinental Hotels Group. It earns points on hotel stays and everyday purchases, which you can redeem for free nights at IHG properties — a chain that includes Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Kimpton hotels. The card comes with a welcome bonus of points after you meet a spending threshold, an annual free night certificate, and elite status perks at IHG properties.

The card is designed for people who stay at IHG hotels regularly or want to accumulate points toward free stays. Unlike some hotel cards that lock you into one brand, you can use IHG points at thousands of properties worldwide, though redemption rates vary by location and season.

Key Takeaways

  • The IHG Credit Card earns points on every dollar spent, with bonus earning rates on IHG hotel stays and dining purchases.
  • You receive an annual free night certificate each year you hold the card, which covers one night at most IHG properties up to a certain point value.
  • The card charges an annual fee, which you pay once per year to keep the account open.
  • Points never expire as long as your account remains open and you use it at least once every 24 months.
  • You get automatic elite status with IHG Rewards, giving you perks like room upgrades and late checkout at participating hotels.

How earning points works on this card

You earn points per dollar on all purchases. The earning rate is higher when you book directly through IHG's website or app, and even higher when you charge dining at IHG restaurants to the card. You also earn points on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and utilities at the standard rate.

The welcome bonus gives you a large chunk of points upfront once you spend a set amount within the first few months of opening the account. This bonus is often the most valuable part of the card in year one, since it can cover a free night or two when ready.

Points accumulate in your IHG Rewards account, which is separate from the credit card account itself. You can check your balance anytime by logging into the IHG website or app. Points do not expire as long as you use the card or your rewards account at least once every 24 months.

The annual free night certificate and how to use it

Every year you hold the card, you receive a free night certificate automatically. This certificate covers one night's room rate at an IHG property, up to a certain point value. The point cap changes each year and is set by Capital One and IHG — it typically covers standard rooms at mid-range properties but may not cover luxury suites or peak-season rates at high-end locations.

To use the certificate, you book a stay through the IHG website or app and select the certificate as your payment method at checkout. The certificate covers the room rate only, not taxes, resort fees, or incidentals like parking or room service. If the room costs more points than your certificate covers, you pay the difference with points or cash.

The certificate is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not use it within that year, it expires and you cannot carry it forward. You receive a new certificate each year on your card anniversary, so plan your travel accordingly.

Annual fee and whether it makes sense for you

The IHG Credit Card charges an annual fee each year. This fee is charged on your card anniversary — the date you opened the account — and you must pay it to keep the card open. The fee is not waived for the first year, so you pay it when ready after approval.

Whether the card pays for itself depends on how much you travel and how you value the free night certificate. If you stay at IHG hotels at least once a year and redeem the certificate, the certificate alone often covers the annual fee. Add in the points you earn on hotel stays and everyday purchases, and the card can be worthwhile for frequent IHG guests.

If you rarely stay at IHG properties or prefer other hotel chains, the annual fee is harder to justify. In that case, a no-annual-fee hotel card or a general cash-back card may serve you better.

Elite status and other perks

Cardholders receive automatic elite status with IHG Rewards at the Silver Elite level. This status gives you perks at participating IHG properties, including room upgrades (when available), late checkout, and bonus points on stays. The exact perks vary by property and your elite tier.

You also get a points bonus on your card anniversary each year — a lump sum of points added to your account just for keeping the card open. This bonus stacks on top of the free night certificate and helps offset the annual fee.

Some versions of the card offer additional perks like travel credits, concierge services, or statement credits for IHG bookings. Check the current card terms when you review the offer, since these perks change periodically.

How to redeem points for hotel stays

To redeem points for a free night, log into your IHG Rewards account and search for available properties and dates. The points required per night vary widely — a budget Holiday Inn Express might cost 10,000 points, while a luxury InterContinental could cost 50,000 or more. Peak-season dates and popular locations cost more points than off-season stays.

You can also combine points and cash to book a stay if you do not have enough points for a free night. This option is useful if you are close to your points goal but do not want to wait to accumulate more.

Points can also be transferred to airline partners, though the transfer rate is usually not favorable. Most cardholders find that redeeming points directly for hotel nights offers better value than transferring them elsewhere.

Comparing the IHG card to other hotel cards

The IHG Credit Card competes with cards from other major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. The main difference is which hotel brands you can redeem at. If you stay primarily at IHG properties, this card makes sense. If you split your stays across multiple chains, a card from a larger chain like Marriott or Hilton might give you more redemption options.

Some hotel cards offer higher earning rates or more valuable annual perks. Compare the annual fee, welcome bonus, earning rates, and free night certificate value across cards before deciding. The best card depends on where you actually stay and how often you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IHG points at hotels outside the IHG family?

No. IHG points can only be redeemed at InterContinental Hotels Group properties, which include Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, Kimpton, and several other brands. You cannot use them at Marriott, Hilton, or other chains. You can transfer points to airline partners, but the conversion rate is typically poor.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points remain in your IHG Rewards account and do not disappear when you close the credit card. However, points expire if your rewards account sits inactive for 24 months. To keep points alive, you must use your IHG account — either by staying at a hotel, using a different IHG credit card, or logging in to your account.

Does the free night certificate have blackout dates?

The free night certificate can be used at most IHG properties year-round, but availability depends on the hotel's booking calendar. Some properties may have limited availability during peak seasons. You book the certificate just like a regular stay — if the dates are available for points redemption, they are available for the certificate.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free night?

This varies based on your spending. The welcome bonus alone often covers one free night at a mid-range property. After that, earning depends on how much you charge to the card and how often you stay at IHG hotels. A person who stays once a month and uses the card for everyday purchases might earn one free night every two to three months.

Is there a version of this card without an annual fee?

Capital One offers different versions of the IHG card with varying annual fees and benefits. Some versions have higher annual fees but better perks, while others have lower fees with fewer benefits. Check Capital One's website to see all available versions and choose the one that fits your travel patterns.