The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is IHG’s no-annual-fee card option that offers several benefits for IHG loyalists. With this card, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar at IHG hotels and resorts, as well as 3 points per dollar at gas stations, monthly bills, and restaurants. While the IHG One Traveler Card does offer some useful IHG-related perks, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
One of the main benefits of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is its fourth reward night benefit. Each time you redeem points for a stay of four or more nights, every fourth night will cost zero points. This can be a great way to save on longer stays at IHG properties.
Another benefit of the IHG One Traveler Card is the automatic Silver Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program. This includes perks such as a 20% bonus on hotel stays, priority check-in, and points that don’t expire. Additionally, cardholders have the opportunity to earn Gold Elite status by spending $20,000 on their card each calendar year.
One of the downsides of the IHG One Traveler Card is the relatively low earning rates on non-IHG purchases. While you’ll earn 5 points per dollar at IHG properties, you’ll only earn 2 points per dollar on other purchases. This is not a great return compared to other no-annual-fee cards that offer higher cash back or points earning rates.
When it comes to redeeming points, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card offers several options. You can redeem points for IHG hotel stays, which is where you’ll typically get the best value for your points. IHG has dynamic award pricing, so it’s important to carefully consider when to use your points versus cash for a stay. You can also use a combination of Points + Cash to book stays, although this may not always offer the best value.
One downside of the IHG One Rewards program is the poor transfer rates to airline partners. While there are over 40 airline transfer partners, the transfer ratio is not favorable, making it less beneficial to transfer points to airlines.
Overall, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card can be a good option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG properties and want to earn points without paying an annual fee. However, if you’re looking for a card with higher earning rates and more flexibility in redeeming points, you may want to consider other options.