Sharing Why We Both Sought a Hotel Credit Card in 20XX
In the world of travel rewards, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a fantastic opportunity for savvy travellers to make the most of their points. Here's how one writer and their spouse are making the most of their free night certificates.
The annual free night certificates from the IHG Premier card can cover a 2-night weekend getaway annually, even after the initial welcome bonus offer. This year, they plan to combine their certificates for a 2-night stay at the 5-star Kimpton EPIC in Downtown Miami.
For those looking to stretch their points even further, watch for flash sales and utilise the fourth-night-free perk. This strategy can help save a significant amount when booking extra nights. The writer plans to save a few thousand dollars on lodging by redeeming the remaining 8 free-night certificates from the IHG Premier card.
The IHG One Rewards points per night in many worldwide destinations often range from 40,000 to 60,000. Each free night certificate is valid for hotels worth up to 60,000 points, making it possible to book a range of luxurious properties. For instance, the InterContinental New York Times Square can be booked for 55,000 points per night, and the cash rate during the writer's planned visit is $433 on average. Redeeming free night certificates at this hotel saves the writer nearly $2,000.
If a hotel costs more than the certificate's point limit, the difference can be covered with IHG One Rewards points or transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This flexibility allows travellers to redeem their certificates at a wider variety of properties.
For those interested in the IHG Premier card, it's worth noting that as of the current information available, there is no specific data on the welcome offer for 2026. However, the latest offers available are for 2025, with the card offering a welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after spending a certain amount within the first three months of account opening. It would be best to check the card's official website or financial news platforms closer to the start of 2026 for any new promotions or changes to the welcome bonus.
With both spouses applying, a total of 10 free night certificates can be earned. A little research to find properties that cost fewer points but still offer great experiences in prime spots can help maximise the value of these certificates. Each free night certificate can be combined with future annual free night certificates for more value.
The annual fee for the card is $99, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent travellers. With a bit of planning, the IHG Premier card offers a way to turn points or free nights into memorable (and money-saving) stays.
The IHG One Rewards points can also be utilized in other aspects of life, such as banking and lifestyle. For example, one could transfer IHG points to Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards for a 1:1 ratio, thereby converting them into travel, dining, or shopping rewards.
In the realm of finance, the IHG Premier card not only offers a way to accrue points for travel but also comes with a valuable welcome bonus. As of the current information available, the card offers a welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after spending a certain amount within the first three months of account opening.
Moreover, the annual free night certificates from the IHG Premier card can cover more than just travel. For instance, they can be combined to fund cultural experiences, such as stays at artsy hotels or hotels located in historically significant locations.
