IHG and Chase dropped a new, no annual fee credit today, dubbed the “IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card.” It’s perfect for people who want to stock up on IHG points (and existing IHG Premier Rewards Club credit cardholders).
The card is also an option for IHG fans who absolutely refuse to pay annual fees.
New cardholders receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $2000 in eligible purchases within three months of approval.
The card earns:
- 15X total on IHG stays
- 2X at gas stations
- 2X at grocery stores
- 2X at restaurants
- 1X all other purchases
The IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card does not offer automatic elite status. You’ll be rewarded with IHG Gold status after you spend $10,000 on the card. The IHG Rewards Clubs Premier Credit Card (available through the application link on Traveler’s landing page) comes with automatic Platinum status.
Plus, the traveler doesn’t offer an anniversary night — whereas the Rewards Club Premier card does.
Is the IHG Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card Worth Getting?
If you need (or want) 60,000 IHG points and can reasonably spend a couple grand within the next three months, sure. The points can be a nice addition to Premier cardholders’ IHG stockpiles.
The IHG Rewards Clubs Premier Credit Card (see Traveler’s application page for more information) is a much better deal, even with the $89 annual fee. Why?
- More bonus points (see the current offer)
- Free anniversary night beginning the second year (vs. Traveler’s none)
- Complimentary Platinum status (vs. Traveler’s “spend 10k and we’ll give you Gold!” Um, no.)
- 25X total on IHG stays (vs Traveler’s 15X)
Like Traveler, it offers 2X at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants.
Or if you’re merely chasing points, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred, whose points are worth 1.25 cents each in travel when redeemed through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal. They can also be transferred to a number of programs, including IHG.
–Chris
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2 Comments
If I apply for this no fee card, does it automatically replace the $45/year IHG card that I already have, or can I have both?
@Ed: Should be a separate product and therefore no problem. I have the IHG Rewards Club Premier and the old $45 card. No conflicts. I’m sure Chase is happy to let you keep paying the $45 annual fee. (If you do apply, we’d be grateful if you please consider our link. Thank you!)