Perhaps the holiday weekend got you extra nostalgiac to visit family, friends, or certain destinations. That could be especially true for families looking forward to vacations — once they feel its safe to travel.
I’ve long said the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is a great card for families. The everyday spending bonus categories aren’t much to get excited about. But the card is packed with family-friendly perks and benefits.
Plus, its lucrative welcome offer ends very soon.
So while I expect to get pummeled in the Comments section, let’s take a look at why I think this card is a must for many families.
Current Welcome Offer
The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card currently offers 125,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months of being approved. That enough points to book a four-night stay this summer (based on current prices) at the Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs Area hotel. Or a couple of nights (with a bunch of points leftover!) at the InterContinental Times Square during Thanksgiving 2021.
Card Features
The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card includes earnings, perks, and benefits such as:
- Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status
- Free anniversary night at IHG properties valued at 40,000 or fewer points. (Benefit available beginning the second year of card membership.)
- 25X per dollar (yes) spent during IHG stays
- 2X at:
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- $100 Global Entry or TSA Pre√ application credit every four years.
- No foreign transaction fees
There is an $89 annual fee. But for a card offering Platinum status (which can be used to leverage status matches to other brands) and an anniversary night, that’s a pretty good deal, IMO.
Why Some People are Wary of the IHG Card
IHG and Chase used to offer an amazing product: the no-longer-available IHG Rewards Club Select World MasterCard. It carried a $45 annual fee. Cardholders could use their anniversary night at any IHG property in the world, regardless of how many points a property cost.
But like most good things, that fantastic benefit ended.
Yet not applying for the IHG card because you “will show them!” or hope Chase knocks down the annual fee to $45 (they won’t) and uncaps the anniversary night (again, they won’t) is fairly worthless.
And the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is a great option for $89 a year. Here’s why:
Platinum Elite Status
IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Cardholders enjoy IHG Platinum Elite status for as long as they’re cardmembers.
Complimentary IHG Platinum status from our IHG credit card scored us this great complimentary upgrade!
Platinum status includes perks such as:
- Room upgrades (when available)
- Guaranteed room availability
- Complimentary internet
- Priority check-in
- Late check-out
- Welcome amenity (usually 500 points or a free alcoholic beverage)
- $30 In-room spa credit
Another benefit of IHG Platinum status is you can match it to several more loyalty program statuses. (I matched it to Wyndham and then Caesars Diamond.)
“Complimentary” Anniversary Night
I say “complimentary” because the card costs $89. But that’s still a good price for many quality hotels priced at 40,000 points or fewer.
While you can’t redeem the anniversary night for some awesome resorts or chic hotels, IHG has a huge global footprint — so you won’t have much trouble finding somewhere decent to redeem your night and still come out way ahead.
Excellent for Couples
If you and your significant other each apply for the card, get approved, and meet the minimum spending requirement, you’ll have over a quarter of a million IHG points between the two of you (after reaching the spending requirements and receiving the bonus points.) That can buy you several nights at a luxury resort.
Plus, you’ll have two anniversary nights the following year. Those can give you a nice weekend away somewhere.
Great for Families
The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is a fantastic option for families with children (or grandchildren). Many IHG properties have pools — which we all know kids l-o-v-e.
Platinum status room upgrades are nice and give everyone a little more space. And the welcome amenity cocktail (at properties with bars) might be a nice treat for parents needing a quick refreshment 😉 .
Global Entry/TSA Pre√ Application Credit
If there’s a frequent traveler in your household, they’ll love the Global Entry/TSA Pre√ application credit ($100 every four years) for a new membership or renewal.
Final Approach
Good value and the Platinum status are some of the reasons both my wife and I have the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. Plus, the 140,000 bonus point offer can get your family a nice vacation somewhere special.
— Chris
- Complimentary Platinum Elite Status
- Free anniversary night each year (beginning the second year you hold the card)
- 25X on IHG hotel stays
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- And more!
Learn more now about the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card or learn about other hotel credit cards!
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
3 Comments
Wyndham is not offering status matches.
I know. I took advantage before they suspended status matches.
Also with the IHG Premier card you get to book 4 nights on points but pay for 3 nights.
I still have the old IHG Select card so with the combo also get 10% of my redeemed points back.