Which Credit Card Should You Use When Staying at IHG?

When to Use the IHG Card?

If you’re planning your next vacation and considering booking a room at an IHG hotel, you might think that the IHG One Rewards credit card is your best bet for payment. This isn’t a bad idea, as using this card can earn you higher points and perks such as elite status. However, it’s important to note that co-branded cards aren’t always the best option for payment when staying at IHG.

Other Credit Cards Can Be Beneficial

There are instances where using a different card from your wallet can provide you with greater value. Let’s take a look at some credit cards you might consider using when booking at IHG. You might be surprised by the variety of options available.

Comparing Credit Cards

It’s easy to see why the co-branded IHG card could be the right choice for booking a stay at an IHG hotel. However, sometimes you may receive greater value by using a general travel credit card, where you accumulate flexible points that often hold more value in the long run. Here are some cards worth considering for your payment:

• IHG One Rewards Premier Card: 10 points for every dollar spent, worth approximately 6 cents. Benefits include automatic Platinum Elite status and a free fourth night when using points. Annual fee: $99.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card: Similar to the personal card, also earns 10 points for every dollar spent. Annual fee: $99.
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Card: 5 points for every dollar spent, worth about 3 cents. Benefits include automatic Silver Elite status and a free fourth night. Annual fee: $0.
• American Express Green Card: 3 points for every dollar spent. Annual fee: $150.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 4 points for every dollar spent, or 8 points if booked through Chase Travel, potentially worth up to 16.4 cents. Annual fee: $795.
• Citi Strata Premier Card: 3 points for every dollar spent, increasing to 10 points if booked through Citi Travel. Annual fee: $95.
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card: 5 points for every dollar spent. Annual fee: $95.

Making Smart Decisions

When deciding which card to use for payment, consider two important factors: the benefits you will receive from the card you choose and the actual value of the rewards points you will accumulate. For example, if you pay with the IHG One Premier card, you will earn 10 points for every dollar spent, worth about 6 cents. But if you use the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you will earn 4 points, with a higher value of 8.2 cents (or 16.4 cents if booked through Chase Travel).

The Relationship Between Rewards and Benefits

When you analyze the numbers closely, you’ll see that using the Chase Sapphire Reserve is actually more advantageous, as the rewards from this card hold greater value. We rate the rewards from Chase higher than those from IHG because you can use them with a wide range of hotel and airline partners.

No Need to Worry About Benefits

While non-co-branded cards do not unlock benefits like immediate room upgrades, if you already have the IHG co-branded card, there’s no need for concern. Holding this card means you will automatically receive those benefits without having to pay with the IHG card.

Conclusion

So, keeping the IHG card is a good idea to enjoy elite status and associated benefits. However, in many cases, using a different card that offers more value for your vacation payment can yield greater advantages. Be sure to consider all options carefully before making your decision.