IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card Review 2024
The Chase IHG One Traveler card is offering a strong bonus for a no-annual-fee card, and it comes with perks like Silver elite status and travel insurance.
The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews.
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card earns bonus IHG points on paid stays, and provides a fourth night free benefit when you redeem your points for award stays. However, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a stronger choice overall if you like staying at IHG hotels. The only reasons to get the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card are if you don't want to pay an annual fee or want to earn the welcome bonus points.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Card Overview
New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's worth around 65000 in hotel stays, based on Insider's valuation of IHG points at 0.65 cents each — though it's possible to get an even higher rate of return.
You'll also earn 5 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels (in addition to points you'd normally earn from a stay), 3 points per dollar on dining, gas stations, utilities, internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. There's no annual fee, and you won't pay foreign transaction fees for making purchases abroad.
In addition to receiving automatic IHG Silver elite status, you'll also get a path to earn IHG Gold elite status when you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase in a calendar year, and a 20% discount on IHG points purchased through Points.com.
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card also comes with decent travel and purchase coverage, such as trip delay and cancellation insurance and purchase protection on items bought with the card. These benefits are nice to have on any card, especially from a no-annual-fee travel card.
But if you like staying at IHG hotels, you'll get more meaningful benefits with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. With it, you'll earn up to 26 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels (10x points from the card, 10x points for being an IHG member, and 6x points from the automatic Platinum elite status that comes with the card) and get a free award night worth up to 40,000 points every cardmember anniversary. The card also has a welcome offer of 5 free nights, each valued at up to 60,000 points, after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, which is much more than what the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers.
Though there's an annual fee of $99 for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, the anniversary free night award is easily worth more. Plus, having IHG Platinum elite status can get you room upgrades and late checkout when available, on top of bonus points for paid stays. For most IHG loyalists, it's a better option, even with the annual fee factored in. Here's our Chase IHG Premier credit card review for comparison.
IHG Traveler Card Rewards
Welcome bonus offer
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This isn't the highest bonus we've ever seen on this card, but based on Insider's valuation of IHG points at (0.65 cents each), it's worth around 65000 in hotel stays.
How to earn points
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card earns 5 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels. In addition to up to 10 points per dollar you earn for being an IHG member and up to 2x points for having Silver elite status from the card, that's up to 17x points total for IHG stays.
You'll also earn 3 points per dollar at gas stations, restaurants, utilities, internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services, and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Keep in mind not all streaming services are eligible for bonus points. Qualifying subscriptions are:
- Apple Music
- Apple TV
- Disney+
- ESPN+
- Fubo TV
- HBO Max
- Hulu
- Netflix
- Pandora
- Paramount+
- Peacock
- Showtime
- SiriusXM
- Sling
- Spotify
- YouTube Premium
- YouTube TV
- Vudu
How to use IHG Points
It's easy to redeem IHG points for free hotel stays directly on IHG.com. You can search for a hotel by location, but keep in mind IHG doesn't have an official award chart and award nights are dynamically priced. Prices vary by hotel, and can even fluctuate day-to-day, based on demand.
However, you'll generally pay 10,000 to 25,000 points per night at budget-friendly hotels like Holiday Inn and Candlewood Suites, all the way up to 70,000 points per night for high-end brands like InterContinental and Kimpton. A few luxury resorts in places like Macau and the Maldives can cost 75,000 to 120,000 points per night.
You can stretch your points further with Points + Cash rates. Here too, redemption options vary, but you'll need to use a minimum of 5,000 points with this option. It typically isn't a great value but can be worth checking if you're low on points or have an expensive stay planned.
You can redeem IHG points for merchandise, gift cards, magazine subscriptions, or digital rewards like games and e-books, but the value you'll receive is usually much less than you'd get for a free hotel night. IHG also allows you to transfer your points to airline miles, but again, the ratio is poor and only worthwhile if you have a very specific reward in mind.
IHG allows you to transfer your points to another member at a rate of $5 per 1,000 points transferred, or donate them to one of its charity partners.
IHG Traveler Card Benefits
Fourth reward night free
When you have the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, any time you redeem IHG points for reward nights, you'll get the fourth night free on stays of three or more nights. This benefit can be used an unlimited amount of times.
Automatic IHG Silver elite status
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card cardholders get automatic IHG Silver elite status, which is the chain's lowest status tier. Silver members get a handful of perks, including 20% bonus points on paid stays and late checkout when available. In addition, having and maintaining any level of IHG elite status means your points won't expire.
Opportunity to earn Gold elite status
You can earn IHG Gold elite status when you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card in a calendar year. Your Gold status will be valid until December 31 of the following year.
Gold is the next tier up from IHG Silver and includes perks like 40% bonus points on paid stays and late checkout when available.
For comparison, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with automatic Platinum elite status with no additional spending required.
10,000 bonus points each year if you meet a spending threshold
Each calendar year when you spend at least $10,000 and make one additional purchase with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, you'll receive 10,000 bonus points.
20% discount on points purchases
If you're close to an award stay and need to purchase additional IHG points, you'll get a 20% discount when you pay with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. Note that you can purchase a maximum of 150,000 points per calendar year.
Damage and theft purchase protection
New purchases made with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card are covered against damage and theft for 120 days, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Extended warranty protection
You can extend a US manufacturer's warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less when you pay for the purchase with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.
Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance
When you pay for a rental car with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card and decline the rental company's collision insurance, you're covered for theft and collision damage. In the US, coverage is secondary to your personal insurance, but is primary insurance abroad.
Baggage delay insurance
When you pay for your fare with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, if your baggage is delayed over six hours, you can get reimbursed for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing up to $100 a day for three days.
Lost luggage reimbursement
If you or an immediate family member check or carry on luggage that gets damaged or lost, you're covered up to $3,000 per passenger per trip when you pay with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
If your trip is canceled or cut short because of sickness, severe weather, or another covered situation, you can get reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses like fares, tours, and hotels.
Travel accident insurance
When you pay for air, bus, train, or cruise transportation with your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, you can get accidental death or dismemberment coverage up to $500,000.
Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership
When you have the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, you can activate a complimentary one-year DoorDash DashPass membership. DashPass offers free delivery and discounted service fees on orders of $12 or more with DoorDash and Caviar delivery services, and usually costs $9.99 per month. You'll need to activate the benefit by December 31, 2024.
Fraud protection and alerts
Chase uses real-time fraud monitoring to protect your account. You can sign-up to receive a text, email, or call if there's any unusual activity.
IHG Traveler Card Annual Fee and Other Costs
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, so it's an ideal card to keep long-term and carry abroad. It's always a good idea to have at least one card with no foreign transaction fees.
Like most other cards, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card charges fees for cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.
Compare the IHG Traveler Card
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card | IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | |
Annual fee | $0 | $99 | $99 |
Rewards rate | 5x points* at IHG Hotels and Resorts (up to 17x points) 3x points on utilities, internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services 3x points on dining and at gas stations 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases | 10x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts (up to 26 points)* 5x points for travel, dining, and at gas stations 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases | 10x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts (up to 26x points)* 5x points on travel and at gas stations, dining, social media and search engine advertising, and at office supply stores 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases |
Welcome bonus | 100,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | 5 free nights, each valued at up to 60,000 points, after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening | 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening |
Card benefits | Automatic IHG Silver elite status Gold elite status after spending $20,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year with the card Fourth reward night free on award stays of three or more nights 10,000 bonus points each year you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases and make one additional purchase Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise) Trip cancellation/interruption insurance Travel accident insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Baggage delay insurance Travel and emergency assistance services Purchase protection Extended warranty 20% discount on IHG point purchases with your card One-year free DoorDash DashPass membership (activation required by December 31, 2024) No foreign transaction fees | Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year with the card Annual free night award*** Fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a stay of three or more nights Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit 20% discount when you purchase points with your card 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each account anniversary Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise) Trip cancellation/interruption insurance Travel accident insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Baggage delay insurance Travel and emergency assistance services Purchase protection Extended warranty One-year free DoorDash DashPass membership (activation required by December 31, 2024) No foreign transaction fees | Automatic IHG Platinum Elite status Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year with the card Annual free night award*** An additional free night each year you spend $60,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each calendar year Fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a stay of three or more nights Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit Up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each calendar year 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year 20% discount when you purchase points with your card Car rental insurance (primary when renting for business purposes in the US) Trip cancellation/interruption insurance Travel and emergency assistance services Purchase protection Extended warranty One-year free DoorDash DashPass membership (activation required by December 31, 2024) No foreign transaction fees
|
Review |
* Bonus points at IHG hotels are in addition to the points members would normally earn from a stay
*** The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offer an annual free night award each year after your account anniversary for participating IHG properties that cost up to 40,000 points
IHG Traveler Card Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the IHG One Rewards Traveler credit card?
Most folks who are approved for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card have a credit score in the good to excellent range. This means a FICO score of at least 670.
Does the IHG One Rewards Traveler card have an anniversary free night?
No, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card does not come with a free night on your card anniversary. Only the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offer this benefit for stays at IHG hotels.
Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler card worth it?
For most travelers who stay with IHG, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a better deal than the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, even though it charges a $99 annual fee. The anniversary free night you get with the card can more than offset the yearly cost, and additional benefits like automatic Platinum elite status and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit make the card even more valuable.
But if you're completely opposed to paying an annual fee and don't stay with IHG often, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card could be worth it. Just remember you'll get more flexibility by earning Chase Ultimate Rewards® points or Bilt Rewards Points (which transfer to IHG at a 1:1 ratio) from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Bilt Mastercard®, so be sure to check out those options as well. Here's our guide to the best Chase cards.
Who is eligible for the IHG One Rewards Traveler card?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule, which means if you've opened five or more credit cards from any bank (excluding some small-business cards), you won't be approved for the card. You're also not eligible if you already have any personal IHG card open, including the legacy IHG Rewards Club Select card (no longer available to new applicants), or earned the welcome bonus from one in the past 24 months.
However, you can have the small-business IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and still qualify for a personal IHG card like the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.
Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler a Visa or Mastercard?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is a World Mastercard, which means it comes with good travel insurance and purchase protection, along with other perks.
Methodology: How We Reviewed the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card
The credit card team at Insider evaluated the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card in comparison to other IHG credit cards, as well as no-annual-fee hotel credit cards from chains like Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, and Choice.
We considered several factors in our review:
- Ease of use — Is the card's rewards program straightforward, or are there complex rules and award charts to navigate?
- Earning potential — Does the welcome bonus offer a good value and is it competitive with similar cards? Are there useful bonus categories that make the card valuable for both travel and everyday spending?
- Fees — Even no-annual-fee cards may sting you with other fees or charges that can diminish the value of your rewards, such as foreign transaction fees or a high APR. With annual-fee cards, we consider whether or not the perks justify the cost.
- Benefits — Does the card have perks that save you money and time, or make your travels more comfortable?
Read about how we rate credit cards at Insider to learn more about our methodology.