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At the end of December each year, IHG One Rewards sends targeted offers to members to purchase IHG elite status for the following year. That offer is back again; targeted members can buy up to Diamond Elite through the end of 2025. But this offer is not necessarily as good as it looks. Here's why.
Targeted IHG Members Can Buy Up to Diamond Elite Status for 2025
Each year, IHG allows select One Rewards members to purchase Diamond Elite status for the following year. The offers are personalized, so your deal might not be as good as someone else's. Conversely, it might be more appealing than what's offered to one of your friends or family members.
But from what we can tell, this promotion has three main versions. Eligible members can purchase the 120,000 points required for IHG Diamond status for $800, $1,000, or $1,200.
If you use an IHG One Rewards credit card, you get a 20% discount. With the discount applied, this means you can buy Diamond Elite status for $640, $800, or $960 — depending on the offer in your account. And you have until December 31, 2024, to purchase the required points.
That said, it's unclear who specifically is targeted for this offer. As a point of reference, this offer was unavailable to a Platinum Elite (via credit card), Silver Elite, and a general member of the AwardWallet team. The only person targeted was Editor-in-Chief JT Genter — who's already requalified for Diamond Elite status on nights.
Should you buy IHG Diamond Elite status?
The 120,000 points you purchase through this promotion serve two purposes. They are both redeemable points for booking award nights and elite-qualifying points that count toward elite status.
This offer is distinct from the general IHG point purchase promotions. It's important to note that points purchased during those bonus or discount promotions are not elite-qualifying and won't help you achieve or maintain elite status.
But if your goal is to earn Diamond Elite status, purchasing elite-qualifying points (if you're targeted) could make sense — especially with the added 20% discount when using an IHG credit card. However, if elite status isn’t a priority and you just want cheap points, you're likely better off waiting for one of IHG’s regular point sales, where bonus offers routinely eclipse 80%. That's a better way to stock up on points.
Ultimately, the value of this promotion hinges on how much you value the perks of Diamond Elite status, such as a complimentary breakfast for two at participating brands, a 100% bonus on the base earning rate, and a higher priority for room upgrades. If you could live without those benefits (or just want cheap IHG points), this promotion is worth a pass.
Key terms
- Check your email to see if IHG targeted you with any of these offers.
- You must buy the number of points you need for IHG Diamond Elite by December 31, 2024.
- Make the purchase in a single transaction.
- Use an IHG One Rewards credit card for a 20% discount on your purchase.
- Points purchased count as redeemable points as well as Elite Qualifying Points.
- Your status will take up to 10 days to reflect in your account.
- Diamond Elite status is valid through the end of 2025.
Our Take
This offer comes around at the end of each year, but not all IHG One Rewards members are targeted. If you have the email, check if 120,000 points will cost you $800, $1,000, or $1,200 — and deduct 20% if you plan to pay with an IHG credit card. This promotion particularly makes sense if you only need a few more points to reach Diamond Elite for 2025 and can make full use of your benefits.
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