Book Soon To Save 15% On IHG Points & Cash Bookings

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Updated: Booking closed on November 28, 2023. The stays must be completed between January 1 and February 29, 2024.

IHG has a flash sale right now, giving members a 15% discount off the cash portion of IHG Points & Cash bookings. However, you must hurry to take advantage of this promotion since it is only valid for bookings made through November 28, 2023. The promotion is valid for stays between January 1 and February 29, 2024.

One thing to remember is that the discount only applies to the cash portion of the booking. This promotion lets you effectively purchase IHG points for as low as 0.55 cents each. Is that a good deal? Let's take a look.

Key Terms

• The promotion is valid for bookings made through November 28, 2023.
• Receive a 15% discount on the cash portion of an IHG Points & Cash stay.
• The offer is valid for stays between January 1 and February 29, 2024.
• Members must log into their IHG One Rewards account when booking.
• Canceled bookings are refunded entirely in points.
• The number of points refunded is based on the total points price of the award.

How This IHG Points & Cash Promotion Works

Unlike other flash sales, this promotion is not a flat 15% discount across the board. The discount only applies to the cash portion of the price — not the points. However, this is treated like an award booking. If you cancel your reservation, you will be refunded everything in points with no cash involved.

For instance, booking the Intercontinental New York Times Square, using this promotion, will set you back 8,000 points plus $137. That's a 15% discount from the original cash price of $161.

 If you made the reservation using points only, the award would set you back 32,000 points.

However, if you make a Points & Cash reservation during this promotion and then cancel it, you will be refunded 32,000 points. Effectively, you would have purchased 25,000 points for $137 or 0.55 cents per point.

Reviewing the multiple options globally, we've found that the rates for purchasing points through IHG Points & Cash are pretty constant. Buying IHG points with this method, you will pay between 0.6 and 0.55 cents per point. The point increments are as follows:

• 5,000 IHG points cost $30 (0.6¢ per point).
• 10,000 IHG points cost $60 (0.6¢).
• 15,000 IHG points cost $89 (0.59¢).
• 20,000 IHG points cost $113 (0.57¢).
• 25,000 IHG points cost $137 (0.55¢).

One thing to note: At the lower end of the purchases, there can be a discrepancy of $1 or $2 between properties. For instance, some are pricing 5,000 points at $31, while others are pricing 15,000 points at $92.

Maximizing Your Value With an IHG Card

While this deal is not setting the IHG world alight, it can provide excellent value if you hold the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. Typically, IHG point purchases are procced by points.com, meaning you won't earn any credit card “travel” category bonuses. However, IHG Points & Cash purchases are processed by IHG directly. That opens up a host of earning opportunities.

If you charge the cash portion of the IHG Points & Cash purchase to your IHG One Rewards Premier Card, you will earn an additional 10 points per dollar spent at IHG. When you factor in the additional points earned from the card, then the rates with the promotion are as follows:

• 5,000 points + 300 points for $30 (0.57¢ per point)
• 10,000 points + 600 points for $60 (0.57¢)
• 15,000 points + 890 points for $89 (0.56¢)
• 20,000 points + 1,130 points for $113 (0.53¢)
• 25,000 points + 1,370 points for $137 (0.52¢)

Keep in mind that the IHG One Rewards Premier Card typically entitles you to a 20% discount on points purchases. However, in the small print, you'll see this offer does not stack with any other promotions or deals — including this current offer.

Related: Which IHG One Rewards Credit Card Is Right for You?

Is It Worth Purchasing IHG Points This Way?

Generally speaking, buying IHG points is not the greatest value, unless you need points and have no other option. That applies to this offer and standard offers to buy points with a bonus or discount.

Keep in mind that promotions to purchase IHG points are by no means rare. In 2023 so far, IHG has run nine points purchase promotions — six at a 100% bonus (0.5 cents per point) and two at 80% (0.56 cents per point).

If you do not need the points immediately, waiting a while is your best option. History shows us that an appealing promotion may be just around the corner. Check out the table below for a history of IHG points purchase promotions:

Our Take

This IHG Points & Cash promotion can be an excellent workaround if you are a few points short of a great redemption or want to quickly boost your points balance for an upcoming award stay. However, it is not the absolute best deal on purchasing IHG points – especially if you don't hold an IHG co-branded credit card to use for the transaction.

If you can wait for a deal to buy IHG points, we recommend doing so. Chances are there will be a better offer just around the corner. Otherwise, this promotion can work in a pinch to boost your points balance. Oh, and it also can present a good deal if you want to make a booking using Points & Cash, want to save money on the cash portion, and actually plan to stay at the hotel while saving money.

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