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Once again, IHG Rewards is extending the elite status that members earned in 2019. This time the extension is good until February 2023. Previously, elite statuses were extended through January 2022. This follows in the footsteps of Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and even Radisson Rewards which have already extended elite statuses.
In addition, IHG is extending all free night certificates originally issued in 2021 through December 31, 2022. And you won't have to worry about your IHG Rewards points expiring through at least December 31, 2022.
IHG Extends Elite Status Through February 2023
Traveling and vacations definitely didn't get back to normal in 2021. As such, IHG Rewards members who earned their elite status back in 2019 will have a little more than another year to enjoy the benefits before having to re-earn that elite status again. We have yet to see if the requirements will stay the same as 2020 (7 nights for Gold, 30 for Platinum, and 55 for Spire) or revert to 2019 numbers (10 for Gold, 40 for Platinum, and 70 for Spire).
Extensions of Certain Free Night Certificates
IHG is also extending the expiration date for any free night certificates for “IHG Rewards Club Credit Card Anniversary Night Certificates awarded in 2021.” You'll now have until December 31, 2022 to redeem these free night certificates.
Unfortunately, free night certificates that were originally issued in 2020 are not being extended again. So, certificates that were originally issued in 2020 will still expire on December 31, 2021.
Also, IHG's wording makes it seem that free nights earned through the InterContinental Ambassador enrollment promotion offered over the summer will not be extended. These free nights expire on November 30, 2021.
Point Expiration Pause Extended
In addition to the elite status and free night extensions, IHG Rewards is extending its point expiration pause. IHG Rewards points typically expire after 12 months of inactivity. However, no IHG Rewards points will expire through (at least) December 31, 2022. And, you never have to worry about your IHG Rewards points expiring if you hold elite status.
Our Take
This extension is certainly nice for those with elite status who weren't going to requalify by the end of 2021. And this extension gives you even longer to use your IHG elite status to status match to other programs you may prefer — such as matching IHG Gold to Hilton Gold.
It's nice that IHG is extending some free night certificates. However, some travelers may have hoped for an extension of free night certificates due to expire on December 31, 2021. If you're one of those travelers, make sure to book a last-minute trip to use your free night(s).
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Excellent! Very useful information! Thanks! My wife is happy to keep the points for one more year:)
Thanks. I was about to transfer some points from one account to another to keep them both active. This will give me a break.
thanks for pointing out that it is just SOME of them that are getting extended. I’ll need to use mine (due to expire 12-31-2021) quickly
It would be great if all free night certificates were extended. This will at least be helpful for some.
That’s good as I wasn’t able to stay this year (no good offers for points where I travel and not so competitive rates)…
Great news!
Maybe with the extension I’ll actually be able to use the benefit
Weren’t all 2020 certs extended through February 2022? My one remaining 2020 cert, issued August 10, 2020, shows an expiration date of February 26, 2022.
Any idea when the new expiration dates will be reflected in our online accounts? Thanks
Any day now AFAIK