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Typically, you have to stay many nights or spend massive amounts of money to earn top elite status with hotel brands. However, sometimes you can find shortcuts like status matches or fast-track options. If earning elite status with IHG One Rewards is one of your goals, we've got you covered on how to make that happen.
Basics of the IHG One Rewards Program
In 2022, IHG revamped the IHG One Rewards program, adding a new Silver Elite status tier, changing Spire Elite to Diamond Elite, adding new perks, and dramatically increasing points qualification requirements. IHG also added “Milestone Rewards” as you earn elite nights through the year — rewarding members for every 10 nights stayed, starting at 20 nights.
Status is earned either through qualifying nights or qualifying points. Status earned in a calendar year is valid through the end of the following year. Here are the requirements for each level:
- Silver Elite: 10 qualifying nights
- Gold Elite: 20 qualifying nights or 40,000 qualifying points
- Platinum Elite: 40 qualifying nights or 60,000 qualifying points
- Diamond Elite: 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 qualifying points
Perks of each status level range from bonus IHG points to room upgrades and welcome amenities, which may include free breakfast.
| Benefit | Club Member | Silver Elite | Gold Elite | Platinum Elite | Diamond Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free internet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonus points | N/A | 20% | 40% | 60% | 100% |
| Points don't expire | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rollover nights for next year's status | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Rewards night promotional discounts | Yes | Yes | |||
| Guaranteed room availability | Yes | Yes | |||
| Complimentary upgrades, based on availability at check-in | Yes | Yes | |||
| Welcome amenity at check-in | Yes | Yes | |||
| Early check-in, based on availability | Yes | Yes | |||
| Late checkout, based on availability | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. | 2 p.m. |
| Dedicated Diamond support line | Yes | ||||
| Hertz Five Star status match | Yes |
Does IHG Offer a Status Match?
IHG does not offer a standing status match to other hotels' elite programs; however, it sometimes offers a fast-track option for One Rewards members. This usually requires registering for the promotion and staying a certain amount of nights. After this, you'll receive status for a set amount of time. On average, IHG offers this option at least once a year. The most recent fast-track option ended on December 31, 2024.
What To Know About the IHG Status Match
If you catch a fast-track option, there are some important things to know:
- You must register for the promotion before any qualifying nights can be counted.
- You have a limited amount of time to complete the qualifying stays.
- Not all stays count. Typically, qualifying stays must be above a certain dollar amount per night (usually $30), excluding taxes, fees, and other charges.
- Award nights will not count.
- Bookings made through online travel agencies or other reservation sites like booking.com or expedia.com are not eligible.
Other Ways To Get IHG Elite Status
If you aren't able to earn status through qualifying nights or points and are not able to jump on a status match offer, don't worry, you're not out of luck. You can still earn status in a few other ways.
Credit cards
The quickest and easiest way to earn status is through IHG credit cards. All three of IHG's co-branded cards offer some level of elite status, with the option to spend your way to even higher tiers. Take a look at your options:
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Get complimentary IHG Silver Elite status with membership. Spend $20,000 in a calendar year to earn Gold Elite status.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Get complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status. Spend $40,000 in a calendar year to earn Diamond Elite status.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: Get complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status. Spend $40,000 in a calendar year to earn Diamond Elite status.
Related: Which IHG One Rewards credit card is right for you?
InterContinental Ambassador
One final option for earning IHG status is to buy into the InterContinental Ambassador Program. This unique status program is only available by purchasing a 12-month membership for $200 or 40,000 points. InterContinental Ambassador program members immediately receive Platinum Elite status, which includes benefits like bonus points, discounts, late checkout, room upgrades, and welcome amenities.
In addition to the Platinum Elite benefits, InterContinental Ambassador program members also receive these valuable, exclusive benefits:
- Guaranteed one-category room upgrade
- Guaranteed extended 4 p.m. checkout
- Complimentary weekend night*
- Restaurants & bars credit of up to $20 for every stay*
- Complimentary mineral water
- Complimentary premium internet access
- Dedicated check-in area
- Single room rate for double occupancy
- Mainland China only: complimentary breakfast for the member each night of stay
*See terms and conditions for use
Final Thoughts
If you don't already have Platinum Elite status with IHG One Rewards and you'd like to change that, you have options. If you catch it right, you can join a fast-track promotion for a quick upgrade. Otherwise, since IHG status matching is not an ongoing option, you can open a new IHG card or join the InterContinental Ambassador program. No matter what you choose, you're bound to find something that works for you to get IHG status quickly.
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