{"id":147815,"date":"2026-02-27T20:10:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T20:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=147815"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:35:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:35:14","slug":"ihg-platinum-elite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/hotels\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-platinum-elite\/","title":{"rendered":"IHG Platinum Elite: Room Upgrades, Late Checkout, Award Discounts, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>While Diamond Elite sits at the top of the IHG One Rewards hierarchy, IHG Platinum Elite status arguably offers the best balance of value and accessibility. From bonus points on stays to complimentary upgrades to Milestone Rewards and more, it offers many of the benefits travelers actually use, without the heavy lift required for Diamond Elite.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, you can earn IHG Platinum Elite status relatively easily \u2014 for as little as $99 annually if you carry one of two IHG co-branded credit cards.<\/p>\n<p>Here's everything you need to know about how to earn IHG Platinum Elite status &#8212; and the benefits of doing so.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#IHG_Platinum_Elite_Benefits\">IHG Platinum Elite Benefits<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Bonus_points\">Bonus points<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Complimentary_space-available_upgrades\">Complimentary space-available upgrades<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Welcome_amenity\">Welcome amenity<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Rollover_nights\">Rollover nights<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Milestone_Rewards\">Milestone Rewards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Reward_night_discounts\">Reward night discounts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Guaranteed_room_availability\">Guaranteed room availability<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Early_check-in_late_checkout\">Early check-in, late checkout<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Additional_benefits\">Additional benefits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_To_Earn_IHG_Platinum_Elite\">How To Earn IHG Platinum Elite<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Earning_IHG_Platinum_Elite_through_stays\">Earning IHG Platinum Elite through stays<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Get_IHG_Platinum_Elite_through_credit_cards\">Get IHG Platinum Elite through credit cards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Is_It_Worth_Earning_IHG_Platinum_Elite_Status\">Is It Worth Earning IHG Platinum Elite Status?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"IHG_Platinum_Elite_Benefits\">IHG Platinum Elite Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With a lengthy list of benefits, you'll quickly see why <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/ihg-one-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">IHG One Rewards<\/a> Platinum Elite is the brand's status sweet spot. Status holders can take advantage of several valuable benefits.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Bonus_points\">Bonus points<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Platinum Elite members bank 60% bonus points on all eligible IHG stays. You'll earn these points on top of the 10 base points per dollar spent at IHG &#8212; meaning you'll earn 16 redeemable IHG points per dollar spent at IHG hotels.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Complimentary_space-available_upgrades\">Complimentary space-available upgrades<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When availability allows, IHG offers complimentary room upgrades to Platinum members, including upgrades to standard suites. In my experience, this often means being moved to a more desirable room, such as one with a better view.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_249097\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/452\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-249097 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Intercontinental-Athens-view-of-Acropolis-from-club-lounge-750x565.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing the view of the Acropolis from the Intercontinental Athens club lounge\" width=\"600\" height=\"452\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Intercontinental-Athens-view-of-Acropolis-from-club-lounge-750x565.jpg 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Intercontinental-Athens-view-of-Acropolis-from-club-lounge-900x677.jpg 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Intercontinental-Athens-view-of-Acropolis-from-club-lounge-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Intercontinental-Athens-view-of-Acropolis-from-club-lounge-276x207.jpg 276w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Intercontinental-Athens-view-of-Acropolis-from-club-lounge.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Photo from the InterContinental Athens by JT Genter \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Welcome_amenity\">Welcome amenity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Platinum Elites can enjoy a complimentary drink, snack, or bonus points at participating properties as a welcome gift. These vary by property brand. Kimptons, for example, are known for their &#8220;raid the bar&#8221; option.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Rollover_nights\">Rollover nights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Qualifying paid and reward nights earned above the Platinum Elite threshold will count towards next year's status qualification.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Milestone_Rewards\">Milestone Rewards<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Starting at 20 qualifying nights and every 10 nights after that, IHG members earn a choice of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/hotels\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-milestone-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">IHG Milestone Rewards<\/a>. Depending on the milestone, the options might include bonus points, an annual lounge membership, a confirmable suite upgrade, and more.<\/p>\n<p><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/412\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-213784 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Select-IHG-Milestone-Reward-300x165.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the IHG Milestone Rewards options to select at 40 nights\" width=\"750\" height=\"412\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Select-IHG-Milestone-Reward-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Select-IHG-Milestone-Reward-1024x563.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Select-IHG-Milestone-Reward-768x422.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Select-IHG-Milestone-Reward-1536x844.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Select-IHG-Milestone-Reward.png 1598w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Reward_night_discounts\">Reward night discounts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Throughout the year, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-reward-night-discount\/\" rel=\"noopener\">IHG periodically offers reward night discounts<\/a> to IHG Platinum members. When these promotions come around, you could save, on average, between 15% and 20% on the points cost of a redemption. Depending on the property you redeem One Rewards points for, the savings can be substantial.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Guaranteed_room_availability\">Guaranteed room availability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you reserve a room at least 72 hours in advance of arrival, IHG will guarantee you room availability. Unfortunately, you may pay a lot for this privilege if close-in nightly rates are high.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Early_check-in_late_checkout\">Early check-in, late checkout<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>IHG One Rewards Platinum members can enjoy early check-in and a 2 p.m. late checkout \u2014 subject to availability.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Additional_benefits\">Additional benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Alongside the above, Platinum Elite members can also enjoy the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/ihg-one-rewards\/do-ihg-points-expire\/\" rel=\"noopener\">IHG One Rewards points won't expire<\/a><\/li>\n<li>No blackout dates for reward nights<\/li>\n<li>Exclusive member rates<\/li>\n<li>Complimentary internet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"How_To_Earn_IHG_Platinum_Elite\">How To Earn IHG Platinum Elite<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>IHG One Rewards Platinum status stands out not just for its benefits, but for how attainable it is. Travelers can earn it through qualifying activity or receive it automatically by holding an IHG co-branded credit card that includes complimentary status.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Earning_IHG_Platinum_Elite_through_stays\">Earning IHG Platinum Elite through stays<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most traditional path to IHG Platinum Elite status is by hitting the road. To achieve Platinum, you'll need to spend 40 nights at an IHG property in a calendar year. The good news: Award nights count as a qualifying night.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_126049\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-126049 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/InterContinental-San-Diego-featured.png\" alt=\"sunset behind the InterContinental San Diego\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/InterContinental-San-Diego-featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/InterContinental-San-Diego-featured-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/InterContinental-San-Diego-featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/InterContinental-San-Diego-featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>InterContinental San Diego. Credit: IHG<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Alternatively, you can achieve Platinum Elite by earning 60,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. IHG members earn 10 qualifying base points per dollar spent at most IHG brands and five points per dollar spent on stays at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.<\/p>\n<p>At a minimum, Platinum Elite is attainable after spending $6,000 on IHG stays if you take the points route. However, you can also earn qualifying points in a handful of other ways to speed up the status-earning process. Some examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/ihg-one-rewards\/buy-elite-qualifying-points\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Buying qualifying points while making an IHG reservation<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Earning points through <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ihg.com\/onerewards\/content\/us\/en\/business-rewards\/earn\" rel=\"noopener\">IHG's Business Rewards program<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Spending on IHG credit cards from the U.K. and China<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Get_IHG_Platinum_Elite_through_credit_cards\">Get IHG Platinum Elite through credit cards<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Presently, two IHG One Rewards credit cards offer complimentary Platinum Elite status as a perk. Even better, there's no spending requirement to pick up Platinum Elite. The status is yours as long as you pay the annual fee and keep your account open.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For consumers, the $99-annual-fee <a data-ccid=\"4048106\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-premier-card\/\">IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card<\/a> is the key to unlocking instant Platinum Elite status without ever stepping foot in an IHG property. To learn more about the slew of benefits on this card, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-premier-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">check out our full IHG One Rewards Premier Card review<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Small business owners can also enjoy Platinum Elite status, courtesy of the <a data-ccid=\"4048281\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-business-credit-card\/\">IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card<\/a>. This card also carries a $99 annual fee and offers IHG loyalists numerous perks. To learn more, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-business-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">check out our full review of the IHG Business Card<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">Plus, both cards offer an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-free-night-certificate\/\" rel=\"noopener\">anniversary free night certificate<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\">the IHG Fourth Night Free benefit<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-2 compare-p-chase\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/cardart-ihgonerewardspremiercreditcard.png\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Limited-Time Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn up to 185,000 bonus points \u2013 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, plus 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card' data-ccid=\"4048106\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/IHGRewardsClubPremierCreditCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$99<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048106\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005138&type=3&u1=0daf33c30e1fc44206dafb2fa00da117&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<br>\r\nThe earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn up to 6X points from IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn up to 10X points from IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> for being an IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> loyalty program)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/666d3f9d-299a-4dc1-b06a-3ff9099967ea.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card\"\/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card' data-ccid=\"4048281\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/IHGRewardsPremierBusinessMastercard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$99<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048281\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005140&type=3&u1=c4e53120728508ec18e45a8ba807ec42&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Good, Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn up to 26X total points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points per $1 spent on travel, dining, social media search engine advertising, and at office supply stores and gas stations<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<br>\r\nThe earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Earn 10X points for charging your stay to your IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn up to 6X bonus points for having IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn up to 10X base points for being an IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> One Rewards Member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> loyalty program)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>More recently, Chase has added Platinum Elite status as a benefit of its Sapphire Reserve-branded cards. Both the <a data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/sapphire-reserve\/\">Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> and <a data-ccid=\"5048384\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-sapphire-reserve-business\/\">Sapphire Reserve for Business\u2120<\/a> offer complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status through December 31, 2027 &#8212; along with a slew of other benefits.<\/p>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-2 compare-p-chase\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/565192b2-c5cc-4edc-89ae-b8bba7a63750.png\" width=\"150\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphireReserve\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$795<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048084\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1975477.10005148&type=3&subid=092a061424d9857a760f0936f8717a882&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--6\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel\u2120<\/li>\r\n<li>4x points on flights and hotels booked directly<\/li>\r\n<li>3x points on dining worldwide<\/li>\r\n<li>1x points on all other purchases<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/42f36a84-370d-4140-94a9-87f97a0dde86.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Sapphire Reserve for Business\u2120\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Sapphire Reserve for Business\u2120<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening and access more than $6,000 in total business and travel value in your first year.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Sapphire Reserve for Business\u2120' data-ccid=\"5048384\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/ChaseSapphireReserveBusiness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$795<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"5048384\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1833067.10005328&type=3&u1=82aa90881d01ce356fdef37972e988bb&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>8X points on all Chase Travel\u2120 purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>5X total points on eligible Lyft rides through 9\/30\/2027<\/li>\r\n<li>4x points on flights and hotels booked directly<\/li>\r\n<li>3x points on advertising purchases made with social media platforms and search engines<\/li>\r\n<li>1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>You can also enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status by carrying the <a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-club-infinite-card\/\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/a>. If you're a United frequent flyer, there's more utility to the $695-annual-fee card than just United Club access. All that is required is a simple registration.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4048196\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/450a0407-44c5-45f1-a335-068eefc6cb45.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"United Club\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United Club\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedClubInfinite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005115&type=3&u1=41b305015ffb958e18f023779635f2b4&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after qualifying activities <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after qualifying activities <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$695<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The United Club is the top-tier United co-brand card, and offers some great perks like United Club\u2120 membership, priority check-in, security screening (where available), boarding and baggage handling privileges. If your not an elite, holding this card means you'll be treated like one of United's most loyal and valuable customers. If you already hold MileagePlus Premier status, the card also grants access to Complementary Premier Upgrades on United flights.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP<\/li><li>NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United&#xAE; purchases<\/li><li>2x miles on dining and all other travel<\/li><li>1x mile on all other purchases<\/li><li>United Club&#x2120; card membership - at least a $750 value<\/li><li>Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access&#xAE; travel services.<\/li><li>Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually<\/li><li>NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5 miles per $1 spent on United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases*<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining<\/li>\r\n<li> Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*11X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/UnitedInfinite\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-89dddd134#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Is_It_Worth_Earning_IHG_Platinum_Elite_Status\">Is It Worth Earning IHG Platinum Elite Status?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you find yourself staying at IHG properties a few times a year, IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status can add value without requiring intense brand loyalty. You\u2019ll earn bonus points on every paid stay, unlock Milestone Rewards as you accumulate nights, and occasionally benefit from redemption discounts that make your points go further.<\/p>\n<p>However, Platinum Elite is comparatively weak compared to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/marriott-bonvoy\/marriott-platinum-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott Platinum Elite<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/hilton-honors\/hilton-gold-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Hilton Honors Gold<\/a> \u2014 two other mid-tier hotel elite status sweet spots &#8212; for a few reasons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>IHG Platinum Elites don't get free breakfast.<\/li>\n<li>IHG doesn't offer guaranteed late checkout to any elites.<\/li>\n<li>Complimentary upgrades can be hit or miss compared to Marriott and Hilton.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_245079\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/537\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-245079 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Kimpton-Seafire-Sunset.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of the Kimpton Seafire's pool and beach from a balcony at sunset.\" width=\"600\" height=\"537\" \/><center><em>The Kimpton Seafire's pool at sunset. Photo Credit: Brie Bash; AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>But, keep in mind how easy it is to get IHG Platinum Elite.\u00a0For just $99 annually, the status is yours to keep if you carry an IHG credit card that offers Platinum as a perk.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you're planning to earn the status through stays alone, you'd probably be better off paying for <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/ihg-one-rewards\/ihg-ambassador\/\" rel=\"noopener\">IHG Ambassador status<\/a>. For $225 per year, you can bank Platinum Elite status, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkouts, a complimentary weekend night, a restaurant and bar credit of $20 per stay, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, deciding whether it's right to pursue Platinum Elite is primarily a function of what perks you're after. If you want heavy perks with IHG, you'll need to set your sights on Diamond Elite or pay up for Ambassador status. But if you don't need much by way of perks, Platinum Elite might be sufficient.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For many travelers, IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status offers a solid return for relatively little effort. Bonus points, occasional upgrades, and Milestone Rewards can make stays more rewarding without requiring heavy brand loyalty or constant travel. For casual to moderate IHG guests, Platinum Elite may be all the status you need.<\/p>\n<p>If consistent upgrades, late checkout, or complimentary breakfast are priorities, Platinum Elite will likely feel limiting. In that case, earning IHG Diamond Elite status or opting into IHG Ambassador status may provide a better fit. The right choice ultimately depends on how often you stay with IHG and which benefits matter most to you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4048106\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/cardart-ihgonerewardspremiercreditcard.png\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card' data-ccid=\"4048106\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/IHGRewardsClubPremierCreditCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048106\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005138&type=3&u1=0daf33c30e1fc44206dafb2fa00da117&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited-Time Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn up to 185,000 bonus points \u2013 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, plus 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited-Time Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn up to 185,000 bonus points \u2013 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, plus 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$99<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is packed with benefits for IHG fans, and we rate it one of the best co-brand hotel cards you can have in your wallet. Cardholders earn up to 26X points per $1 at IHG properties (including points multipliers from your elite status), 5X points on travel, dining, and at gas stations, and 3X points on all other purchases. An attractive feature is the automatic upgrade to Platinum Elite status, enhancing your hotel stay experience. The card also offers a valuable Anniversary Free Night each year, and a fourth Reward Night free when redeeming points for a stay of four or more nights. Additional perks include a 20% discount on point purchases, no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel and purchase protections, and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every four years.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Limited Time Offer! Earn up to 185,000 bonus points. Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.<\/li><li>Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG&#xAE; Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.<\/li><li>Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts<\/li><li>Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li><li>Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember<\/li><li>Global Entry, TSA PreCheck&#xAE; or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card<\/li><li>IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental&#xAE;, Crowne Plaza&#xAE;, Kimpton&#xAE;, EVEN&#xAE; Hotels, Hotel Indigo&#xAE; & Holiday Inn&#xAE;<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<br>\r\nThe earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn up to 6X points from IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn up to 10X points from IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> for being an IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> loyalty program)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/IHGPremier\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-5-89dddd134#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While Diamond Elite sits at the top of the IHG One Rewards hierarchy, Platinum Elite status often offers the best balance of value and accessibility.\u00a0 From bonus points on stays to complimentary upgrades to Milestone Rewards and more,\u00a0it offers many of the benefits travelers actually use. Moreover, you can earn it relatively easily. Here&#8217;s everything you need to know about IHG Platinum Elite status.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":116872,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12068],"tags":[12622,12700],"coauthors":[36432,36466],"class_list":["post-147815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-award-programs","tag-elite-status","tag-ihg-one-rewards"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=147815"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":257487,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/147815\/revisions\/257487"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=147815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=147815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=147815"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=147815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}