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IHG Hotels & Resorts has one of the largest global footprints, with more than 6,000 properties across 20 brands. That means you’ll find everything from affordable roadside stays at Holiday Inn Express to high-end wellness retreats at Six Senses.
If you’re staying with IHG more than a couple of times a year, it’s worth looking into
The good news: you don’t have to spend 70+ nights in hotels to get there. Several
Here’s how you can use credit cards to put IHG elite benefits within reach.
Page Contents
What Is IHG Elite Status?
In the IHG One Rewards program, there are four tiers of IHG elite status:
- Club member: free to sign up
- Silver Elite: 10 nights
- Gold Elite: 20 nights or 40,000 points
- Platinum Elite: 40 nights or 60,000 points
- Diamond Elite: 70 nights or 120,000 points
Club members (those without elite status but part of IHG One Rewards) receive perks such as complimentary internet and late checkout, subject to availability. As you earn elite status, you get additional perks. For instance, Silver Elite members earn 20% bonus points on stays, and their points never expire.
Gold Elite members earn more bonus points, Hertz Five Star Status, and an IHG Milestone
Which Credit Cards Offer a Spending Path to IHG Diamond Elite Status?
IHG Diamond comes with some of the best benefits, so if you’re serious about staying loyal to IHG, it’s worth aiming for. Traditionally, you’d need 70 nights a year at IHG hotels to qualify for Diamond Elite status. That’s nearly a week each month in a hotel, which isn’t realistic for everyone. Fortunately, you can also earn IHG Diamond Elite status through credit card spending.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees) has a $150 annual fee, but it comes with numerous perks that make it worthwhile.
Cardholders receive automatic IHG Gold Elite status. You'll receive 40% points for reward nights, free internet, and late check-out (both subject to availability). Cardholders also receive perks like an anniversary free night valued up to 50,000 points, and the opportunity to earn 15,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases each calendar year.
Plus, if you spend $40,000 in a calendar year, you'll receive Diamond Elite status through December 31 of the following year. That means to hit this threshold, you'd need to spend an average of $3,350 on your card each month to achieve Diamond Elite status.
- Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 180,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn up to 24X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5X points on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, at gas stations, grocery stores (new!) and restaurants. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
- NEW! Enjoy up to $100 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- This card offers over $700 in value your first year!
- Automatic Gold Elite Status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier cardmember. Plus, get 15 Elite Night Credits each year (new!).
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Kimpton®, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza®, EVEN® Hotels, & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- Earn up to 24X points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- 5X points per $1 spent on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Card member
- Earn up to 4X points from IHG® with Gold Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG®
loyalty program
IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (Rates & Fees) has a $350 annual fee and comes with automatic IHG Platinum Elite status.
That means you'll earn 60% bonus points on qualifying stays and receive complimentary room upgrades and early check-in, subject to availability. Cardholders also receive an anniversary free night worth up to 60,000 points, with the option to add points for a more expensive stay. Spending $15,000 on purchases each calendar year earns another 20,000 bonus points and five elite night credits.
Plus, spending $25,000 on purchases in a calendar year earns Diamond Elite status through December 31 of the following year. That's an average of about $2,084 per month, a lower spending threshold than the Premier card's $40,000 requirement.
- Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 200,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy up to $300 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- This card offers over $1,000 in value your first year!
- Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
- Earn up to 28X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 6X points on dining and all other travel, including rideshare. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards Premier Select cardmember. Plus, get 20 Elite Night Credits each year.
- Earn 2 Elite Night Credits for every $5,000 you spend on your card.
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Kimpton®, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza®, EVEN® Hotels, & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- Earn up to 28 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 6X points per $1 spent on dining and all other travel, including rideshare
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 12X points for being an IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card member
- Earn up to 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
Similar to the personal IHG Premier card, the IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees) grants cardholders automatic Platinum Elite status. It delivers most of the same benefits, like an anniversary free night valued at up to 50,000 points, fourth night free on award stays, and 20,000 bonus points after you spend $25,000 on purchases each calendar year.
Like on the personal card, you'll earn Diamond Elite status through December 31 of the following year by spending $50,000 in a calendar year. For small businesses that frequently travel for work, the IHG Business Card can be an excellent option.
- Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 190,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn up to 26X total points on stays at IHG Hotels and Resorts.
- Earn 5X points on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, select advertising, at gas stations and restaurants. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Get an Anniversary Free Night each year. Plus, redeem 3 nights, get 4th night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
- NEW! Enjoy up to $100 in Food & Beverage Rewards annually at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- NEW! A $100 Airline Statement Credit each year when you spend at least $250 on flights purchased directly with the airline.
- This card offers over $750 in value your first year!
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Business cardmember. Plus, enjoy 15 Elite Night Credits annually (new!).
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Kimpton®, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza®, EVEN® Hotels, & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- Earn up to 26X total points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 5X points per $1 spent on flights booked directly, car rental agencies, select advertising, gas stations, and restaurants
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for charging your stay to your IHG Business Card
- Earn up to 6X bonus points for having IHG®Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn up to 10X base points for being an IHG® One Rewards Member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The newly revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees) now offers cardholders automatic IHG Platinum Elite status through December 31, 2027. Then, you can unlock IHG Diamond Elite status through the following calendar year by spending $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.
While this spending threshold may not be attainable for everyone, it is a great way to earn IHG Diamond Elite status while also earning rewards that can be transferred to several hotel and airline partners.
In exchange for a $795 annual fee, you'll also receive up to a $300 flexible travel credit, up to $300 dining credit, up to $300 in StubHub credits, a DoorDash DashPass membership, and more.
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases.
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Get up to $150 in statement credits from January through June and again from July through December for a maximum of $300 annually when you dine at restaurants part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $324 annually.
- Member FDIC
- 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3x points on dining worldwide
- 1x points on all other purchases
Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
The Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (Rates & Fees) charges a $795 annual fee, but blends personal and business benefits to create a solid business credit card.
For instance, you'll receive up to $200 in statement credits each year on Google Workspace purchases, up to $400 annually in ZipRecruiter credits, and up to $100 each year in gift card credits. These credits are in addition to the $300 annual travel credit and DashPass membership.
Just like the personal version, you'll receive complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status through December 31, 2027. However, if you want to pay your way to Diamond Elite, you'll need to spend $120,000 in a calendar year to receive status through the following calendar year.
- Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first 6 months from account opening.
- $7,000+ in value your first year. 200K points, valued at $4,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $3,000+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
- Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
- Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
- Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising on up to $1 million in spend each anniversary year, starting 11/15/26.
- Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
- Member FDIC
- 8X points on all Chase Travel℠ purchases
- 5X total points on eligible Lyft rides through 9/30/2027
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media platforms and search engines*
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Other Cards That Offer IHG Elite Status
IHG One Rewards Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Credit Card (Rates & Fees) is the no-annual-fee IHG card offered by Chase. It grants cardholders automatic Silver Elite status and a path to Gold Elite. Each calendar year you spend $15,000 or more on your card, you'll qualify for Gold Elite through December 31 of the following year.
You also receive benefits like a fourth night free on award stays and 10,000 bonus points once you spend $15,000 each calendar year. For a no-annual-fee card, it's a great deal. Unfortunately, you're limited to reaching Gold Elite through credit card spend alone, so you'll need to stay at IHG properties several times throughout the year to reach Diamond Elite status.
- Limited Time Launch Offer! Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Earn up to 17X total points on stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 3X points on dining, at grocery stores (new!) and gas stations. Earn 2X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Automatic Silver Elite status as long as you remain an IHG One Rewards cardmember. Plus, enjoy 5 Elite Night Credits annually (new!).
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Kimpton®, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza®, EVEN® Hotels, & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- Earn up to 17X points spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- 3X points per $1 spent on dining, at grocery stores, and gas stations
- 2X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 5X points for being a IHG One Rewards Card member
- Earn up to 2X points from IHG® with Silver Elite Status, a benefit of this Card
- Earn up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® Rewards Club Member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
United Club℠ Card
The United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees) holders receive automatic Platinum Elite status.
Although you pay a $695 annual fee, you get a suite of statement credits, including up to $150 on rideshare purchases, up to $240 in Instacart credits, up to $200 on JSX purchases, up to $200 on prepaid bookings with Renowned Hotels and Resorts, and up to $100 in United travel credits for Avis or Budget car purchases.
Cardholders also receive numerous benefits when flying United, including a United Club membership, complimentary first and second checked bags, and Premier Access travel services. Unfortunately, you can't spend your way to IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status, but Platinum Elite still provides plenty of benefits for frequent guests.
- Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles
- 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United® purchases
- 2x miles on dining and all other travel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- Unlimited United Club℠ access for you and a guest - a $750+ value per year
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services.
- Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
- Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
- Member FDIC
- Earn at least 11X total miles on eligible United flights (excluding Basic Economy and other base fares)*
- 5X miles on hotel stays at Renowned Hotels and Resorts
- 5X miles on eligible United purchases
- 2X miles on dining and all other travel
- 1X on all other purchases
- 6X miles on the primary cardmember’s fare from United as a MileagePlus member
- 5X miles on entire United purchases with the United Club℠ Card
Is IHG Elite Status Worth It?
IHG Silver and Gold Elite status offer minimal benefits. You likely aren't working your way toward these two tiers, and that's okay. However, you can receive some substantial perks once you reach Platinum and Diamond Elite status. For those who frequently stay at IHG properties, complimentary upgrades, a welcome amenity, and early check-in can seriously enhance your stay.
The most affordable way to pay for IHG Diamond Elite status is through the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Card. With a $350 annual fee, you can spend $25,000 on the card throughout the year and receive Diamond Elite status.
Plus, it's a great card to use in your day-to-day anyway, as it earns five points per dollar on travel, dining, and gas purchases, and three points per dollar on all other purchases. You can easily earn a significant amount of points while also working your way toward status.
The Sapphire Reserve also gives you a path toward Diamond Elite status, albeit at a much higher annual fee and spending threshold. If you think you can spend enough to earn Diamond Elite status, it may be worthwhile to hold a card that earns a transferable point currency.
Related: 10 Reasons Six Senses Laamu Is (Still) My Favorite Resort in the World
Final Thoughts
Unlike some other hotel
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (Rates & Fees), IHG One Rewards Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees)
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