Is the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card Right for Me?

Reyna GobelMar 8, 2019
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When you’re trying to decide which travel rewards credit card to get, ask yourself some questions. Should you go for an airline or hotel-branded card? Or would you prefer a credit card that offers you options across brands and booking sites?

Even when you narrow it down to just hotel-branded credit cards, the options can feel overwhelming.

If you’re considering the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, think about how frequently you stay at IHG hotels and whether you can afford the minimum spend to earn the sign-up bonus. Here's what else to factor in before signing up.

1. How often do you stay in IHG hotels?

If you tend to book IHG hotels when you travel, getting this credit card is an easy decision. You’ll earn 25 total points per $1 spent on stays at any IHG hotel. That includes Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton Hotels, Hotel Indigo and more. (That includes both points earned from the card and from the hotel stay itself.)

2. Can you afford the annual fee?

This card will cost you $0 intro for the first year, then $89 a year to own, which is a relatively low annual fee compared to some of the premium travel rewards cards out there, such as the $550 a year Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Even if you can afford it, you may not think the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is worth the $0 intro for the first year, then $89 fee. If that’s the case, check out a travel rewards card with no annual fee.

» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you

3. Can you afford the minimum spend for the sign-up bonus?

As a new IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card holder, you'll have the following welcome offer: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

You know your spending habits and needs best. This card rewards you for everyday purchases: Cardholders earn 2X points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Spending $3,000 on items you would buy anyway to earn you points could pay for your next hotel stay, but just be sure you’re able to pay off your card.

4. Do you want elite status?

The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card offers Platinum Elite status in the IHG Rewards Club, a level normally earned by staying 40 qualifying nights or earning 40,000 points annually. You’ll get perks such as complimentary room upgrades, early check-in and check out, a welcome gift and a dedicated customer service line.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2021, including those best for:

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: NerdWallet’s top travel credit cards Travel loyalty program reviews Here's how much your points and miles are worth