Chase IHG 70,000 Offer (+5,000 For Authorized User) – Why You Shouldn’t Apply

The Offer

Direct link to offer

• Receive a sign up bonus of 70,000 IHG points on the Chase IHG card after you spend $2,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Receive an additional 5,000 IHG points when you add an authorized user and they make their first purchase

Card Details

• Annual fee of $49, waived first year
• Free night certificate on your card member anniversary, can be used at any IHG property
• 10% rebate on all points that are redeemed (maximum of 100,000 per year)
• Platinum Elite status for as long as you’re a card member
• Card earns at the following rates:
  • 5x points at IHG properties
  • 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores & restaurants
  • 1x points on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Our Verdict

There are three reasons I don’t think this card is worth applying for:

1. Some people will be targeted for a 80,000 point (after $1,000 in spend) + $50 statement credit offer. Log into your account click this link and then click apply to see if you’re eligible.
2. Up until very recently it was possible to directly apply for an 80,000 point bonus after only $1,000 in spend by phone
3. People have also been able to apply for a 60,000 + $50 bonus after only $1,000 in spend and then get matched to a 80,000 offer (although you won’t get the $50 statement credit).

I’m not sure if #3 will still work now that this new offer has been released. But I’d say it probably does, it’s only a bit better than this current offer (extra 5,000 points and $1,000 less in spend) so this new offer isn’t the worst in the world and given that 5/24 Chase rule should start applying to co-branded cards soon it might be worth it for some.

Before you apply, make sure you’re aware of these things you should know about Chase credit cards. Also let me know if you were able to successfully get matched to the 80,000 offer after this newer offer was released.

Hat tip to Frequent Miler.