Earlier we posted that the Chase IHG card was possibly being discontinued and replaced by two new cards. Looks like we now have the details regarding the new IHG Rewards Club Premier Card, there was a screenshot originally shared on Award Travel 101 I believe (I saw it on Straight To The Points).
Here’s what you need to know:
- Sign up bonus of 80,000 points, an additional 5,000 points for adding an authorized user
- Annual fee of $89
- Earn an additional 10,000 points after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each account anniversary year
- Anniversary free night
- Card earns at the following rates:
- 10 points per $1 spent at IHG
- 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 20% discount when you purchase points with your card
- Fourth Reward night free when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Automatic Platinum Status as long as you remain a card member
- No foreign transaction fees
The current card comes with a $49 annual fee, but doesn’t have the following benefits:
- Earn an additional 10,000 points after you spend $20,000 on purchases and make one additional purchase each account anniversary year
- Earns 5x instead of 10x at IHG
- 20% discount when you purchase points with your card
- Fourth Reward night free when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
I guess the major benefit increase for most people will be the fourth award night free, but that will depend on how often you stay at the same property four nights in a row. Discount on purchasing points might be interesting when they have sales as well. The new card also says the free night certificate is good at any eligible hotel worldwide. Seems like it might be restricted unfortunately. Another feature that is missing is the 10% back on points redemption. I’d definitely prefer that than the fourth night free benefit but again it depends on your booking patterns.
Hi I have a question, If I have the old version and want this new one do I still use my current IHG Rewards number when applying? Thank you
I just got the 80,000 bonus point offer in my email that made me take pause…
Does this count toward the 5/24 rule?
Is there a way to redeem for cash back or statement credit?
Does the bonus get scarffed back if you close within 12 months?
Any successful DPs for getting both old IHG and the new IHG Premier bonuses? I have the old IHG and looking to apply for the Premier as another keeper.
I’ve been a cardholder of the “old” Chase IHG Select Rewards card for years. In looking at the benefits surrounding the newer “Premier” card, and changes to the overall IHG Rewards program, quite frankly I’m just not all that impressed. Over the last few years, the number of 10K rewards hotel rooms have grown smaller and smaller. It seems like 15k is the new baseline. Now with new changes to the program, we have even more restrictions. So, I get the new card, my annual fee doubles, I don’t get the 10% points rebate any more and my “anniversary free nights” are only good at “eligible” properties. In order to lure more customers to accept the new card, Chase/IHG promises an 80,000 point bonus. Quite frankly, I’m so disappointed in the overall shrinking benefits of the IHG program, the new card is simply not arousing my interest. The 80k bonus is a great marketing tool for Chase, but once you gotten that you still have a crappy card with fewer benefits and a higher cost. And the likelihood of my staying four nights at any location using points is on the scale of slim to none. At this point, I’m thinking it might be time to move on to another chain and another card.
New Premier card and Traveler card
https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/ihg
Nice find 😉
I just received notice from Chase bank about changes to the “annual free night” benefit on my current IHG MasterCard. Beginning May 1, 2018, the anniversary free night will only be redeemable at eligible IHG hotels with a redemption value up to and including 40,000 points. Eliminates the benefit of being able to use the free night at at “any IHG property.” Sad to lose such a great benefit. Guess that clarifies what any “eligible hotel” means.
Discussed here: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/negative-changes-to-chase-ihg-free-night-certificate-limited-to-properties-under-40000-points/
5/24 rule?
Just got mail from Chase: after May 1 free anniversary nights will be max 40k points. Anniversary nights issued before May 1remain original intent. 5x points @IHG, 2x points grocery, restaurants, gas. 1 pt all else.
Plat elite status as long as you have card, 10% back up to 100k, no foreign fees all remain.
This is for existing card holders.
I received something in the mail today from Chase regarding my IHG card going forward.
“On May 1, 2018, we’re changing the Anniversary Free Night benefit associated with your IHG Rewards Club Select Credit card.
Here’s whats changing
Currently, we award this Anniversary Free Night each year after your anniversary date, and it is redeemable at any IHG property. Going forward, Anniversary Free Nights issued after May 1, 2018, will be redeemable at eligible IHG hotels with a redemption value up to and including 40,000 points.
…”
I got the same letter. I don’t think I will be renewing. My anniversary free night comes in Oct. but I did a quick search for a Sat. night stay at the Venetian in Vegas in Oct. and that is already 60,000 points. Very sad as I wanted to keep this card.
I’d guess the restriction will be the same on the new cards.
I wonder if it will restricted for people who signed up with old 60k link a couple of days ago? One could argue the old language was an enticement to sign up. I kinda hope we get liberal treatment like they gave for the Fairmont going away party. Not exactly apples to apples though.
Hi Charles, will they grandfather the old IHG cardholders for the $49 annual fee? I’d hate to see this card go up to $89/yr.