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.
