Underrated Credit Cards: Chase IHG

This post is part of my series “underrated credit cards” where I try to shine some light on cards that do not get enough attention in the blogosphere. Today’s post is on the Chase IHG credit card. Below are some posts in this series, after a hiatus I plan to post one underrated card per week. Keep in mind this site has no credit card affiliate links, feel free to make suggestions on other underrated cards in the comments on via twitter.

When it comes to budget stays, the Chase IHG credit card is probably one of my favorites. The public bonus is 60,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months. This is not a bad bonus, but more points is always better. Thankfully there is another link that you can use where you actually get 80,000 points. This 80k point bonus is not mentioned on the offer page, but hundreds if not thousands have reported getting it (myself included). Below is why I like this card:

  • 80,000 point bonus. This is enough for 16 free nights if you stay at one of the points break hotels, in reality you’re unlikely to do this as they are usually at out of the way locations. You should still be able to find enough
  • 10% rebate on IHG redemption’s. For example, let’s say I redeem all 80,000 points for free nights at IHG properties. I’ll then receive a rebate of 8,000 points.
  • Annual fee of $49 is waived for the first year
  • You receive an annual free night certificate each card anniversary. This is valid for 12 months. If you and your spouse both have this card then you can effectively get a weekend away at any IHG property for $98. This makes the card worth keeping after the first year, which will help your AAoA and thus your FICO score.

You also get 5 points per dollar at IHG properties and 2 points per dollar on gas, grocery and restaurant purchases. I think there are much better options out there (apart from maybe the 5 points at IHG). Platinum elite status is also included for however long you have the card (although this doesn’t do much).

How I Use My Points?

I typically use my points for stays at airport hotels. I can usually get good value at around the 1¢ per point range, you can view the full list of airport hotels by clicking here. Whenever possible I also try to take advantage of point breaks hotels, although I’ve found that particular promotion to be declining in recent times. Stays at typically expensive cities (think New York, London, Moscow) can also be good value, although I’ve found availability to be a bit limited.

If you need more free points, then please click here.

Why I Like This Card

I like this card because IHG properties are usually cheaper (both in terms of points and cash) than other hotel chains. The 80,000 point bonus is also a hefty amount of points, the annual free night certificate is also good value for only $49/yr. I think it’s the best hotel credit card for budget stays.

Do you have another hotel credit card that you prefer? If so, why?

 

 

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

3 Comments
newest
oldest most voted

David
David (@guest_272660)
July 3, 2016 22:35

Two questions: First, is there any good chart out there that will show me redemptions for IHG points? Second, is the free night redeemable for the premium properties like Hotel Indigo? Thanks!

Rapid Travel Chai
Rapid Travel Chai (@guest_34873)
October 27, 2014 12:47

By far my favorite hotel credit card and the best to keep long-term. I tell people to get this as their first Chase card to start the clock ticking on annual certs. Combined with aspects of IHG like Points Breaks it is tremendous value, especially since so many overseas non-Intercontinental properties do a lot for IHG Platinums.