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For travelers who frequent Holiday Inn, InterContinental, or Kimpton properties, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card remains a staple for building points without the burden of an annual fee. While the card is well-known for its consistent value, a new limited-time offer running from Jan. 22, 2026, through March 18, 2026, introduces a unique structure for new cardholders to boost their balances.
A new way to earn: The spend accelerator
This latest offer introduces a “spend accelerator” component—a first for this card’s bonus structure. Instead of a single flat points drop, new cardholders can earn up to 120,000 bonus points through two distinct phases:
- The initial milestone: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- The accelerator: Earn up to 30,000 additional bonus points by earning an extra 3X points on purchases (except at IHG Hotels & Resorts) in the first six months, on up to $10,000 in spend.
By combining these two tiers, loyalists can accumulate a significant cache of points that can be redeemed across IHG’s global portfolio of over 6,000 destinations.
How far can 120,000 points take you?
While the bonus offer is significant, the true value lies in how those points translate to stays. Depending on your travel style, 120,000 points can cover:
- Luxury getaways: Up to two nights at high-end properties like Kimpton or InterContinental in major cities.
- Road trip staples: Several nights at Holiday Inn Express or Staybridge Suites properties, which often range from 15,000 to 30,000 points per night.
- Extended vacations: When paired with the “Fourth Night Free” benefit, this bonus can easily stretch to cover a five-night stay at many mid-tier locations.
Core benefits for the frequent traveler
Beyond the introductory offer, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is designed to reward everyday spending and enhance the guest experience:
- Exceptional stay rewards: Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts. This includes 5X points from the card, 10X points as an IHG One Rewards member, and 2X points from the automatic Silver Elite status that comes with the card.
- Everyday multipliers: Earn 3X points on dining, utilities, streaming services, and at gas stations, plus 2X points on all other purchases.
- The “fourth night free” perk: When you redeem points for a consecutive four-night stay, the fourth night is free. This benefit alone can significantly increase the “cents-per-point” value of your rewards.
- No annual fee: You can maintain the card long-term to preserve your points and status without any recurring yearly cost.
- No foreign transaction fees: An essential feature for international travelers looking to avoid extra costs while abroad.
Maximizing the “fourth night free” benefit
One of the most powerful features of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is the ability to redeem points for three nights and receive the fourth night free. This isn’t a one-time perk; it applies every time you book a stay of four or more consecutive nights using points. For frequent travelers, this effectively increases the value of every point earned via the new spend accelerator by 25% on qualifying stays.
Elite status and upgrades
While the card already comes with automatic Silver Elite status, those looking to climb the ranks further have a clear path to Gold Elite status. By spending $20,000 on the card in a calendar year, you can secure Gold status through December 31st of the following year. Additionally, cardholders receive a 20% discount when purchasing points, making it even easier to top off your account for a specific redemption
Is the Traveler Card right for you?
This card is specifically tailored for those who want to maximize their IHG One Rewards membership without paying an annual fee. While it offers a lower base earning rate than the Premier version, the addition of the Silver Elite status ensures you earn a 20% bonus on top of base points for every stay. The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card serves as an excellent entry point for travelers who want to start building a points balance while enjoying essential protections like no foreign transaction fees.
