How the IHG One Rewards Premier Card delivers more in 2026

Elevate every stay: How the IHG One Rewards Premier Card delivers more in 2026

Jennifer Doss
Written by
Jennifer Doss
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For IHG loyalists, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of significant rewards. From Jan. 22, 2026, through March 18, 2026, the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is offering an elevated welcome bonus that matches its premium benefits.

The signup_reward-point path to better travel

The current limited-time offer allows new cardmembers to earn signup_reward bonus miles after spending signup_bonus_spend_amount on purchases within the first three months. While this is a higher spend requirement than previous versions of the offer, the sheer volume of points provides a massive head start for your 2026 travel goals.

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IHG Premier

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Platinum status: Your key to an upgraded experience

“Elevating your stay” starts the moment you check in. As a cardmember, you receive automatic Platinum Elite status, which translates to tangible on-property benefits, including;

  • Complimentary room upgrades: Enjoy more space or better views when available.
  • Early check-in and late check-out: More flexibility to enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
  • 60% bonus on base points: Every stay earns you rewards significantly faster than standard members.

High-velocity earning

To keep your travel elevated all year long, the card offers an impressive earning structure on every purchase:

  • Up to 26x total points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • 5x points per $1 on travel, gas stations, and dining
  • 3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Making points go further in 2026

The true value of the IHG One Rewards Premier Card lies in its long-term travel perks that deliver more with every booking:

  • Fourth reward night free: When you redeem points for a four-night stay, IHG covers the fourth night entirely. This effectively stretches your signup_reward-point bonus by 25% on every four-night trip.
  • Annual anniversary night: Receive a free night certificate every year (up to 40,000 points), which can be topped off with points for stays at world-class luxury properties.
  • Airport ease: A statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS every four years ensures your journey is as smooth as your stay.

Bottom line: Is the IHG One Rewards Premier Card right for you?

While the massive signup_reward-point welcome offer is a major draw for 2026, the IHG One Rewards Premier Card is designed for long-term value. This card is an ideal choice if you fit into any of the following categories:

  • The IHG brand enthusiast: If you frequently stay at brands like Holiday Inn, Kimpton, or InterContinental, the ability to earn up to 26x total points per $1 spent on stays makes this an essential tool for your wallet.
  • The long-stay traveler: The “fourth reward night free” benefit is one of the strongest perks in the industry, effectively providing a 25% discount whenever you redeem points for a four-night stay.
  • The value-seeker: With a modest annual_fees annual fee, the card pays for itself through the annual anniversary night (worth up to 40,000 points) and a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS.
  • The upgraded experience seeker: If you want immediate VIP treatment, the automatic Platinum Elite status provides tangible benefits, such as complimentary room upgrades and a 60% bonus on base points earned during stays.

With its blend of a substantial welcome bonus and premium ongoing benefits, the IHG One Rewards Premier Card ensures that every journey you take in 2026 is a significant upgrade from the last.

author
Jennifer Doss
CardRatings Executive Editor

A credit card analyst and the managing editor of CardRatings.com, Jennifer Doss leverages over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor. A recognized finance expert, she frequently contributes her insights on credit cards to major outlets like CNBC and Fortune Magazine. Jennifer is...Read more

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The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

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