I’ve long said the card_name is a great card for families. No, the everyday spending bonus categories aren’t much to get excited about. But the card is packed with family-friendly perks and benefits.
And now is a great time to get the card. Why? New members of the card_name can bonus_miles_full by taking advantage of this promotion.
So, while I expect to get pummeled in the Comments section, let’s take a look at why I think this card is a must-have for many families.
Current Welcome Offer
As I mentioned above, the card_name currently offers bonus_miles_full.
Card Features
The card_name includes earnings, perks, and benefits such as:
- Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status
- Free anniversary night at IHG properties valued at 40,000 or fewer points. (Benefit available beginning the second year of card membership.)
- 26X total per dollar (yes) spent during IHG stays
- 5X at:
- Gas stations
- Restaurants
- 1X on all other eligible purchases
- $100 Global Entry,TSA Preè, or NEXUS application credit every four years.
- No foreign transaction fees
There is a annual_fees annual fee. But for a card offering Platinum status (which can be used to leverage status matches to other brands) and an anniversary night, that’s a pretty good deal, IMO.
Why Some People are Wary of the IHG Card
IHG and Chase used to offer an amazing product: the no-longer-available IHG Rewards Select World MasterCard. It carried a $49 annual fee. Cardholders could use their anniversary night at any IHG property in the world, regardless of how many points a room night.
But like most good things, that fantastic benefit ended.
Yet not applying for the IHG card because you “will show them!” or hope Chase knocks down the annual fee to $45 (they won’t) and uncaps the anniversary night (again, they won’t) is fairly worthless.
And the card_name is a great option for $99 a year. Here’s why:
Platinum Elite Status
card_nameholders enjoy IHG Platinum Elite status for as long as they’re cardmembers.
Complimentary IHG Platinum status from our IHG credit card scored us this great complimentary upgrade!
Platinum status includes perks such as:
- Room upgrades (when available)
- Guaranteed room availability
- Complimentary internet
- Priority check-in
- Late check-out
- Welcome amenity (usually 500 points or a free alcoholic beverage)
- $30 In-room spa credit
Another benefit of IHG Platinum status is you can match it to several more loyalty program statuses. (I matched it to Wyndham and then Caesars Diamond.)
“Complimentary” Anniversary Night
I say “complimentary” because the card’s annual fee $99. But that’s still a good price for many quality hotels priced at 40,000 points or fewer.
While you can’t redeem the anniversary night for some awesome resorts or especially chic hotels, IHG has a huge global footprint — so you won’t have much trouble finding somewhere decent to redeem your night and still come out way ahead.
Excellent for Couples
If you and your significant other each apply for the card, get approved, and meet the minimum spending requirement, you’ll have over a quarter of a million IHG points between the two of you (after reaching the spending requirements and receiving the bonus points.) That can buy you several nights at a luxury resort.
Plus, you’ll have two anniversary nights the following year. Those can give you a nice weekend away somewhere.
Great for Families
The card_name is a fantastic option for families with children (or grandchildren). Many IHG properties have pools — which we all know kids l-o-v-e.
Platinum status room upgrades are nice and give everyone a little more space. And the welcome amenity cocktail (at properties with bars) might be a nice treat for parents needing a quick refreshment 😉 .
Global Entry/TSA Pre√ Application Credit
If there’s a frequent traveler in your household, they’ll love the Global Entry/TSA Pre√ application credit ($100 every four years) for a new membership or renewal.
Final Approach
Good value and the Platinum status are some of the reasons both my wife and I have the card_name. Plus, the bonus point offer can get your family a nice vacation somewhere special.
— Chris
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Wyndham is not offering status matches.
I know. I took advantage before they suspended status matches.
Also with the IHG Premier card you get to book 4 nights on points but pay for 3 nights.
I still have the old IHG Select card so with the combo also get 10% of my redeemed points back.
Do I still get the benefits if I have the card
but book my trip with another card? eg I use my corporate credit card to book the room, but use this card for a free drink??
It’s the Platinum status that gets you the benefits. So as long as your IHG card is active, you should be fine — regardless of how you pay.
Chase IHG Select card has a $49 annual fee (not $45).
Corrected — thanks for pointing that out
Def need to get the “card_name”
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Why is this dated today when there are 2 year old comments?
I update and republish posts every now and then.
You say it’s great for families but neglect to mention that MOST properties you’ll need to book points and rewards stays for 2 adults. Add a third person to the reservation, and all of a sudden, they’re “sold out.” Your Mileage may vary…