IHG One Rewards points expire 12 months after inactivity for non-elite members.
To reset the points’ expiration, you need to earn or redeem at least one point, which we detail below.
But if you are an IHG elite member, points do not expire. The easiest way to earn IHG elite status is by holding an IHG credit card, including:
How to Keep IHG Points from Expiring
Here are several qualifying activities that will extend the expiration date of your IHG points:
Stay at IHG Hotels
The most popular way to reset your IHG points balance is to book a hotel stay at an IHG Hotel.
The great thing is that it can either be (1) a cash booking, (2) a free booking with points, or (3) a Cash + Points booking.
Hold an IHG Co-branded Card
The easiest way to keep your IHG points active is by holding a Chase IHG credit card because they offer elite status:
- Silver Elite: IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card (Review)
- Platinum Elite: IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
- Platinum Elite: IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card (Review)
Plus, the IHG Premier and Business Premier offer a free annual night certificate up to 40,000 points to offset the $99 annual fee.
Initiate an IHG Points Transfer
You can request an IHG points transfer to friends and family at a minimum amount of 1,000 points and increments of 1,000 points also.
To start transferring, log in to your account and go to the IHG points transfer page.
Transfer Points to IHG Rewards
IHG has two transfer partners that transfer 1 to 1 to IHG: Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards.
For example, if you convert 1,000 Ultimate Rewards Points, you’ll also get 1,000 IHG points. Transfers are instantaneous so you can use your points right away on award redemptions.
Earn and Redeem Miles on Airline Partners
Did you know that IHG points transfer to multiple airline partners? As of this writing, IHG has 42 airline partners from different regions of the world.
This benefit gives you the flexibility on how you want to redeem your IHG points, whether for a free stay or a free flight on your preferred airline partner.
Points transfers typically have a ratio of 10,000 IHG points to 2,000 airline miles but there are some airlines that have a different rate.
- Air New Zealand = 10,000 IHG points to 25 Airpoints.
- El Al = 10,000 IHG points to 40 El Al points
Buy Points from IHG
Members can buy points from IHG points at the following rates:
- 1,000 to 10,000 points: 1.35 cents per point
- 11,000 to 25,000 points: 1.15 cents per point
- 26,000 to 150,000 points: 1 cent per point
Eat at IHG Dine Partners
Dine and earn up to 8 points per dollar on thousands of dining partners in the U.S. You can even earn points on orders made through Grubhub.
Book A Tour or Activity
Explore different activities and tours on IHG and earn 1,000 IHG points.
Book a car rental
Earn 1,500+ IHG points when you rent a car with Hertz.
Donate Points
Choose any IHG charity and donate using your points. IHG partners with multiple charities in various sectors such as Goodwill, No Kid Hungry, Polaris, American Red Cross, OzHarvest, and many more.
Buy Apple Products
If you’re planning to purchase Apple products in the future, then why not earn IHG points from them?
Here’s how:
- Sign in to your IHG rewards account on this landing page
- Shop eligible products on Apple.com
- Earn 4 IHG points per dollar spent on eligible products (points normally post within 30 days)
As of this writing, the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Pro Display XDR, gift cards, gift wrap, Apple Developer Programs, AppleCare+ monthly subscription, and shipping are not eligible purchases.
Shop at IHG Partners
Shop at any of IHG’s partner merchants and earn points for every dollar you spend.
How IHG Compares to Other Hotel Programs
IHG has one of the shortest expiration policies and here’s how it compares to other loyalty programs.
Bottomline
IHG points will expire after 12 months of inactivity only if you’re a basic IHG Rewards member.
If you want your points never to expire, you need to earn an IHG elite status by earning qualifying nights at IHG hotels or holding a co-branded IHG card:
