Want to know how much IHG One Rewards points are worth? We reviewed the cash and points prices of over 40 hotels to determine how much IHG points are worth to help you determine if using your points is a good or bad deal.
What are IHG Rewards Points Worth?
IHG One Rewards points are valued at 0.73 cents per point based on our data study of prices over 40 hotels.
Here is a spreadsheet of the data we used to calculate this point value, which we update frequently to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. We also believe in data transparency, which is why we show you our data, unlike several larger websites.
Here are the criteria we used to calculate our IHG points value:
- Cash prices include taxes and other fees since you don’t have to pay these extra costs when you use your points. But we excluded resort fees since you must pay them on cash and award stays (unlike Hyatt and Hilton).Â
- Hotel searches were conducted 2 to 3 months in advance since the cash price of the hotel is typically higher a few weeks before check-in, and the points price is low if you book 6+ months in advance.
- We chose rates that had similar cancellation policies as award bookings. This generally excluded non-refundable rates, which are cheaper, but you can typically cancel an award a few days before the stay, so it would be an unfair comparison.
- We chose downtown hotels generally with a guest rating of at least 4 stars out of 5. If there were downtown hotels with similar points prices, we chose the higher-rated hotel.
IHG Points Value Calculator
To help you figure out how much your IHG points are worth, here is a calculator I built:
Redeeming IHG Rewards Points
IHG One Rewards points offer flexibility and value for travelers seeking hotel stays and unique experiences. The primary and most valuable use of IHG points is for hotel bookings across the brand’s extensive portfolio. Point requirements vary based on the property and season, starting from 5,000 points per night. IHG’s dynamic pricing model aligns point costs with cash rates, ensuring consistent value. Members can book stays entirely with points or opt for a points-plus-cash combination. Based on our data study, we value points at 0.73 cent per point. To maximize value, IHG credit cardholders can take advantage of the fourth-night-free benefit on award stays of four nights or more. This effectively provides a 25% discount on longer stays. It’s worth noting that award stays booked with points waive most taxes and fees, potentially leading to significant savings, especially in areas with high tourism taxes. For those seeking more than just accommodations, IHG One Rewards Access provides opportunities to redeem points for exclusive events and experiences in entertainment and sports. This feature allows members to bid on or directly book special activities, adding an extra dimension to their travel rewards. While IHG points can be redeemed for gift cards or merchandise, these options generally offer lower value compared to hotel stays.
When do IHG One Rewards Points Expire?
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. But if you are an IHG elite member, points do not expire.
How to Earn IHG Rewards Points
Here are all the ways you can earn IHG One Rewards points:
You can earn IHG One Rewards points when you stay at a participating IHG hotel. For most hotels, you will earn 10 points per dollar spent on the room rate and charges to your room. Taxes and other fees are excluded from earning points. A few exceptions to this rule are stays at: IHG Elite members also receive a bonus on hotel stays: Silver Elite (20%), Gold Elite (40%), Platinum Elite (60%), and Diamond Elite (100%). Here is a calculator to help you calculate how many points you would earn from a hotel stay.
IHG rewards elite members with Milestone Rewards for members who earn elite status via hotel nights rather than automatically from IHG credit cards. Milestone Rewards offers special perks for every 10 nights, including the option to choose 5,000 to 20,000 extra points, food and beverage rewards, lounge memberships, and suite upgrades. Another great way to earn IHG One Rewards points is with an IHG credit card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card You can transfer points at a 1 to 1 ratio from both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards. However, I generally don’t recommend it since those programs offer more valuable airline and hotel partners. The IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program allows you to link your credit or debit card and earn up to 8 points per dollar spent at over 30,000 restaurants nationwide. You can also earn 150 points at most restaurants when you book a restaurant reservation via OpenTable on the IHG Restaurant Portal. Another way to earn IHG points is via the IHG Business Rewards program, which allows you to earn points on meetings, events, or a wedding at participating IHG properties. You will earn 3 points per dollar on meeting and event costs, guest rooms booked for others, conference room costs, food and beverage for the event or meeting, and all-inclusive meeting packages. IHG partners with several other travel partners, allowing you to earn extra points: If you need more IHG points, you can buy additional points. The standard rate is 1.0 cents per point, but you can usually buy IHG points with a 100% bonus during one of their sales for 0.5 cents per point. You can also transfer points to another member or have the points transferred to you. The normal fee is $5 per 1,000 points, but this fee is waived for Diamond Elite status members or if you belong to the IHG Business Rewards program.Earn IHG Points with Hotels Stays
Earn Milestone Bonuses
Earn IHG Points with Credit Cards
Transfer Credit Card Rewards to IHG
Earn IHG Points by Dining
Earn IHG Points on Meetings and Events
Earn IHG Points with Travel Partners
Buy IHG Points
Receive IHG Points from Another Member
