The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card stands out with its generous welcome bonus and valuable ongoing benefits like an anniversary free night certificate (up to 40,000 points) and fourth night free on award stays. The card proves particularly valuable for business owners who can maximize these benefits at IHG properties worldwide.
This credit card review will cover everything you need to know about this card to determine if you should add this card or a different card to your wallet. Let’s dive right in.
Welcome Bonus of IHG Premier Business
The IHG Premier Business currently offers the following welcome bonus: bonus_miles_full
Before applying, note that Chase has some specific eligibility requirements. You won’t qualify for this bonus if you’ve received a welcome bonus on this exact card within the past 24 months. However, having other IHG cards won’t affect your eligibility – so if you already have the personal IHG Premier card, you’re still good to go.
Remember the standard Chase application rules apply here. Though this business card won’t appear on your personal credit report, you will be automatically denied if you have opened 5 personal cards in the last 24 months under Chase’s 5/24 Rule.
Earning Points with IHG Premier Business
The IHG Premier Business earns IHG Rewards points at the following rates:
This card shines for IHG hotel stays with its strong 10x earning rate. The 5x bonus categories are generous and cover many everyday business expenses, though we value IHG points at 0.73 cents per point, which is lower than many other transferrable points cards such as the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
While the 3x base earning rate provides decent coverage for non-bonus spending, you’ll likely get better returns using a card that earns transferable points for everyday purchases.
Annual Fee of IHG Premier Business
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has a $99 annual fee, which can be easily justified through the card’s valuable perks and benefits. One of the most valuable benefits is the anniversary free night certificate (worth up to 40,000 points), which alone can provide value exceeding the annual fee when used at properties costing $250+ per night.
Additional valuable benefits include IHG Platinum Elite status, fourth night free on award stays, up to $50 in United TravelBank credits annually, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. You can also add additional employee cards for no annual cost.
Card Benefits and Perks
The IHG Premier Business offers the following benefits and perks: Free Anniversary Night: Each cardmember anniversary, you’ll receive a certificate valid for hotels costing up to 40,000 points per night. You can add extra points to book more expensive properties. The certificate is available shortly after your anniversary and remains valid for 12 months. Platinum Elite Status: You’ll receive automatic IHG Platinum Elite status while holding the card. This status includes room upgrades when available, 60% bonus points on stays, priority check-in, and a welcome amenity at check-in. Fourth Award Night Free: When booking award stays of four nights or longer, you’ll pay zero points for your fourth night. This perk automatically applies and can be used repeatedly throughout the year, including for multiple rooms at the same hotel. Diamond Elite Fast Track: Earn top-tier Diamond Elite status by spending $40,000 on your card in a calendar year, valid through December 31 of the following year. Bonus Points on Spending: Get a 10,000-point bonus and $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 in a calendar year plus making one additional purchase. United TravelBank Credit: Receive up to $50 in United TravelBank credits annually, distributed in two $25 installments around January 1 and July 1. Credits from January-June expire July 15, while July-December credits expire January 15. Global Entry / TSA PreCheck / Nexus Credit: Receive an application fee credit of up to $120 every four years for either TSA PreCheck (expedited airport security), Global Entry (expedited airport security and customs), or NEXUS (expedited crossing between the US and Canada)for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®. These trusted traveler programs can save you time and hassle at the airport. Points Purchase Discount: Save 20% when buying IHG points by using your IHG Premier Business card for the purchase. This discount applies when using the card to purchase points directly from IHG. No Foreign Transaction Fees: You’ll save money on every purchase while traveling internationally since this card doesn’t add the typical 3% surcharge that many other cards impose. Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance: This protection reimburses you for non-refundable, prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to covered situations like severe illness or weather events. Coverage activates when you pay for your trip with the card, but it’s important to note that reimbursement only applies for specific covered reasons rather than any cancellation. 120-Day Purchase Protection: Get 120 days of protection against damage, theft, and even loss of your purchases – one of the longest windows available. This premium coverage automatically applies when you pay with your card.
Travel Benefits
Purchase Benefits
Redeem IHG One 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.
Pros and Cons of IHG Premier Business
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this card:
Pros:
Anniversary Night Certificate: The annual free night certificate for hotels up to 40,000 points easily justifies the $99 annual fee, and additional points for higher-priced properties can be added.
Fourth Night Free Benefit: Save 25% on points stays of exactly 4 nights, with no limit on how often you can use this perk.
Elite Status Benefits: Automatic Platinum Elite status provides room upgrades, late checkout, 60% bonus points on stays, and priority check-in without any spending requirements.
Cons:
Lower Points Value: We value IHG points at 0.73 per point, which is significantly lower than some competing hotel programs and makes other business cards better for everyday spending.
Annual Fee Required: While $99 isn’t excessive, you must pay this fee each year to maintain the card’s benefits.
Limited Premium Benefits: Unlike some premium hotel cards, this card lacks premium benefits like resort credits, complimentary breakfast, or high-end lounge access.
Alternatives to the IHG Premier Business
Now that you know about this credit card’s various benefits and pros and cons, it’s time to see its alternatives.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (review) offers great rewards for small business owners. With bonus points on travel, shipping, advertising, and communication services, plus valuable travel protections, it’s a solid choice for companies looking to maximize their everyday spending. Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full Earning Rewards: 3x points on travel, shipping, advertising made with social media sites and search engines, and internet, cable and phone services on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in the following categories each account anniversary year; 1x points on all other eligible purchases. Card Benefits: Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel, no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation insurance, cell phone protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty. Transfer Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways, Emirates, Air France KLM Flying Blue, Hyatt, IHG, Iberia, JetBlue, Marriott, Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest, United, and Virgin Atlantic.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (review) offers complimentary Gold elite status and up to $240 in annual Hilton credits (up to $60 per quarter), making it a solid option for small business owners who frequently stay at Hilton properties. While it lacks free night awards, the card provides good value for Hilton loyalists through its earning rates and elite status benefits.
Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
Earning Points: 12x points for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio and 5x points on all other purchases made with the card on the first $100,0000 in purchases each calendar year (3x points thereafter).
Benefits: Complimentary Hilton Gold elite status, earn Hilton Diamond when you spend $40,000 on your Card in a calendar year, up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton ($60 per quarter), National Emerald Club Executive status (upon enrollment), baggage insurance plan, secondary rental car insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
Is the IHG Premier Business Worth It?
If you travel frequently and stay at IHG properties, the IHG Premier Business is a fantastic option with its modest $99 annual fee.
You’ll get instant Platinum Elite status and valuable perks like a free night certificate each year that can easily offset the annual fee, plus a fourth night free when redeeming points for stays.
The card offers solid earnings on IHG stays, travel, dining, and gas purchases, though you might want to use other cards for everyday spending. Business owners can benefit from additional bonus categories like social media advertising and office supply stores, plus the ability to earn a second free night certificate with higher spending.
While this card may not be the best choice if you rarely stay at IHG properties, the combination of elite status, free night certificates, and bonus-earning categories makes it a compelling option for business owners who value IHG stays.
Learn How to Apply: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please click here. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
