The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is IHG’s no-annual-fee card option that offers various benefits and perks for frequent travelers. With this card, you can earn 5 points per dollar at IHG hotels and resorts, as well as 3 points per dollar at gas stations, monthly bills, and restaurants. While the IHG Traveler Card offers some useful IHG-related perks, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
One of the main benefits of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is the sign-up bonus. Currently, the card offers a sign-up bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. These bonus points are worth $500, which is quite impressive for a card with no annual fee.
Another benefit of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is the fourth reward night benefit. Each time you redeem points for a stay of four or more nights, every fourth night will cost zero points. This can be a great way to save on your hotel stays and get more value from your IHG points.
Additionally, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers automatic Silver Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program. This includes benefits such as a 20% bonus on hotel stays, priority check-in, and points that don’t expire. You can also earn Gold Elite status by spending $20,000 on your card each calendar year.
One of the downsides of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is the limited earning potential. While you can earn 5 points per dollar at IHG hotels and resorts, the returns on other purchases are not as impressive. For example, you only earn 3 points per dollar at gas stations, monthly bills, and restaurants, and 2 points per dollar on everything else. There are other credit cards available that offer higher returns on these categories.
Another drawback of the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is the restriction imposed by Chase’s 5/24 rule. This means that if you have opened five or more new cards across all issuers in the last two years, Chase may reject your application for this card. Additionally, getting this card will take up one of your 5/24 slots, so you may want to consider other Chase cards if you have other options in mind.
In conclusion, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card can be a good option for travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels and want to earn points without paying an annual fee. The sign-up bonus and fourth reward night benefit are attractive perks that can help you save on your stays. However, if you want automatic elite status or higher earning potential, you may want to consider other options such as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. Ultimately, the choice depends on your travel preferences and spending habits.