The IHG Premier card from IHG is one of my favorite hotel cards out there. While it may not offer as much value as the old $49 card, it is still one of the best hotel cards due to the status it offers. The status is not only top tier, but can also be matched to other hotel programs if you’re so inclined. As with other hotel programs, the annual fee version of the card didn’t really seem all that exciting.
But with the hotel and travel industry grinding to a halt for the time being, it doesn’t really make much sense to sign up for a hotel card right now… especially one with an annual fee. Seems like the perfect time to sign up for the IHG Traveler card! Especially now, there is an increased offer.
The Offer
The IHG Traveler card is offering a 75,000 point bonus after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months. If we value the points at 0.6 cents per point (TPG), that would make the sign up bonus worth $450!
Card Summary
The IHG traveler card comes with a $0 annual fee. The reward categories include:
- 5x: IHG
- 2x: Gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants
- 1x: Everywhere else
Additionally, the card allows you to get a 4th night free on any stay of 4 or more nights. There is a 20% discount when purchasing points. Finally, if you spend a total of $10,000 within a calendar year, you’ll be eligible for Gold Elite Status
Final Thoughts
At this point in time, the IHG premier card has a crazy 140,000 point sign up bonus going on right now. While that card does have a free night, it also has an annual fee of $89. To many, it may not make sense to pay that annual fee right now, especially with the way things are going.
As an alternative, the IHG Traveler card seems like the perfect scenario. There is no annual fee, for the time being, and it still offers a great sign up bonus. Once things get better, you can always upgrade to the Premier if you so chose. Alternatively, you could also sign up for the Premier card, get that sign up bonus, and if things don’t improve in a year, you could always downgrade the card to the Traveler. The choice is up to you, but there is value in either offer.
Which offer do you think is worth taking, the Premier or the Traveler? Let us know down in the comment section below.
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