What Are the Benefits of the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card offers hotel rewards, automatic Platinum Elite status, an anniversary free night, dining credits, airline statement credits, and travel protection benefits. With a $350 annual fee, the card is designed for travelers who frequently stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts and want additional value from their hotel bookings.
Hotel credit cards are no longer limited to earning points on accommodation. Premium cards increasingly combine hotel loyalty benefits with everyday spending rewards, travel credits, and exclusive experiences.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card, issued by Chase, brings several of these features together. Cardholders can earn up to 28X total points on eligible IHG stays, receive an annual free night certificate, and access benefits across participating IHG brands, including InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn.
However, a long list of benefits does not automatically make a card worthwhile. Some credits have quarterly restrictions, certain rewards require additional spending, and hotel loyalty benefits may depend on availability.
This guide explains the IHG Premier Select Card’s benefits, earning rates, elite status privileges, travel protections, and potential value for different types of travelers.
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What Is the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card is a premium hotel rewards credit card issued by Chase in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts.
It is designed primarily for travelers who regularly book IHG properties and want to earn additional rewards while accessing hotel-related benefits.
Unlike a general travel credit card, its strongest advantages are closely connected to the IHG One Rewards loyalty program.
What Are the Main Features of the IHG Premier Select Card?
| Feature | Card benefit |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $350 |
| IHG hotel purchases | Up to 28X total points |
| Dining and other travel | 6X points |
| Other eligible purchases | 3X points |
| Automatic hotel status | IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite |
| Anniversary free night | Up to 60,000 points, with top-up option |
| Annual food and beverage rewards | Up to $300 |
| Annual airline statement credit | $200 on qualifying purchases |
| United TravelBank Cash | Up to $50 annually |
| Elite Night Credits | 20 annually |
| Additional Elite Night Credits | 2 for every $5,000 spent |
| Fourth reward night | Free on qualifying four-night points stays |
The card’s strongest benefits generally come from combining hotel stays, reward redemptions, and credits rather than relying only on everyday spending.
How Many IHG One Rewards Points Can Cardholders Earn?
The IHG Premier Select Card earns points on hotel stays, dining, travel purchases, and other eligible spending.
Its rewards structure places particular emphasis on IHG properties while providing elevated earnings on broader travel expenses.
How Does the Card’s Points-Earning Structure Work?
| Spending category | Earning rate |
|---|---|
| Eligible stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts | Up to 28X total points |
| Dining | 6X points |
| Other travel, including rideshare | 6X points |
| Other eligible purchases | 3X points |
The advertised 28X rate represents a combination of credit card earnings and eligible IHG One Rewards membership earnings, including the Platinum Elite bonus. It is not entirely earned from credit card spending alone.
How Can Cardholders Maximize Points on IHG Hotel Stays?
Cardholders can maximize earnings by booking eligible stays at participating IHG properties, using their Premier Select Card to pay, and ensuring their IHG One Rewards membership is associated with the reservation.
For example, an eligible hotel stay costing $1,000 could generate up to 28,000 points at the advertised combined earning rate.
Actual earnings depend on qualifying charges, hotel brand, membership rules, and eligible spending.
Are Dining and Travel Purchases Rewarding With This Card?
Yes. The card earns 6X points on eligible dining and other travel purchases, including rideshare.
This allows cardholders to accumulate IHG points even when they are not staying at an IHG hotel.
However, travelers who prefer flexible rewards that can be transferred to several hotel and airline programs may find a general travel rewards card more suitable.
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What Hotel Elite Status Comes With the IHG Premier Select Card?
The IHG Premier Select Card provides automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status while the account remains eligible and open.
Platinum Elite status offers additional hotel benefits, although some privileges depend on property availability and program conditions.
Which Benefits Come With IHG Platinum Elite Status?
| Platinum Elite benefit | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Bonus points | 60% bonus on eligible base points |
| Room upgrades | Complimentary upgrades when available |
| Welcome amenity | Eligible welcome benefit at participating hotels |
| Early check-in | Subject to availability |
| Late checkout | Subject to availability and program rules |
| Member rates | Access to eligible IHG member pricing |
| Elite recognition | Additional benefits at participating properties |
Travelers should distinguish between guaranteed benefits and those offered only when available.
Does Platinum Elite Status Guarantee a Suite Upgrade?
No. Platinum Elite status does not guarantee complimentary suite upgrades.
Eligible room upgrades depend on availability, hotel participation, and IHG One Rewards rules.
Travelers should also distinguish complimentary upgrades from Confirmable Suite Upgrades, which are separate Milestone Rewards with their own eligibility requirements.
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How Does the IHG Premier Select Card’s Anniversary Free Night Work?
The IHG Premier Select Card provides an Anniversary Free Night certificate each card membership year, subject to account eligibility and program conditions.
The certificate can be redeemed for an eligible reward night costing up to 60,000 IHG One Rewards points.
Can Cardholders Use Additional Points for More Expensive Hotels?
Yes. Cardholders can add IHG One Rewards points to the anniversary certificate when an eligible hotel requires more than 60,000 points.
This makes the certificate more flexible than a reward restricted to properties below a fixed redemption threshold.
For example, if an eligible hotel requires 75,000 points, a cardholder may be able to apply the 60,000-point certificate and add 15,000 points.
The actual redemption must satisfy the certificate’s terms and the hotel’s award availability.
Is the Anniversary Free Night Worth the Annual Fee?
The anniversary free night can offset a meaningful portion of the $350 annual fee when redeemed for a hotel stay the traveler would otherwise purchase.
However, its value depends on the property, travel dates, redemption availability, and whether the cardholder can use the certificate before expiration.
A certificate with a theoretical high value offers little practical benefit if it goes unused.
How Does the Fourth Reward Night Free Benefit Work?
The fourth reward night free benefit allows eligible cardholders to receive the fourth night at no additional points cost when booking a qualifying four-night IHG reward stay.
This can provide significant value for travelers who regularly redeem points for longer hotel stays.
How Many Points Can Travelers Save?
Consider a hypothetical hotel charging 30,000 points per night.
| Stay | Without card benefit | With fourth night free |
|---|---|---|
| First night | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Second night | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Third night | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Fourth night | 30,000 | 0 |
| Total | 120,000 | 90,000 |
In this example, the cardholder saves 30,000 points, equivalent to 25% of the four-night points requirement.
The benefit applies to qualifying reward-night reservations, not ordinary cash bookings.
How Does the $300 IHG Food and Beverage Credit Work?
The IHG Premier Select Card provides up to $300 annually in Food & Beverage Rewards for eligible purchases at participating IHG properties.
The benefit is divided into quarterly rewards rather than provided as one unrestricted annual credit.
How Much Food and Beverage Credit Is Available Each Quarter?
| Quarter | Available reward |
|---|---|
| January–March | $75 |
| April–June | $75 |
| July–September | $75 |
| October–December | $75 |
| Annual maximum | $300 |
Unused quarterly rewards do not roll over into the following quarter.
What Can Travelers Purchase With the Food and Beverage Rewards?
Eligible Food & Beverage Rewards can help cover qualifying dining expenses at participating IHG hotels.
Depending on the property’s redemption arrangements, these may include restaurant meals, drinks, or other eligible food and beverage purchases.
Travelers should confirm participating outlets and redemption requirements before ordering.
Is the $300 Food and Beverage Benefit Worthwhile?
The benefit can provide substantial value for travelers who regularly stay at IHG properties and would otherwise spend money on hotel dining.
However, receiving the full $300 requires using all four quarterly rewards.
A cardholder who stays at an IHG property only once a year may not be able to use the entire benefit.
How Does the $200 Airline Statement Credit Work?
The IHG Premier Select Card offers a $200 annual airline statement credit for qualifying flight purchases.
The benefit applies to eligible airline purchases of at least $250, subject to the card’s terms.
Which Airline Purchases Qualify?
The benefit is designed for qualifying flight purchases with airlines rather than being restricted to one specific carrier.
Cardholders should review the merchant, transaction, and purchase requirements before relying on the credit.
The published benefit specifies availability through December 31, 2027; continuation or modification beyond that date should not be assumed.
How Much Can Cardholders Save on a Flight?
Consider a qualifying $450 flight purchase.
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eligible flight purchase | $450 |
| Annual statement credit | −$200 |
| Effective cost | $250 |
This example assumes the purchase satisfies all eligibility requirements and the annual credit remains available.
The statement credit reduces the account balance rather than necessarily appearing as an immediate discount during booking.
What Is the United TravelBank Benefit?
The IHG Premier Select Card offers up to $50 annually in United TravelBank Cash.
The benefit is distributed as two $25 amounts during the year, subject to the applicable enrollment, expiration, and account requirements.
How Can Travelers Use United TravelBank Cash?
United TravelBank Cash can generally be used toward eligible United Airlines flight purchases according to the TravelBank program’s terms.
Cardholders should verify whether account registration or linking is required and check the expiration date of each deposit.
The benefit is most useful for travelers who occasionally book eligible United Airlines flights.
How Many Elite Night Credits Does the IHG Premier Select Card Provide?
The IHG Premier Select Card provides 20 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and additional credits based on eligible card spending.
These credits help cardholders progress toward IHG One Rewards elite qualification and Milestone Rewards.
How Can Cardholders Earn Additional Elite Night Credits?
Cardholders earn two additional Elite Night Credits for every $5,000 in eligible purchases made with the card.
| Eligible card spending | Additional Elite Night Credits |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | 2 |
| $10,000 | 4 |
| $15,000 | 6 |
| $20,000 | 8 |
| $25,000 | 10 |
These credits are separate from the annual 20 Elite Night Credits.
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Why Are Elite Night Credits Valuable?
Elite Night Credits can help travelers reach qualifying thresholds without completing the same number of paid hotel nights.
They may also help unlock Milestone Rewards, which can include benefits such as bonus points, food and beverage rewards, and Confirmable Suite Upgrades.
However, qualifying for a reward does not necessarily mean every reward option is available without restrictions.
Can Cardholders Earn IHG Diamond Elite Status Through Spending?
Yes. Eligible IHG Premier Select cardholders can unlock Diamond Elite status by meeting the card’s specified annual spending requirement.
The published spending threshold is $25,000 in eligible purchases.
What Additional Benefits Does Diamond Elite Status Offer?
Diamond Elite is a higher IHG One Rewards membership tier than Platinum Elite.
Its benefits may include increased bonus-point earnings, eligible welcome amenity choices, and additional hotel recognition.
At participating properties, eligible Diamond Elite members may have the option of breakfast as a welcome amenity, subject to program conditions.
Travelers should compare the value of higher status with the opportunity cost of directing $25,000 in spending to this card.
Does the IHG Premier Select Card Offer a Points Purchase Discount?
Yes. Eligible cardholders can receive a 30% discount on qualifying IHG One Rewards points purchases.
This benefit may be useful when a traveler needs additional points for a planned hotel redemption.
When Is Buying IHG Points Worthwhile?
Buying points can make sense when the total cost of purchased points is lower than the cash price of an equivalent eligible hotel stay.
However, travelers should not purchase points solely because a discount is available.
For example, buying additional points to complete a high-value redemption may be reasonable, while purchasing a large quantity without an immediate use can expose the traveler to future program changes.
What Additional Rewards Can Cardholders Unlock Through Spending?
The IHG Premier Select Card offers opportunities to unlock additional rewards through qualifying annual purchases.
Depending on the applicable benefit thresholds, these can include higher elite status, bonus points, and additional free night rewards.
The value of these incentives depends on whether the cardholder would naturally meet the spending requirement.
Travelers should check the exact spending thresholds and award conditions before shifting large amounts of spending from another credit card.
What Travel Protection Benefits Does the IHG Premier Select Card Include?
The IHG Premier Select Card includes travel-related protections intended to provide assistance when eligible trips are disrupted or covered incidents occur.
These benefits are subject to Chase’s applicable Guide to Benefits, coverage limits, exclusions, and claim requirements.
Does the Card Provide Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection?
Trip cancellation and interruption protection may reimburse eligible prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses when a trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason.
Not every change of plans qualifies.
For example, a covered illness may satisfy policy conditions, while simply deciding not to travel generally does not.
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Is Trip Delay Reimbursement Available?
Trip delay reimbursement may help cover eligible additional expenses when a qualifying journey is delayed beyond the required threshold.
Covered expenses may include meals or accommodation, subject to the applicable benefit terms.
Cardholders should retain documentation showing the reason and duration of the delay.
Does the Card Include Baggage Delay Protection?
Baggage delay protection can help reimburse eligible purchases of essential items when checked baggage is delayed for a qualifying period.
The coverage generally applies only within stated limits and does not replace the airline’s baggage responsibilities.
What Happens If Luggage Is Lost or Damaged?
Lost luggage reimbursement may provide protection for eligible baggage losses or damage involving a covered trip.
The amount recoverable depends on coverage limits, exclusions, and documentation.
Travelers should also report the issue to the airline promptly.
Does the IHG Premier Select Card Offer Rental Car Insurance?
The card may provide eligible auto rental coverage when the rental is paid for using the card and the applicable rental company’s collision damage waiver is declined.
Coverage conditions can vary by location, vehicle type, and rental arrangement.
Cardholders should confirm whether the coverage is primary or secondary under the applicable Guide to Benefits rather than assuming it replaces every form of automobile insurance.
What Purchase Protection Benefits Are Available?
The IHG Premier Select Card may provide purchase-related protections through its Mastercard and Chase benefits package.
Depending on the current terms, eligible benefits can include protection against certain types of damage or theft, warranty-related assistance, and other cardholder services.
What Should Cardholders Check Before Filing a Claim?
Cardholders should confirm the following information:
- Whether the purchase or trip is covered
- The applicable coverage limit
- The deadline for submitting a claim
- Required receipts and supporting documents
- Relevant exclusions and deductibles
- Whether another insurance policy must be considered first
The current Guide to Benefits determines the actual coverage, not the general description of a credit card perk.
Are There Foreign Transaction Fees on the IHG Premier Select Card?
The IHG Premier Select Card is designed for international travel and does not charge foreign transaction fees on eligible purchases.
This can be useful for travelers staying at IHG properties outside the United States.
However, foreign currency conversion and merchant billing choices can still affect the final amount paid.
Travelers should generally review the exchange rate before accepting a merchant’s offer to charge a transaction in their home currency.
How Can Travelers Maximize the IHG Premier Select Card’s Benefits?
Travelers can maximize the IHG Premier Select Card by combining anniversary free night redemptions, hotel dining rewards, airline credits, and points-based stays.
The most effective approach is to use benefits for purchases that would otherwise have been made.
What Is an Example of the Card’s Potential Annual Value?
| Benefit | Illustrative annual value |
|---|---|
| Food and beverage rewards | $300 |
| Airline statement credit | $200 |
| United TravelBank Cash | $50 |
| Anniversary free night | $250 |
| Combined value | $800 |
| Annual fee | −$350 |
| Illustrative net value | $450 |
The $250 anniversary night valuation is hypothetical. The other amounts assume the cardholder qualifies for and fully uses each benefit.
This calculation excludes points earnings, elite status benefits, and the fourth reward night free benefit.
It also assumes the credits replace expenses the traveler would otherwise incur. Actual value may be substantially lower.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the IHG Premier Select Card?
The IHG Premier Select Card offers strong hotel-related benefits, but its $350 annual fee and program-specific rewards may limit its appeal.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Automatic Platinum Elite status | $350 annual fee |
| Anniversary free night certificate | Best value depends on IHG stays |
| Up to 28X total points on IHG stays | Points are less flexible than transferable rewards |
| Fourth reward night free | Requires qualifying points bookings |
| Up to $300 in dining rewards | Quarterly use restrictions |
| $200 airline statement credit | Eligible purchase conditions apply |
| Annual Elite Night Credits | Some benefits require substantial spending |
| Travel and purchase protections | Coverage limits and exclusions apply |
The card is most attractive when the traveler can use several of its benefits consistently.
How Does the IHG Premier Select Card Compare With the IHG Premier Card?
The IHG Premier Select Card offers a more premium benefits package than the standard IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, but it also has a higher annual fee.
Which IHG Credit Card Offers Better Value?
| Feature | IHG Premier Select | IHG Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $350 | $150 |
| Hotel earning rate | Up to 28X total | Up to 24X total |
| Automatic status | Platinum Elite | Gold Elite |
| Anniversary free night | Up to 60,000 points | Up to 50,000 points |
| Annual food and beverage rewards | Up to $300 | Up to $100 |
| Airline statement credit | $200 | $100 |
| United TravelBank Cash | Up to $50 | Up to $50 |
| Annual Elite Night Credits | 20 | 15 |
| Fourth reward night free | Yes | Yes |
The Premier Select Card is better suited to frequent IHG guests who can use its higher-value credits and elite benefits.
The standard Premier Card may be more practical for occasional travelers who want an anniversary free night and hotel rewards without paying a $350 annual fee.
Who Should Consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Card?
The IHG Premier Select Card is best suited to travelers who regularly stay at IHG hotels and can take advantage of the card’s annual benefits.
Is the Card Worthwhile for Frequent IHG Guests?
Yes, frequent IHG guests are more likely to benefit from Platinum Elite status, increased points earnings, food and beverage rewards, and the fourth reward night free feature.
They may also find it easier to use the anniversary certificate and meet spending thresholds for additional rewards.
Is the Card Suitable for Occasional Travelers?
The card may be less attractive for travelers who rarely stay at IHG properties.
A person who cannot use the quarterly dining rewards or anniversary certificate may struggle to justify the annual fee.
Occasional travelers should compare the Premier Select Card with lower-fee hotel cards and flexible travel rewards alternatives.
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Conclusion: Is the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Card Worth It?
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card offers a comprehensive collection of hotel rewards, elite status privileges, travel credits, and additional benefits for frequent IHG guests.
Its strongest features include automatic Platinum Elite status, an anniversary free night worth up to 60,000 points, up to $300 in annual food and beverage rewards, a $200 airline statement credit, and the fourth reward night free benefit.
However, the $350 annual fee means travelers should consider how frequently they stay at IHG properties and whether they can use the card’s benefits within the required periods.
For regular IHG guests, the combination of rewards and credits can provide meaningful value. Travelers who prefer flexibility across different hotel brands may find a general travel credit card more appropriate.
Ultimately, the best way to evaluate the IHG Premier Select Card is to compare its realistic annual benefits with its cost, rather than relying on the maximum advertised value.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IHG Premier Select Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card has a $350 annual fee. Cardholders should compare this cost with the value of the hotel benefits, travel credits, and rewards they expect to use.
Yes. Eligible cardholders receive automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, which includes bonus points and selected hotel benefits, with some privileges subject to availability.
The card earns up to 28X total points on eligible IHG stays, 6X points on dining and other travel, and 3X points on other eligible purchases.
Yes. The card provides an anniversary free night certificate redeemable for eligible hotel nights costing up to 60,000 points, with the option to add points for more expensive redemptions.
Eligible cardholders who redeem points for four consecutive nights at a participating IHG hotel receive the fourth reward night without an additional points charge.
The card offers up to $300 annually in Food & Beverage Rewards, distributed as $75 per quarter. Unused quarterly rewards do not carry forward.
Yes. The card provides a $200 annual statement credit on qualifying flight purchases of at least $250, subject to the published benefit conditions.
Yes. Eligible cardholders can earn Diamond Elite status by meeting the specified $25,000 annual spending requirement.
No. The card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it useful for eligible purchases during international travel.
The card can justify its annual fee for frequent IHG travelers who use the anniversary free night, dining rewards, airline credit, and hotel loyalty benefits. Its value is less certain for occasional guests.