There are two new rewards credit cards available for travelers who want to collect extra points when checking in to their favorite hotels. The IHG Rewards Club Premier card and the IHG Rewards Club Traveler card from Chase Card Services offer reward points, free anniversary nights, elite membership stats, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
The IHG cards will be most valuable for folks who stay at IHG properties, which include Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Crowne Plaza, and Candlewood Suites, among others. Premier cardholders will earn 10 points per dollar spend at IHG properties, double points on gas station, grocery, and restaurant purchases, and one point per dollar on all other purchases.
Leslie Gillin, president of co-brand cards at Chase, said the cards were designed with travelers in mind. “The IHG customer is savvy and knows what they want. Along with our partners at IHG, we listened to our joint customers and are providing them with richer rewards, including the opportunity to earn double IHG Rewards Club points, Platinum Elite Member status and an annual anniversary free night, which can be redeemed at more than 95 percent of IHG properties worldwide.”
Premier card vs. Club Traveler card
The two IHG Rewards cards both offer travelers perks and rewards, but differ in the amount of points earned and other benefits. While the Premier card offers 10 club points per dollar spend at IHG hotels, the Club Traveler card offers five points per dollar spent. Both give two points per dollar, however, at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and one point per dollar everywhere else. The Premier card gives a free anniversary night stay at eligible hotels, and the Club Traveler does not. But both offer a fourth reward night free on point redemptions of four or more nights and a 20 percent discount on points purchases.
There is a $29 annual fee for the Club Traveler card and an $89 annual fee for the Premier card. This reflects the increase value and greater rewards offered by the Premium card. Often, the most valuable credit cards with the best rewards and perks carry a higher annual fee, and very often, it’s worth paying that fee.
David Canty, vice president of global loyalty programs at IHG, said the rewards program is “continually evolving [to] meet the changing needs of our members.” Canty said that “with these cards, members will not only earn more points but also get access to new benefits that make their travel experience easier.”