While you may not be familiar with the name IHG or have any idea what it stands for, you have likely heard of several brands that make up IHG One Rewards, which is the loyalty program of the InterContinental Hotels Group. This group contains a variety of hotel brands in many price points - from lower priced brands like Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn up to the more luxurious Kimpton and InterContinental brands.

Credit Cards That Earn IHG points:

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card benefits:

Free reward night each cardholder anniversary (redemption cap at 40,000 points per night, but this CAN be topped off with additional points)
Get the fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay when you book with points (not valid for free night certificates though)
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
Platinum Elite Status

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card benefits:

Free reward night each cardholder anniversary (redemption cap at 40,000 points per night, but this CAN be topped off with additional points)
Get the fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay when you book with points (not valid for free night certificates though)
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
Platinum Elite Status

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

No annual fee
Get the fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay when you book with points (not valid for free night certificates though)

Important: you can only hold one personal credit card from IHG, so you are not eligible to hold both the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card at the same time.

40k Free Night Certificates

There are three credit cards that come with 40k anniversary free night certificates. These are the IHG One Rewards Premier Card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card, and the IHG® Rewards Select Credit Card.

These cards each come with an IHG free night certificate each account anniversary (starting 12 months after you open the credit card). In addition, if you have a high amount of spend, you can earn an additional IHG free night certificate for any calendar year (January through December) when you spend over $60,000 on the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card.

These IHG free night certificates are valid for a standard room award night, up to 40,000 points. If the room costs more than 40,000 points, you can top off the free night certificate with additional points or points plus cash. *NOTE: While the IHG free night certificate covers any taxes for the stay, you will need to pay for any other fees that are incurred, including fees like the parking fees and resort fees.

Chase is a transfer partner of IHG, so if you are short IHG points, transferring Chase points to IHG is an option.

60k Free Night Certificates

While you CAN top off with points a 40k annual free night certificates that come from holding the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you CANNOT top off with points 60k free night certificates that come from limited time welcome offers. This means any night that requires 61k or more points cannot be booked with a 60k free night certificate.

Finding Availability for Free Night Certificates

For free night certificates, you must redeem and complete your stay within 12 months of issuance. The point price of IHG properties vary a lot depending on the dates so being flexible with your dates will be KEY! IHG has a flexible date calendar so you can see the point price of each night you are searching.

To find the point price per night on IHG’s website, search a specific property, select only ONE night and then tap that “view price calendar” and then the point price per night will pull up.

Ideas for Redeeming Free Night Certificates

Check out these 7 family friendly Holiday Inns! Whether you are interested in a Disney vacation, beach vacation, or national park vacation there is something for you! IHG has a large footprint and is a great option for hotels in Europe!

REMEMBER! For some properties, not all nights will be available to book for under 60k points/night so be flexible with your dates and plan accordingly!

IHG Hotel examples in the United States

IHG Hotel examples in Mexico and the Caribbean

IHG Hotel examples in Europe

IHG Hotel examples in Asia

How to Earn Additional Free Night Certificates

Besides limited time elevated welcome offers, there are several ways to earn additional IHG Free Night Certificates when you have specific IHG credit cards. There are currently three credit cards that will give IHG anniversary night certificates and these are the IHG One Rewards Premier Card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card, and the IHG® Rewards Select Credit Card.

These cards will each give you an IHG free night certificate after every account anniversary (starting 12 months after you open the credit card). If you have a high amount of spend, you can earn an additional IHG free night certificate for any calendar year (January through December) when you spend over $60,000 on a IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card.

These IHG free night certificates are valid for a standard room award night, up to 40,000 points. If the room costs more than 40,000 points, you’ll see an ability to top off the free night certificate with additional points or points plus cash. *NOTE: While the IHG free night certificate covers any taxes for the stay, you will need to pay for any other fees that are incurred, including fees like the parking fees and resort fees.

Bottom Line

IHG free night certificates are a valuable perk that can unlock high-end stays with no extra cost—just be sure to book early and understand the restrictions. Used strategically, they can stretch your rewards and elevate your travel experience without breaking the bank!

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All About IHG Free Night Certificates