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Best time to apply for IHG Chase cards based on offer history
Danyal Ahmed
Credit card writer
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
June 12, 2025
•
16 min read
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Knowing when to apply for a card can be difficult, especially considering that earning a sizable welcome bonus may be the primary factor.
Offers change frequently, and whether you're after a large sum of points or free night certificates, knowing the history of offers for credit cards can be useful to understand the difference between amazing and not-so-good bonuses.
If you find yourself frequenting IHG properties often, such as those part of the InterContinental and Kimpton brands, then a cobranded IHG credit card can provide useful perks during your stay. These include elite status, an anniversary free night and bonus points when paying for your accommodations.
Here's a list of Chase's best credit card welcome bonuses for cobranded IHG cards, included their offer histories and when you should apply for a card based on its best-ever welcome bonus.
Related: New IHG One Rewards card offers: Highest-ever bonuses worth up to $1,500
Best IHG credit card welcome bonuses
| Card | Best welcome offer we've seen | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | If the offer is better than 140,000 points, whether that's extra points or a free night award added on |
| IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card | Earn two free night (up to 50,000 points each) plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | Any time the offer is above 80,000 points |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 in the first six months. | Any time the offer is more than 140,000 points |
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers perks like a free night award on your account anniversary, up to $50 in United TravelBank cash each year, a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credit and automatic Platinum Elite status. Best of all, the card comes with a low $99 annual fee.
Here are the offers we've seen on the IHG One Premier card over the past years, including before its refresh in early 2022:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 to now | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| September 2025 to October 2025 | Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $825 |
| July 2025 to September 2025 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| May 2025 to July 2025 | Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | Up to $1,500 |
| March 2025 to May 2025 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| January 2025 to March 2025 | Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $850 |
| September 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| July 2024 to September 2024 | Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | Up to $1,500 |
| April 2024 to July 2024 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| February 2024 to April 2024 | Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $825 |
| September 2023 to February 2024 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| June 2023 to September 2023 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $100 in statement credits on purchases at IHG properties during the first 12 months from account opening. | $800 (including statement credit) |
| April 2023 to June 2023 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| January 2023 to April 2023 | Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $875 |
| April 2022 to January 2023 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| January 2022 to March 2022 | Earn 125,000 bonus points plus a free night award (worth up to 40,000 bonus points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $625 for the points and $100-plus for the free night award |
| October 2021 to December 2021 | Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $750 |
| May 2021 to October 2021 | Earn 125,000 bonus points plus a free night award (worth up to 40,000 bonus points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $625 for the points and $100-plus for the free night award |
| December 2020 to April 2021 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| May 2020 to November 2020 | Earn 125,000 bonus points plus a free night award (worth up to 40,000 bonus points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $625 for the points and $100-plus for the free night award |
| October 2019 to April 2020 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| June 2019 to September 2019 | Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $625 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's June 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
With this card's highest-ever welcome offer, new cardholders could earn five free nights (each valued at 60,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
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When to apply
When the offer is over 140,000 points, it's the right time to apply.
Learn more: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has no annual fee but offers perks like entry-level elite status and a fourth night free on award stays. Cardholders also have the ability to earn a higher elite status and bonus points through credit card spending in a calendar year.
Here are the offers on the IHG One Rewards Traveler card from the past few years:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 to now | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. | $400 |
| September 2025 to October 2025 | Earn two free nights (up to 50,000 points each) plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | Up to $700 |
| July 2025 to September 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. | $400 |
| May 2025 to July 2025 | Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $600 |
| March 2025 to May 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| January 2025 to March 2025 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $500 |
| November 2024 to January 2025 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| October 2024 to November 2024 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $500 |
| September 2024 to October 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| July 2024 to September 2024 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $500 |
| April 2024 to July 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| February 2024 to April 2024 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $500 |
| September 2023 to February 2024 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| June 2023 to September 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $50 in statement credits on purchases at IHG properties during the first 12 months from account opening. | $450 (including statement credit) |
| April 2023 to June 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| January 2023 to April 2023 | Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $600 |
| July 2022 to January 2023 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| March 2022 to June 2022 | Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $600 |
| December 2021 to February 2022 | Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $400 |
| January 2021 to December 2021 | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $300 |
| October 2020 to December 2020 | Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $500 |
| July 2020 to September 2020 | Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $375 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's June 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
With this card's highest-ever welcome offer, new cardholders can earn two free nights (valued at up to 50,000 points each) plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
When to apply
Whenever the offer is greater than 80,000 points, it's time to apply.
Learn more: IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card fits businesses loyal to IHG. The card offers Platinum Elite status, a free night award on your card anniversary and the ability to earn another free night award after meeting a spending requirement each calendar year.
Here are the offers on the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card from the past:
| Approximate date | Offer | Value* |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 to now | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| September 2025 to October 2025 | Earn up to 200,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending $9,000 in the first six months from account opening. | Up to $1,000 |
| May 2025 to September 2025 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| March 2025 to April 2025 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 in the first six months. | Up to $1,000 |
| May 2024 to March 2025 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| April 2024 to May 2024 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $7,000 in the first six months. | $875 |
| June 2023 to April 2024 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
| April 2023 to June 2023 | Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $825 |
| March 2022 to April 2023 | Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | $700 |
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's June 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
Highest welcome offer
The highest welcome offer on this card gives cardholders 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 in the first six months after account opening.
When to apply
Applying for the card is worthwhile when the offer is over 140,000 points.
Learn more: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Bottom line
Keep this guide handy if you ever want to apply for a cobranded Chase IHG credit card. That way, you can see the trends and know when it's the right time to apply.
Submitting your application at the right time can mean the difference between a short stay and a spectacular stay at one of the more luxurious IHG portfolio properties.
Keep in mind Chase's infamous 5/24 rule to make sure your chances of approval won't be affected.
To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:
- The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
- The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer history
- The best time to apply for these popular Citi cards based on offer history
- The best time to apply for these popular American Express cards based on offer history
Featured image by ROGER DAVIES/KIMPTON
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
TPG featured card
Best for dining at restaurants
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Rewards
1 - 4X points
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Annual Fee
$325
Recommended Credit
Excellent to Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.