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Best time to apply for IHG Chase cards based on offer history

April 06, 2026
15 min read
IHG Winter Chalet - Hero Image - Photo Credit Roger Davies (1)
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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 the credit card welcome bonuses for Chase's cobranded IHG cards, including their offer histories and when you should apply for a card based on its best-ever welcome bonus.

Related: Current offers on the IHG One Rewards cards

Best IHG credit card welcome bonuses

CardBest welcome offer we've seenWhen to apply
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.
When the offer is more than 140,000 points, whether that's extra points or a free night award added on
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 from account opening.
When the offer is above 80,000 points
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.
When 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 40,000 points), 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.

IHG Premier personal card art
THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers we've seen on the IHG One Premier card over the past few years:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
April 2026 to now
Earn up to 185,000 bonus points: 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 35,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Up to $1,110
March to April 2026
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
January to March 2026
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,050
October 2025 to January 2026
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
September to October 2025
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$990
July to September 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening.
$840
May 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 $1,800
March to May 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
January to March 2025
Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,020
September 2024 to January 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
July 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 $1,800
April to July 2024
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
February to April 2024
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$990
September 2023 to February 2024
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
June 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.
Up to $940 (including statement credit)
April to June 2023
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
January to April 2023
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,050

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's April 2026 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 up to 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 for more than 140,000 points — whether that's extra points or a free night award added on — it's a good 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 IHG Silver elite status and a fourth night free on award stays. Cardholders can also earn higher elite status through credit card spending in a calendar year.

IHG Traveler One Rewards
THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers on the IHG One Rewards Traveler card from the past few years:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
April 2026 to now
Earn up to 125,000 bonus points: 90,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 35,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Up to $750
March to April 2026
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
January to March 2026
Earn up to 120,000 bonus points: 90,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus up to an additional 30,000 bonus points (by earning 3 additional points per dollar on purchases that earn 2 and 3 points per dollar on up to $10,000 spent in the first six months).
Up to $720
October 2025 to January 2026
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$480
September 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 $840
July to September 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$480
May to July 2025
Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$720
March to May 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
January to March 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
November 2024 to January 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
October to November 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
September to October 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
July to September 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
April to July 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
February to April 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
September 2023 to February 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
June 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.
$530 (including statement credit)
April to June 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
January to April 2023
Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$720

*Bonus offer value is based on our valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

With this card's highest-ever welcome offer, new cardholders could 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 for more 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 (up to 40,000 points) and the ability to earn another free night award (up to 40,000 points) after meeting a spending requirement each calendar year.

Chase IHG Premier Business
THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers on the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card from the past:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
April 2026 to now
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
March to April 2026
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 a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $1,200
October 2025 to March 2026
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
September 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 a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $1,200
May to September 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
March to April 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 a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $1,200
May 2024 to March 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
April to May 2024
Earn up to 175,000 bonus points: 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 on purchases in the first six months.
$1,050
June 2023 to April 2024
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
April to June 2023
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$990
March 2022 to April 2023
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840

*Bonus offer value is based on our valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer that was offered allowed new cardholders to earn up to 200,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.

When to apply

Applying for the card is worthwhile when the offer is for more than 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 ensure your chances of approval aren't affected.

To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:

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

Rewards rate
4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
5XNew! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Excellent to Good

Pros

  • Valuable dining and food-related credits
  • Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
  • Multiple travel and purchase protections
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

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 $8,000 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.
  • New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
  • Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
  • Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.