Which credit card should you use for IHG stays?
Editor's Note
If you're planning your next trip and have your eyes set on an IHG hotel, it's natural for you to assume the best option for paying may be with an IHG One Rewards cobranded card.
That's not a bad idea, since you will automatically receive high earning rates and program-specific perks, such as elite status, when you hold an IHG credit card.
But here's some expert-level advice: A cobranded card may not always be the best option to pay for an IHG stay. That's right — there are some instances in which another card in your wallet may help you maximize your earnings.
Let's take a look at this list of cards to consider when booking with IHG. Some of the options listed may surprise you.
Comparing credit cards for an IHG stay
Sure, there are plenty of times when an IHG cobranded card may be the right choice for booking an IHG hotel.
However, you could receive more value from paying with an all-around travel rewards card that earns transferable points, which are often more valuable in the long run.
Here are some cards you might want to pay with, and what you could get when using these cards:
| Card name | Earning rate at IHG properties | Value of the rewards earned* | Benefits that will elevate your IHG stay | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 points per dollar spent | 5 cents |
| $99 | |
10 points per dollar spent | 5 cents |
| $99 | |
5 points per dollar spent | 2.5 cents |
| $0 | |
3 points per dollar spent | 6 cents | None | $150 | |
4 points per dollar spent (or 8 points per dollar spent if booked via Chase Travel℠) | 8.2 cents (or 16.4 cents if booked through Chase Travel) |
| $795 | |
3 points per dollar spent (or 10 points per dollar spent if booked via Citi Travel) | 5.7 cents (or 19 cents if booked through the portal) | None | $95 | |
5 points per dollar spent | 8 cents | None | $95 |
*Value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations.
**The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Which credit card should you use for IHG stays?
It's still good practice for IHG loyalists to hold its cobranded credit cards to receive elite status and card perks.
However, there are many instances in which it's better to pull out another card from your wallet to pay for the actual stay itself.
When you're making this decision, you'll want to weigh two factors:
- The benefits you'll receive from the card you use to pay
- The value of the points you'll earn from paying with that card
Consider these calculations:
- If you pay with the IHG One Premier or IHG One Premier Business, you'll earn 10 points per dollar spent on your stay. IHG points are worth 0.5 cents apiece. So, those 10 points are worth 5 cents.
- If you pay with the Amex Green, you'll earn 3 points per dollar spent on your stay. Amex Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each. So, those 3 points are actually valued at 6 cents.
When you break it down like this, it actually makes more sense to pay with the Amex Green, since those points are more valuable. We value Membership Rewards points higher than IHG points because they can be transferred to a wide range of hotel and airline partners.
Of course, it's worth considering that non-cobranded cards don't unlock benefits like room upgrades on their own. However, you don't have to worry about this if you already hold an IHG cobranded card.
That's because simply having the card unlocks these perks. You don't have to pay with your IHG card to receive these benefits.
So, it makes sense to hold an IHG card simply to qualify for elite status and receive benefits, and use a different card with a more valuable currency to pay.
You may not even have to hold an IHG card to unlock these benefits, however. That's because the Sapphire Reserve's recent overhaul added complimentary IHG Platinum status (through Dec. 31, 2027) to its list of benefits. High-spending individuals who put at least $75,000 on the card in a calendar year unlock IHG Diamond status.
Plus, the Sapphire Reserve offers elevated earning rates on hotels booked directly with IHG (4 points per dollar spent) and IHG hotels booked through Chase Travel (8 points per dollar spent).
That said, it's worth noting that using a card like the Sapphire Reserve to pay for an IHG stay through Chase Travel may not be the best option. These reservations are treated as third-party bookings, so they aren't eligible to earn IHG points.
Even so, the Chase Ultimate Rewards points you'll earn by swiping the Sapphire Reserve can be transferred freely and immediately to IHG if you need to top off your balance for an upcoming redemption.
While there are many other ways to maximize those points, IHG loyalists can take advantage of this. Don't forget to consider how this card's $795 annual fee factors into how you weigh the value of these benefits.
You'll also miss out on using any elite status perks during your stay if you book through Chase Travel, so be sure to consider that when deciding how to book (and pay).
Related: What you need to know about direct versus third-party travel bookings
Bottom line
It's still a good idea for IHG loyalists to hold an IHG cobranded card to receive perks like elite status. However, it's not a given that your IHG cobranded card is the best option to actually pay for your stay.
We don't value IHG points highly. We generally recommend collecting transferable rewards that are more valuable. So, another card in your wallet that earns bonus points on hotel stays could be your best bet.
In general, consider keeping your IHG card around for the added benefits and using a more valuable travel rewards card to actually pay for your IHG stay.
Related: From mountain peaks to seaside getaways: 7 IHG hotels for your next vacation
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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. (Partner offer)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.
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. (Partner offer)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.