Earn an easy 500 IHG points for free with app promotion

IHG is currently running a promotion for its members to earn 500 IHG One Rewards points for free if they download the brand's app and log in.

While this isn't a huge haul of points (TPG values 500 IHG One Rewards points at around $2.50, based on its February 2025 valuations), if you don't already have the IHG app, it's an incredibly easy way to get some free points. As we often say, every point counts.

Given that IHG One Rewards points expire after 12 months without any qualifying activity, it's also handy to know that earning points in this promotion would be considered a qualifying activity. So, if you have a stash of IHG One Rewards points that are about to expire, this would breathe life back into them for the next 12 months.

But before you hop over to the app store to download it, it's important to note that members must first register for the promotion online. Once you do, all you need to do is download the IHG app to an iOS or Android device and log in.

Sadly, after following the above process, you'll notice that the points won't post automatically to your account. IHG notes in its terms and conditions that it could take up to six weeks for the points to appear in your account. Still, better late than never.

Members are only eligible for the promotion once — and you must ensure that you've registered for it, downloaded the app and signed in by June 30.

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Other ways to earn IHG One Rewards points

In addition to earning IHG One Rewards points for stays at IHG properties, IHG has three credit cards that also earn rewards points.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) earns 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards. You'll also earn 5 points per dollar spent on other travel, gas stations and dining at restaurants, plus 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card comes with a $99 annual fee and currently offers a welcome bonus of 175,000 bonus points, earned after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

There's also the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (see rates and fees), which earns 5 points per dollar spent on qualifying spend at participating hotels, 3 points per dollar spent on utilities, select streaming services, gas stations, dining at restaurants and internet, cable and phone services — plus 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. There's no annual fee, and the card currently offers a welcome bonus of up to 120,000 bonus points: earn 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.

You might also consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees), which earns 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying hotel purchases and 5 points per dollar spent on all other travel, dining at restaurants, office supply stores, gas stations and social media and search engine advertising. Additionally, you'll receive 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. The card has a $99 annual fee and currently offers a welcome bonus of earning 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Finally, in addition to the above credit cards, it's possible to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Rewards Points to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Bottom line

IHG is giving away 500 free points to members who haven't already downloaded its app. The promotion is an easy way to earn a small amount of points and is especially useful for those with points due to expire soon.