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IHG finally letting members ditch the PIN, create a more-secure passwords

Dec. 21, 2019
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3 min read
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IHG finally letting members ditch the PIN, create a more-secure passwords
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For years, one of my big frustrations with IHG Rewards has been the lack of security for its online account login. Rather than having members use a secure password, logging into your IHG account only required a four-digit numerical PIN.

While IHG has some protections in place to prevent brute force hacks — in which hackers try every option — it was still an insecure way of protecting accounts. Not surprisingly, we have seen many reports from TPG readers that have had their IHG accounts hacked over the past few years.

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But finally, the era of insecure IHG logins is coming to an end. Starting earlier this week, all IHG Rewards members can ditch their four-digit PIN for a new password, and new IHG members will have to create a secure password when they open a new account.

In confirming the news, an IHG spokesperson confirmed that "existing members are not required to make this update, but new members joining IHG Rewards Club will need to create a password for their account instead of a four-digit PIN. Members will be required to use a password if they forget their PIN. This change underscores our continued commitment to our IHG Rewards Club members."

It takes just a couple of minutes for you to create a secure password, and there's no time like the present to secure your points and miles accounts. So, let's walk through how to do it.

Perhaps the easiest way to create a new account is by starting on IHG's reset password page. By entering your email address on this page, you'll get an email with a link to create your new account.

The other option is to log into your IHG Rewards account and browse to the Personal Information page — which is also accessible by clicking Personal Information on the left side of your IHG "My Account" page. Once on this page, click "edit" next to password to start the password change process:

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Your new IHG password needs to be at least eight characters and include at least three of the following: capital letter, lowercase letter, number, special character.

Related: IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card current offer

It's great that IHG Rewards has finally taken this simple but important step to help members keep their accounts more secure. If you haven't followed the above steps yet to set up a new password, I'd recommend doing so now. It's much easier to invest a little bit of time now to make it harder for your account to be hacked than to have to go through the process to restore your points after they've been stolen.

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.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.