IHG offers a fast track to elite status with as little as 2 paid nights
Editor's Note
Chasing elite status with an airline or a hotel loyalty program can feel like a lot of work. Don’t you wish there were an easier way?
Right now, IHG One Rewards is offering a shortcut to Gold Elite and Platnum Elite status. During this promotion, you can earn elite status through December 2024 with as little as two nights.
Let's take a closer look at this promotion and what's included with IHG elite status.
IHG One Rewards status challenge details
Through April 30, IHG One Rewards members can enroll for a status fast-track with IHG One Rewards. You don't need to be an elite member with another program to participate, so any IHG One Rewards member can enroll in the status fast-track.
Once you register for the promotion, you'll have 90 days to stay either two nights to earn Gold Elite status or five nights to earn Platinum Elite status.
Gold Elite typically requires staying 20 nights or earning 40,000 elite qualifying points. Meanwhile, Platinum Elite typically requires staying 40 nights or earning 60,000 elite qualifying points.
However, note that you can also get Platinum Elite status by holding the IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card or IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card.
Key terms
Qualifying stays are those booked under a qualifying rate and the room rate must be $30 or more (or a local equivalent if staying in another country). Bookings through third-party sites are not eligible, and you can only earn credit for one room per night, no matter how many rooms you book. Also, if two members check in to the same room, only one will receive credit for the stay.
Qualifying stays are eligible at any participating IHG hotel or resort or Mr & Mrs Smith property worldwide, except for Six Senses hotels, resorts and spas that do not participate in IHG One Rewards and Iberostar Beachfront resorts that are not yet integrated into IHG One Rewards.
If you’re interested, you can enroll for this status challenge here. Remember that the 90-day clock starts ticking as soon as you register, so time your registration carefully.
Benefits of elite status tiers
With IHG Gold Elite status, you're entitled to 40% bonus points on IHG stays, priority check-in, 2 p.m. late checkout (when available) and rollover elite nights.
Meanwhile, Platinum Elite members receive 60% bonus points on stays with IHG. You’ll also receive room upgrades at check-in, when available, plus a welcome amenity of points or a drink/snack. Members are also eligible for all Gold Elite benefits outlined above.
Related: What is IHG One Rewards elite status worth?
Bottom line
This promotion likely comes at a great time for those looking to shift their hotel allegiance.
It’s a terrific option for those with upcoming stays at IHG properties, since this status challenge could help you attain Gold Elite or Platinum Elite status with significantly reduced stay requirements compared to normal thresholds. And while top-tier Diamond Elite status isn't included with this challenge, there are some real benefits to be found at the Platinum Elite level.
Meanwhile, if you might not spend enough nights with IHG over the next year to enjoy the benefits, this challenge probably doesn’t make sense. However, if you’ll be able to enjoy the perks conferred by your newfound status, then participating in this challenge to elevate your status with IHG One Rewards likely makes sense for you.
Additional reporting by Ryan Smith.
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How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
$250Recommended 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.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees