MoneyGeek’s Take

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card Review

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Updated: July 11, 2024

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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Rewards Rate
Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you s...
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
  • We recommend the no-annual-fee IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card to people who frequently stay at properties that are part of the InterContinental Hotels Group and wish to earn reward points faster. You earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Earn 3X points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

    If you spend $10,000 or more on purchases in a calendar year, you get Gold Elite Status that remains valid until the end of the following year. If you redeem your points for stays of four or more nights, you get a free reward night. This card is perfect to use outside of the U.S. as it comes with no foreign transaction fees.

    Additional benefits include purchase protection and travel insurance coverage.
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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is a viable option for applicants who want a more dynamic co-branded hotel credit that provides perks for staying at IHG hotels. While it only offers you two points for each dollar you spend on your daily purchases, you can use it at other IHG properties, gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants. Using this card can help you earn Gold Elite status, with which you can earn a 10% bonus on hotel stays. The card has a regular variable APR of 21.49% – 28.49% with no foreign transaction fees.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card Overview

You can keep your points active by extending the expiration date once you use your IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card, transfer IHG points or make a reservation at any IHG properties around the globe exceeding 5,800 points.

The best way to earn points with Chase IHG Rewards Club Traveler is to pay for hotel stays with the card. You’ll get even more value by booking four nights or more since the fourth night is free.

>>MORE: CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS: PROGRAM GUIDE

Quick Take

  • Certain purchases may not earn points
  • Points may expire if you do not have 12 months of consecutive activity on your card
  • Benefits and rewards may vary by location

Important Card Details

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    Regular/ Variable APR

    The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has a high variable APR rate of between 21.49% – 28.49% on purchases and bank transfers. Your card starts accruing interest when you start making purchases, and the percentage may differ depending on the current prime rate.

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    Balance Transfer Fee

    The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card charges a relatively high fee of up to 5% on the total amount you transfer. The percentage is equivalent to a fee of up to $10. For instance, if you make a $2,000 transfer, you’ll pay $100 as your balance transfer fee.

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    Annual Fee

    This card charges no annual fee.

Additional Benefits

The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card doesn't offer a ton of luxury perks. However, it has other features and benefits that are beneficial.

  • 20% discount on IHG rewards club point purchases: This perk comes in handy when you need more points to redeem your rewards.
  • Purchase protection: The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card protects all your new purchases for up to 120 days against damage or theft with up to $500 for every claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Cell phone insurance: If you're using your card to pay for your monthly phone cell bill, the card protects your phone against theft or damage with up to $600 per claim and $1,000 per year.
  • Baggage delay insurance: The card will cover your purchases such as toiletries and clothing for baggage delays by airline carriers that are over six hours in length. The insurance amount is up to $100 per day for three days.
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver: If a collision occurs while you are renting a car, you can charge the entire cost on the card instead of using the rental company's collision insurance. Using the card will give you secondary coverage to your insurance.
  • Lost luggage reimbursement: If you or your immediate family member's luggage is lost, the card covers up to $3,000 per passenger.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption insurance: Your trip may be canceled or cut short due to certain covered situations such as illnesses and severe weather conditions. In this case, you're eligible for reimbursement of up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for pre-paid and non-refundable expenses.
  • Travel accident insurance: Paying for your air, bus, train or cruise transportation using the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card guarantees coverage of up to $500,000 of any accidental death or dismemberment.
  • Travel and emergency assistance services: If you encounter an issue during your travel, contact the Benefit Administrator for a legal or medical referral.
  • Add authorized users: You can get complimentary cards for your family members and friends. You'll earn extra reward points faster since you’ll have multiple people using your account.

How the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card Compares To Other Cards

The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card rivals other cards as it does not have annual fee and foreign transaction fees. However, comparing it with other travel cards will depend on what you want from the card.

In-Depth Credit Card Comparisons:

How the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card Compares

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Purchase APR: 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
  • Cash back: Earn Up to 17 points total per dollar on IHG hotel stays, 3 points per dollar on monthly bills, gas stations and restaurant purchases and 2 points per dollar on other purchases
  • Best For: Cardholders who plan to use reward points for travel stay without paying an annual or foreign transaction fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% after that
  • Cash back: 1.5% on general purchases
  • Best For: Cardholders looking to get valuable cash backs on travel purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average credit score needed to get approved for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card?
Does the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card report to all three credit bureaus?
Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card application process lengthy? Can you prequalify?
What information is needed to apply for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card?
Does the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card have good customer service or satisfaction?
Does the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card have a mobile app or the option to pay or manage your account online?
Does the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card raise credit limits automatically or charge for limit increases?
Does the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card offer the option to freeze your credit/account or have other security features?
Does Chase offer other credit cards besides the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


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Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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