Advertiser Disclosure

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The Benefits of IHG One Rewards Elite Status [Silver, Gold, Platinum & Diamond]

Michael McHugh's image
Michael McHugh

Michael McHugh

Former Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 15U.S. States Visited: 32

Michael fell in love with points and miles back in 2014 and since then has built up a vast knowledge of award programs and has striven to show readers how to receive the maximum value when using their...
Learn more
Updated:
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 39U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
Learn more
& Kellie Jez

Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...
Learn more
The Benefits of IHG One Rewards Elite Status [Silver, Gold, Platinum & Diamond]

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in England, is an established hotel brand dating back to the 1700s. The brand has nearly 6,000 hotels across over 100 countries, similar to the footprint you’ll find with the Hilton and Marriott brands.

The highlight of the IHG One Rewards loyalty program is its global footprint. What the program lacks in elite benefits it makes up for by having properties across the world. IHG also has 17 brands, ensuring its members have the option to book stays at luxury brands like InterContinental Hotels & Resorts or mainstream brands like Holiday Inn.

In this article, we’ll cover all of the IHG One Rewards elite tiers, as well as the benefits offered at each tier. The goal is to have an understanding of all of the nuances of the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. You’ll be armed with the information you need to decide if IHG One Rewards elite status makes sense for you. 

IHG One Rewards Elite Status Levels

Benefit Club MemberSilver EliteGold Elite Platinum EliteDiamond Elite 
Member Rates and PromotionsXXXXX
No Blackout Dates for Reward NightsXXXXX
Reward Nights Count Towards Elite StatusXXXXX
Free InternetXXXXX
Late 2 p.m. Checkout (When Available)XXXXX
Points Don’t ExpireXXXX
Bonus Earnings on Top of Base Points20%40%60%100%
Elite Rollover NightsXXX
Room Upgrades (When Available)XX
Guaranteed Room Availability (72 hours)XX
Reward Night DiscountsXX
Welcome Amenity at Check-InPoints or Drink/SnackFree Breakfast, Points, or Drink/Snack
Early Check-In (When Available)XX
Dedicated Diamond SupportX
Hertz Five Star Elite StatusX

Club Member

Club Member is the lowest level in the IHG One Rewards program and there are no requirements for this level. In addition to member rates and promotions and free internet, Club Members have the ability for reward nights to count toward elite status with no blackout dates.

Late Checkout

Subject to availability and not available in all regions, 2 p.m. late checkout is a benefit provided to Club level members.

IHG One Rewards members can get late check-out at Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

IHG One Rewards Silver Elite

Silver Elite status is the entry-level elite tier in the IHG One Rewards program. This status is earned after staying 10 qualifying nights in a calendar year or by holding the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.

Points Expiration

Members who earn IHG One Rewards elite status enjoy the benefit of their points not expiring. However, if the elite member drops down to Club status, the points expire after 12 months if there’s no activity in the account.

20% Bonus Points

Silver Elite members earn a 20% bonus on earned points. Members 10 points per dollar spent at most IHG properties, resulting in Silver Elite members earning an additional 2 points per dollar spent (12x total).

Hot Tip: While IHG One Rewards members earn 10x points per $1 spent at most IHG hotels there are 2 exceptions — Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites stays earn 5x points per $1 spent.

IHG One Rewards Gold Elite

Gold Elite members will earn 40% more points at IHG hotels including the stunning InterContinental Mauritius. Image Credit: IHG

This status is earned after staying 20 qualifying nights or earning 40,000 elite-qualifying points in a calendar year. Members can also qualify for Gold Elite status by spending $20,000 plus an additional purchase in a calendar year on the IHG Traveler card.

40% Bonus Points

Gold Elite members earn a 40% bonus on points earned. IHG One Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar spent at most IHG properties, resulting in Gold Elite members earning an additional 4 points per dollar spent (14x total).

Rollover Nights

Any nights earned in excess of the 20 required for Gold Elite status can be rolled over to count toward the next year’s status.

Milestone Rewards

Once a member earns 20 nights they can choose one of the following Milestone Rewards:

  • 5,000 bonus points
  • 2 food and beverage rewards
  • 1 confirmable suite upgrade

Once a member earns 30 nights they can choose one of the following Milestone Rewards:

  • 5,000 bonus points
  • 2 food and beverage rewards

IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite

IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite members will get a welcome amenity of points or a drink/snack at InterContinental Danang. Image Credit: IHG

Members can earn Platinum Elite status by staying 40 qualifying nights or by earning 60,000 elite qualifying points in a calendar year. Alternatively, you can get Platinum Elite status by holding one of the following credit cards:

Room Upgrades

Subject to availability and as determined by the hotel, Platinum Elite members will be offered a complimentary upgrade. Room upgrades include corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, rooms on higher floors, or rooms with preferred views.

Hot Tip: The upgrade only applies to the member’s room and not other rooms booked by the member. Suites and specialty rooms are excluded.  

60% Bonus Points

Platinum Elite members earn a 60% bonus on points earned. IHG One Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar spent at most IHG properties, resulting in Platinum Elite members earning an additional 6 points per dollar spent (16x total).

Guaranteed Room Availability

Platinum Elite members are guaranteed 1 room on reservations made at least 72 hours in advance. Room availability is determined solely by the property and is not guaranteed during times of extraordinary demand. Reward nights are excluded from this benefit and the member must make a reservation through the IHG One Rewards Service Center.

Welcome Amenity at Check-In

Platinum Elite members will receive a welcome amenity of either points or a drink/snack at check-in. At Kimpton Hotels, the amenity will be a Raid the Bar credit.

Early Check-In

Platinum Elite members can get an early check-in, if available.

Milestone Rewards

Once a member earns 40 nights they can choose 2 of the following Milestone Rewards:

  • 10,000 bonus points
  • 5 food and beverage rewards
  • 1 confirmable suite upgrade (limit 1)
  • Annual lounge membership (limit 1)

Once a member earns 50 or 60 nights they can choose one of the following Milestone Rewards at each milestone:

  • 10,000 bonus points
  • 5 food and beverage rewards

IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite

Diamond Elite members are eligible for a room upgrade at InterContinental Hong Kong: Image Credit: IHG

You’ll need to earn 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 elite qualifying points in a calendar year to get top-tier Diamond Elite status. Unfortunately, IHG One Rewards doesn’t offer Diamond Elite status as a credit card benefit like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers Hilton Honors Diamond status, but you can earn it by spending $40,000 on the IHG Premier card or IHG Premier Business card in a calendar year.

Diamond Elite status members enjoy all of the perks of the preceding elite tiers, plus these additional benefits.

100% Bonus Points

Diamond Elite members earn a 100% bonus on points earned. IHG One Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar spent at most IHG properties, resulting in Diamond Elite members earning an additional 10 points per dollar spent (20x total).

Hertz Five Star Elite Status

Diamond Elite members will get Hertz Five Star elite status.

Welcome Amenity

Diamond Elite members can get a free hot breakfast for 2 as a welcome amenity. There are some Kimpton locations that will be excluded from this benefit.

Dedicated Diamond Support

This is a new benefit for Diamond Elite members, but details of this perk haven’t been released yet.

Milestone Rewards

Once a member earns 70 nights they can choose 2 of the following Milestone Rewards:

  • 10,000 bonus points
  • 5 food and beverage rewards
  • 2 confirmable suite upgrades (limit 1)
  • Annual lounge membership (limit 1)

Once a member earns 80, 90, and 100 nights they can choose one of the following Milestone Rewards at each milestone:

  • 10,000 bonus points
  • 5 food and beverage rewards

Bottom Line: Diamond Elite members, IHG One Rewards’ top-tier elite status, can get a free hot breakfast for 2 as a welcome amenity.

Final Thoughts

In terms of footprint, the IHG One Rewards program looks and feels similar to the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy programs. Each of these brands has a ton of properties across the world. The goal is to ensure its members will come to its brand first, knowing one of its hotels is likely located in the city they are traveling to.

The new IHG One Rewards program introduced a new elite status tier and some new benefits, overall making the program more appealing for travelers.

For those of you who take on IHG One Rewards elite status, we recommend holding the IHG Premier card that comes with Platinum Elite status. That puts you at least within striking distance of the nights or points required to earn top-tier Diamond Elite status.

The information regarding the IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Featured Image Credit: IHG

Frequently Asked Questions

About Michael McHugh

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Michael took his first international trip in 2013 with friends to the Bahamas. Although he didn’t travel much in his younger years, on that trip, he caught the travel bug and has been hooked ever since.

Michael first caught wind of the points and miles game in 2014 while at a bar in Washington, DC where the conversation amongst friends was quickly derailed because of an alert on a friend’s phone about a mistake fare.  That’s where the love affair with points and miles began.

Read More

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.

We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

7 comments

Pete J

June 20, 2022

It is June 20, 2022 and today I just tried to use my “Guarantee room availability” as a Diamond Elite Member for a room in September. I tried the IHG website, I tried the reservations line, I called the hotel directly, and finally landed at the Diamond Elite line. Still don’t have a room at the desired hotel. This is the first time trying to use this benefit, looks like it is snake oil.

josh

December 19, 2022

Frankly, I can’t imagine how you can put the iHG program for elites in the same category as Marriott or Hilton.
“In terms of footprint, the IHG One Rewards program looks and feels similar to the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy programs”
Diamond Elite at IHG is harder to get and is a very inferior product. Not comparable.

I just stayed 7 times at IHG branded hotels in Europe with my partner who has Diamond.
1. Not one suite upgrade- almost always get junior or one bedroom suite with Marriott titanium and to a somewhat lesser extent Hilton Diamond.
2. No executive lounge access which you get automatically with the others.
3. 2 pm checkout versus 4 pm at the others.
4. Unimpressive breakfasts compared to what I get at Marriotts and Hiltons.

Frankly, I cant imagine why anyone would pursue IHG Diamond.

Jimi

December 19, 2022

Does diamond elite status give you upgraded rooms to suites as well or are those excluded same as Platinum?

Jarrod West

December 19, 2022

Hi Jimi,

IHG Diamond status includes space-available Suite upgrades.

Jamie Haines

March 04, 2023

How in the world did I drop from Platinum to Gold? I travel frequently and stay at IHG hotel almost exclusively. I feel like I am being bent over here. I may begin staying at other non-IHG hotels if this is the way things work with you guys. BS. I also got screwed out of my special rewards points that I signed up for for qualifying nights and never saw a point of those in my account. Screwed again

Keri Stooksbury

March 05, 2023

Hi Jamie – we are sorry to hear about your drop in status, but we are Upgraded Points, a travel resource website, not IHG. I’d suggest you give IHG a call or chat via its website to inquire more about your particular circumstances. If you are interested in automatic Platinum Elite status, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card might be a good fit.

Brutus

April 03, 2023

Sir, this is a Wendy’s.

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!

Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Related Posts

The 23 Best Credit Cards for Complimentary Hotel Elite Status [2023]
The 5 Best Credit Cards That Include Car Rental Elite Status [2023]
Barclaycard Arrival® Plus World Elite Mastercard® — Full Review [2023]
How to Get Hilton Honors Elite Status [Benefits, How to Qualify, and Free Nights]
Upgrade your travel experience
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2023 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

DMCA.com Protection Status

Disclaimer: Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.

Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.

Advertising Policy: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.