Earning Status with IHG and What Does it Get You

This is post #4 of a series regarding the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) program. 

• Free Night Annually with the IHG Credit Card
• Various Ways to Earn IHG Points
• Understanding IHG PointBreak Offers
• Earning Status with IHG and What Does it Get You?

IHG just introduced a new tier status to their program, called Spire. To obtain this status you must stay 75 nights in the year or earn 75,000 points. On top of the benefits one already receives from Platinum status, this Spire status status gives you 100% bonus on all points earned and an exclusive choice benefit. A few nice perks for those looking to reach top tier status! Their other two statuses include Platinum and Gold. Earning Platinum status is quite easy as it automatically comes as a benefit of being a card holder, or you’ll receive it if you stay 40 nights in the year or earn 40,000 points. Gold status is their lower level status and can be obtained if you stay 10 nights or earn 10,000 points.

I personally do not stay at IHG hotels nearly enough to earn any status solely based on stays, although I did earn Spire status. The interesting thing about IHG is that they include all points earned to obtain status. That includes points earned from credit card spend, purchasing points, etc. At one point, even points earned from the credit card sign up bonus counted, but that is no longer included.

While Spire status (or any IHG status) comes with minimal benefits, I thoroughly enjoy the “Exclusive Choice” option I received! With this benefit, you are able to select one of the two choices: 1) 25,000 points or 2) Gifting Platinum status to a friend. I personally believe the 25,000 point option wins hands down and that is the option I selected.

To select your choice benefit, once you sign into your account, click the “Choice Benefit” option on the left-hand column (all the way at the bottom). Then select your desired option. Your points will be credited to your account immediately as well!

With all their status levels, you’ll receive priority check-in, plus a bonus on the points earned from staying at one of their hotels. With Gold you’ll receive a 10% bonus, Platinum will give you a 50% bonus, and Spire comes with a generous 100% bonus. While Platinum and Spire status will both give you complimentary upgrades based on availability, IHG hotels are known to be pretty stingy about handing out upgrades. Unlike the other chain hotels, there is no executive lounge or complimentary breakfast.

While receiving some extra bonuses is always nice, IHG status isn’t nearly as good as some of the other chains. This is probably due to the fact that they make it very easy for people to earn Platinum status.

Key Links:

• IHG Rewards Club Select Visa Credit Card – Earn 60,000 points after you spend $1,000 within the first three months. Receive a free night certificate annually (starting with your second year as a card member). No annual fee the first year, then $49/year. Card application link.