Is the Chase IHG Premier's 175,000-Point Bonus Worth the $5,000 Spend?

If you're a fan of IHG hotels like Holiday Inn, Kimpton, or InterContinental, you've probably seen the buzz about a huge sign-up bonus floating around. The Chase IHG Rewards Premier card is currently dangling a very tempting 175,000-point welcome offer. That's a lot of points! But before you jump in, let's talk about what it really takes to get them and whether this card's other benefits make the annual fee worthwhile. There's also chatter that this specific offer might not stick around forever, so it's a good time for a closer look.

The Big Bonus: A Historical Perspective

A 175,000-point bonus is undoubtedly high for this card. In the past, the top offer on this premium version was typically 165,000 or 170,000 points, often with a slightly lower spending target of $3,000 or $4,000. So, while you're getting more points now, you also have to put more spend on the card upfront.

More Than Just a Welcome Offer

The sign-up bonus is the headline, but the card's ongoing benefits are what justify the $99 annual fee for many travelers. The most valuable perk is the free night certificate you get every year on your account anniversary. If you use it at a property that would cost 40,000 points, it effectively pays for the fee itself. Combine that with automatic Platinum Elite status (which includes room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points), a 'fourth night free' reward on point stays, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and the card starts to look quite compelling for IHG loyalists.

Points in Practice: What Can You Get?

So, what does 175,000 points buy you? IHG's award chart is dynamic, meaning prices fluctuate, but you can often find excellent value. This bonus could easily cover multiple nights at Holiday Inn Express or similar brands. With savvy planning, it might stretch to 3-4 nights at an upscale Kimpton or even a single night at a top-tier InterContinental in a desirable location. The key is to be flexible with dates and destinations.

Important Considerations Before You Apply

This isn't a no-brainer for everyone. Here are a few crucial things to weigh.

• The $5,000 Spend: Can you comfortably meet this in three months without forcing spending? If it's a stretch, the value diminishes.
• The 5/24 Rule: Chase famously won't approve you for most cards if you've opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any bank) in the last 24 months. This card counts toward that limit. Is this the best use of one of your precious slots under 5/24?
• Alternative Cards: There's a no-annual-fee IHG Traveler card that sometimes offers bonuses of 100,000-120,000 points for a much lower $2,000 spend. If you don't stay at IHG often enough to use the Premier's annual free night, the Traveler card could be a better fit.
• Eligibility: You can't get this bonus if you currently have any IHG personal card or have received a bonus on one in the last two years. Business cards don't affect this.

Bottom Line

• The 175k bonus is historically high but comes with a higher spend requirement ($5k).
• The annual free night certificate is the card's MVP, often covering the $99 fee.
• Consider your 5/24 status and natural spending ability before applying.
• Compare against the no-fee IHG Traveler card if you're a casual IHG guest.

Common Questions