IHG Adds New Premium Card, Refreshes Card Lineup With Mega Bonuses

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced a significant overhaul to its credit card lineup, introducing a fresh premium option called the Premier Select card alongside enhanced benefits across its existing offerings. These changes, effective immediately, aim to provide cardholders with more rewarding travel perks, although adjustments in annual fees are scheduled for 2027.

The newly launched Premier Select card is positioned as a high-value choice for dedicated IHG travelers. Cardholders will enjoy an annual free night certificate valid for properties up to 60,000 points, surpassing the benchmark set by other cards in the portfolio. Additionally, spending $40,000 within a calendar year on this card unlocks a lucrative bonus night certificate of the same value, amplifying its appeal to frequent spenders.

Among the revamped features for the Premier Select and the existing Premier card is a biannual $25 credit deposited into the United TravelBank, totaling $50 annually. This travel credit encourages ongoing engagement with United Airlines benefits. However, IHG’s Business cardholders will see this particular benefit discontinued after 2026.

Loyalty tier upgrades also accompany the card adjustments. The no-fee IHG card continues to grant Silver elite status, with a pathway to Gold after reaching $15,000 in annual spending. The Premier Select card automatically confers Platinum elite status, including perks such as complimentary internet, bonus points, room upgrades, and late checkout privileges. Spending thresholds to attain Diamond status have also been modified: $25,000 for Premier Select cardholders and $50,000 for Business cardholders.

Rewarding cardholders further, IHG maintains the popular offer that every fourth award night booked through points is free. Beginning in 2027, no-fee cardholders will need to meet a $5,000 annual spend to activate this benefit, which then applies for the remainder of the year plus the following calendar year. Those holding both the discontinued IHG Select and the current no-fee IHG cards will benefit from an added 10% rebate on award stays, enhancing value for loyal users.

Annual anniversary night certificates see improvements as well. The Premier and Business cards now offer free nights at hotels costing up to 50,000 points, an increase from the previous 40,000-point cap. Meanwhile, the Premier Select card’s certificate limit stands at 60,000 points. Cardholders can supplement these certificates with points for stays at more expensive hotels, with no maximum on the amount used to top off the difference.

Additional value comes in the form of milestone rewards and elite night credits (ENCs), which contribute to higher loyalty status and exclusive bonuses. The Premier Select card grants 20 ENCs annually, sufficient to redeem suite upgrades, bonus points, or food and beverage rewards. Spending bonuses scale with card type and annual expenditure, offering incremental points and credits across the portfolio.

Cardholders can also anticipate reimbursements for enrollment fees in trusted travel programs such as Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check, and NEXUS, provided every four years. This inclusion aligns with the broader effort to ease travel experiences amid evolving airport security landscapes. Complementary memberships and credits with services like DoorDash DashPass and Instacart+ further diversify the benefits beyond hotel stays.

Applicants should be aware of Chase’s 5/24 rule, which limits approval for applicants who have opened five or more consumer credit cards in the past two years. While enforcement can be inconsistent, limited-time offers tied to the new lineup may see some flexibility. Authorized user and store cards typically count toward this limit, although exceptions can be manually requested by applicants.

Annual fees will see adjustments starting in 2027, reflecting the enhanced benefits and rewards. The Premier Select card carries a $350 fee, but the mix of credits and bonus nights is structured to offset this cost for engaged users. The Premier card faces a fee increase alongside a reduction in automatic elite status from Platinum to Gold, though spending can restore higher tiers. The Business card experiences the most substantial fee hike, more than doubling, but compensates with a higher anniversary night threshold and additional perks.

These updates mark a deliberate shift in IHG's credit card strategy, blending the popular coupon book model with elevated rewards tailored to varying traveler profiles. While some long-time cardholders may find aspects less favorable—particularly the increased spending requirements and fee changes—the new Premier Select card emerges as a compelling option for those invested in the IHG ecosystem.

As IHG prepares for upcoming property openings, including the InterContinental Jerusalem expected early next year, these credit card enhancements may influence how travelers plan and maximize their stays. Industry watchers and consumers alike will be monitoring how these changes affect loyalty dynamics and competitive positioning within travel rewards programs.