IHG One Rewards is one of the top three hotel programs worldwide and its popularity continues to grow, especially after a recent program overhaul. It is now the preferred or second most preferred loyalty program for most frequent travelers.
Just like any other hotel loyalty program, to make the most of IHG One Rewards, you need to have to a higher elite status with the program. For more information on the different status levels and their associated perks, refer to IHG Status Levels and Benefits.
In addition to earning status through the number of nights stayed and qualifying points earned, here are some other ways to get an IHG status faster.
Note that IHG no longer offers a direct status match in the traditional sense. This means that being a platinum member in another hotel loyalty program (such as Marriott) will not automatically grant you platinum status with IHG as a direct status match with Marriott.
However, there are still numerous opportunities to quickly earn a higher status with IHG, including status match challenges.
Instant IHG Platinum with IHG Ambassador Status.
There is no quicker and easier way to achieve IHG Platinum Elite status than purchasing an IHG Ambassador Membership. You can buy this membership for $200 here.
The cost of the membership can be easily recouped through the numerous benefits that come with an IHG Ambassador status, which you can learn more about here.
Unlike other methods such as status matches or challenges, there are no specific requirements for joining IHG Ambassador. As soon as you become a member, your IHG account will be upgraded to Platinum elite status instantly. The program is open to IHG One Rewards members worldwide.
Moreover, your Platinum status can be extended annually by renewing your IHG Ambassador membership. And, you will receive an extra 15,000 bonus points upon renewal every year.
If you have a few stays with IHG planned, this membership is highly recommended.
IHG Status with Credit Card.
IHG offers two credit cards: the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. There is also a business version of the premier card available.
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has no annual fee and includes IHG Silver Elite status. If you spend $20,000 or more on the card in a year, you can be upgraded to IHG Gold status.
On the other hand, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has an annual fee of $99 but comes with complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status.
Both credit cards have an exclusive feature — Redeem 3 nights and get the 4th night free. This means that you can use your points to redeem 4 nights, but only have to pay for 3.
Overall, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers more benefits, such as a free night every year, making it a more compelling choice.
IHG Status Match Challenge.
From time to time, IHG provides status match challenges for individuals to upgrade to Platinum and Diamond statuses.
IHG’s status match challenges differ from traditional status match opportunities, as they do not require you to already hold elite status with a competitor. For instance, you don’t need elite status with Marriott or Hilton to participate in an IHG status match.
Typically, these promotions require participants to register for the challenge and complete a specified number of nights within a 3 or 6 month timeframe in order to maintain the upgraded status.
We regularly share information about these status match challenge opportunities here on MilesCop. To stay informed, you can subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Telegram.
IHG Fast Track Status for Corporates.
Very similar to status match challenges, but for corporate employees who travel for work. The offer and status varies from organization to organization.
If you are an employee of a large corporation that frequently arranges your accommodations at IHG properties, it is likely that they have a partnership with IHG. To find out more about obtaining direct IHG Status or participating in a Status Match Challenge specifically for your company, please reach out to your organization’s HR department or travel desk.
Buy IHG points to renew IHG Diamond promotions.
IHG had an interesting new offer for Diamond renewals this year. Existing Diamond members, who couldn’t meet the criteria for renewal were given an option to purchase the points they were short of for re-qualifying.
You need 120,000 points to qualify for Diamond. Regular points purchases, and bonus points don’t count towards this requirement.
So if you earned 80,000 points, you could just buy 40,000 and keep your status.
Faster IHG Status with Bonus Points Packages.
We have saved the best for last. IHG has a great way to boost your elite status with every stay—Bonus Points Packages. When making a booking, you have the option to purchase extra points for an additional charge.
The number of points offered ranges from 1000 points per stay to 5000 points per night. The cost varies depending on the property.
While these points may seem expensive, they are actually considered elite qualifying points. So if you purchase 5000 points per night and stay for 5 nights, you will earn 25,000 elite qualifying points. Pretty sweet, right?
By taking advantage of the 5000 bonus points per night package, you can achieve elite status much faster. Here’s how many nights it would take to reach each status:
- IHG Gold Status: 20 nights without the package, but only 8 nights with the 5000 points per night package.
- IHG Platinum Status: 40 nights without the package, but only 12 nights with the package.
- IHG Diamond Status: 70 nights without the package, but only 24 nights with the package.
And keep in mind that your actual progress towards elite status would be faster since you would also earn base qualifying points for your stay expenses.
Bottom Line.
If you plan to frequently stay at IHG properties in the coming months, it’s wise to secure a higher status as soon as possible. There are several straightforward ways to achieve this status.
Beyond other benefits, the increased number of points you earn with elite status could make the effort worthwhile.
