From time to time, I share some of my secrets with my readers on how I get some amazing travel for free or cheap. One of my favorite strategies is the use of sign-up bonuses on credit cards, and free annual perks. Click here for my review of the Chase Hyatt card.
Right now, the Chase IHG card is offering its biggest sign-up bonus of the year: 80,000 points. Conservatively, this is worth around $600 in hotel stays, making this a 30% cash back return equivalent on the $2,000 minimum spend required to get it. That’s pretty amazing!
In addition, holders of this card will get a 10% rebate on points spent, and automatic IHG Platinum Elite status, meaning complimentary upgrades and a 50% bonus on earned points through stays. All good stuff.
But those features pale in comparison to the best part of this card. Each year, on your cardmember anniversary (beginning one year after taking out the card), cardholders will receive a free night certificate good for a standard room at ANY IHG property in the world. That’s right, any property. For my $49 annual fee (waived the first year), I have booked a $399 room at the Palazzo in Las Vegas and a $987 room at the Intercontinental in Osaka – I will definitely review this hotel when I am there in October.
These factors make this my favorite hotel credit card. Don’t miss out on applying! A link to the offer can be found here.
Do you have the Chase IHG card? What are your best uses of the free night certificate?
Canada needs more travel hacking options like the USA … you guys have so many ways to grind up frequent flier points and such!
I know nothing about cards in Canada. Are these not available?
I just started working at an IHG hotel and have been signed up for a rewards account by management. I saw the card and have been thinking about it unsure of if I should get it or not. I have already gotten one CC this year, but saying that you get a voucher for one night at ANY hotel in the world including those couple hundred dollar ones.. yes please! SIGN ME UP!
It won’t let me edit it. I do have a question about the anniversary rewards nights. How long are the vouchers valid for? Is it just that year?
Hi Niki. Thanks for your comments. Yes, the vouchers are valid for 12 months, though there’s a bit of leeway, as long as you BOOK by 12 months, making it possible to use 2 years’ vouchers on the same stay.
Good luck at IHG! I hope we run into each other at a stay sometime. 🙂