10 Best Credit Cards for IHG of October 2026
Top picks for IHG from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at IHG. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card earns the top spot for IHG purchases at 6.0¢ per dollar at ihg — a $150 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against IHG purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
Store card
IHG's co-branded card — shown here because it is not in the ranked list above.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
- +IHG One Rewards Gold Elite status — Offered automatically to eligible cardholders. Remain an IHG One Rewards Premier cardmember.; IHG One Rewards Premier credit cardmember; While you remain a Premier cardmember; allow 6 to 8 weeks after account opening.. Your eligibility and completion of requirements are not verified.
- +Official cobrand card — earns IHG One Rewards on all purchases
- +10x on Ihg booked direct — points worth 0.6¢ each
IHG One Rewards Credit Card
Chase
- +IHG One Rewards Gold Elite status — Requires $15,000 in qualifying purchases per 12-month period. Requires $15,000 in qualifying purchases each calendar year, minus returns or refunds. The IHG member must be the primary cardmember, and the card account must be open and not in default to qualify for and maintain Gold. Only one IHG One Rewards credit card account per member is eligible. Allow up to 8 weeks after qualifying.; primary cardholder; Through December 31 of the following year after the qualifying calendar year.. Your eligibility and completion of requirements are not verified. IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status — Offered automatically to eligible cardholders. Remain a Traveler cardmember and keep the IHG One Rewards membership account in good standing.; IHG One Rewards Traveler credit cardmember; While you remain an eligible Traveler cardmember; allow 6 to 8 weeks after account opening.. Your eligibility and completion of requirements are not verified.
- +Official cobrand card — earns IHG One Rewards on all purchases
- +5x on Ihg booked direct — points worth 0.6¢ each
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
- +IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status — Enrollment or account linking required. Activate by linking the primary cardmember IHG One Rewards account on Chase.com or Chase Mobile; join IHG first if necessary. Allow up to 3 weeks after linking. Benefits start after enrollment and are not retroactive. Keep the credit card account open and the IHG account in good standing; provide the IHG number when reserving or checking in.; Link the primary cardmember IHG One Rewards account on Chase.com or Chase Mobile to activate.; Primary personal Reserve cardmember only; activation is not established by this search.; Primary personal Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmember. Offer valid through 2027-12-31. Your eligibility and completion of requirements are not verified.
- +4x on Hotels & Lodging booked direct — points worth 1.8¢ each
- +Est. $240/yr value — Annual Travel Credit
Why IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins for IHG
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card earns 6.0¢ per dollar at IHG, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 6.0¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $150 fee after about $2,500 a year in IHG spending. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Hotels Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit CardChase | 10x IHG One Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $150 | — | mastercard |
| IHG One Rewards Credit CardChase | 5x IHG One Rewards | 3.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $588 | visa |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 10x ThankYou Points | 16.0¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 10x Capital One Miles | 13.0¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend MastercardCiti | 12x AAdvantage | 12.0¢/$ | $695 | — | mastercard |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards | 7.5¢/$ | $895 | $632.50 | amex |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 5x Wells Fargo Rewards | 7.3¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Citi Strata Credit CardCiti | 5x ThankYou Points | 8.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Capital One Miles | 6.5¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
More Options
How to maximize value at IHG
- Use IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card for IHG purchases — it earns 6.0¢ per dollar at IHG in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at IHG; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card with IHG One Rewards Credit Card to cover categories where it earns more — diversifying your spend can lift your blended return.
- Plan a major IHG purchase around your card's welcome offer window — IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card's sign-up bonus is worth roughly $1080 on top of base rewards.
- Pay your statement in full each month — interest charges almost always exceed the rewards you'd earn.
Cards with memberships at IHG
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for BusinessIHG® One Rewards Platinum Elite Status
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit CardAutomatic Gold Elite Status
- United Club CardIHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status
- IHG One Rewards Business Credit CardSave 30% on reward points purchases
- IHG One Rewards Credit CardGold Elite Status
Similar Brands
Other brands in Hotels where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at IHG?
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card ranks #1 for IHG in our list at 6.0¢ per dollar at IHG — $150 annual fee. Order uses the full scoring key described above the list (earn rate, redemption value, fee/credit balance, portals, and co-brand fit); welcome offers are not part of that default brand ranking.
- Does IHG have a co-branded credit card?
- Yes — IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is IHG's co-branded card. See our IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card page for earn rates and fees. IHG also offers IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card and IHG One Rewards Credit Card.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at IHG?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at IHG; check current portal rates before you buy.
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