IHG One Rewards Review 2026: Travelers who will hold IHG elite status, since elite points never expire while status lasts.
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Our verdict
IHG One Rewards ranks fourth. Its benefits chart lists 10 Points per dollar at most hotels (5 at Staybridge and Candlewood) and elite tiers at 10, 20, 40 and 70 nights, with elite bonus points from 20% to 100% (as of 2026-10-02). Elite members' points never expire while they hold status. The ranking falls on flexibility: Club members' points expire after any 12 months without an earn or redeem transaction, half the window of the other three programmes, and the annual cardholder free night does not count as activity. Terms change; check IHG's current terms. We did not stay at IHG hotels; this reads the published terms.
Score breakdown
- Value (30%)6.0/10
- Experience (25%)7.0/10
- Flexibility (20%)5.0/10
- Transparency (15%)7.0/10
- Service (10%)6.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: Travelers who will hold IHG elite status, since elite points never expire while status lasts..
Pricing
Free to join. Members earn 10 Points per U.S. dollar on qualifying stays at most IHG hotels and 5 at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites; Club members' points expire after 12 months with no earn or redeem activity (as of 2026-10-02).
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Club (base) membership | Free (as of 2026-10-02) | 10 Points per dollar at most IHG hotels, 5 at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. Points expire after 12 months without earn or redeem activity. |
| Silver / Gold / Platinum / Diamond Elite | 10 / 20 / 40 / 70 qualifying nights (as of 2026-10-02) | Or 40,000 / 60,000 / 120,000 qualifying points for Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Bonus points 20% / 40% / 60% / 100%. Elite points do not expire while status is kept. |
What the evidence says
- Club points expire after any period of 12 months or longer with no earn or redeem transactions; the annual cardholder free night does not count; elite members' points do not expire while elite status is maintained. (IHG One Rewards Member Terms & Conditions (official))
- Elite Qualifying Nights: Silver 10, Gold 20, Platinum 40, Diamond 70; Elite Tier Bonus Points: 20%, 40%, 60%, 100% (as of 2026-10-02). (IHG One Rewards Member Terms & Conditions (official))
- Members earn 10 Points per dollar on qualifying stays at most IHG hotels and 5 at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites (as of 2026-10-02). (IHG One Rewards Benefits Chart (official))
Pros & cons
Pros
- Elite members' points do not expire for as long as they keep elite status
- Elite tier bonus points are published plainly: 20% for Silver, 40% for Gold, 60% for Platinum and 100% for Diamond
- Silver Elite needs only 10 qualifying nights; Gold 20, Platinum 40 and Diamond 70 (as of 2026-10-02)
Cons & red flags
- The shortest activity window here: Club members lose their points after any 12-month period with no earn or redeem activity, half the 24 months at Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton
- The free night that IHG credit cardholders receive each year does not count as activity, so it will not keep points from expiring
- Only one night per day counts toward elite nights, so booking two rooms for the same night earns one qualifying night
How it compares
IHG One Rewards scores 6.2/10 in our hotels & lodging evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best Hotel Loyalty Programs of 2026.
- World of Hyatt review — 7.1/10, travelers who stay 10 to 60 nights a year and want status that is reachable on night counts alone.
- Marriott Bonvoy review — 7.0/10, travelers planning longer award stays who want a fifth night free without needing elite status.
Frequently asked questions
Do IHG One Rewards points expire?
For Club members, yes: points expire if there is no earn or redeem transaction for 12 months or longer. Elite members' points do not expire as long as they keep elite status.
How many nights do I need for IHG elite status?
10 qualifying nights for Silver, 20 for Gold, 40 for Platinum and 70 for Diamond, or 40,000, 60,000 and 120,000 qualifying points for Gold, Platinum and Diamond (as of 2026-10-02).
Does the IHG credit card free night keep my points active?
No. The terms say using the one night per year provided to IHG One Rewards credit card holders is not an earn or redeem activity for preventing points expiration.
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