Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » IHG One Rewards Traveler vs. Premier: Side By Side Comparison
Advertiser Disclosure This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval. This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

IHG One Rewards Traveler vs. Premier: Side By Side Comparison

In our opinion, the IHG One Rewards Premier wins only if you plan to spend a significant amount on hotels. If not, the differences are minor
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

IHG, or InterContinental Hotels Group, offers two prominent credit cards in its portfolio—the IHG One Rewards Traveler and the IHG One Rewards Priority Card. Each card caters to different needs and preferences, providing cardholders with unique benefits.

General Comparison

The IHG Traveler Card is a more basic option with no annual fee. It's ideal for occasional travelers or those looking to dip their toes into the IHG Rewards program.

On the other hand, the IHG Premier Card comes with an annual fee but offers a more comprehensive set of benefits such as better points rewards ratio, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit and automatic Platinum Elite status within the IHG Rewards program.

Here's a side-by-side comparison:

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

IHG® One Rewards Premier
IHG® One Rewards Traveler
Annual Fee
$99
$0
Rewards
Up to 10X points from IHG® on stays for being an IHG One Rewards member. Up to 6X points from IHG® on stays with Platinum Elite Status. 5X total points on travel, dining, and at gas stations and 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
10X points from IHG® on stays for being an IHG One Rewards member. Plus up to 6X points from IHG® on stays with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of this card. 5X total points on travel, dining, and at gas stations. 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
140,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
Purchase APR
21.49%–28.49% variable
21.49%–28.49% variable
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

IHG Traveler vs. IHG Premier: Point Rewards Comparison

When comparing the points rewards of the two cards, the IHG One Rewards Traveler card stands out as the definitive winner. With a significantly superior rewards ratio, it consistently outperforms in accumulating points across various categories.

If your spending patterns mirror our example, the Premier card's higher estimated annual value has the potential to offset the difference in annual fees.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Spend Per Category
IHG® One Rewards Premier
IHG® One Rewards Traveler
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
20,000 points
20,000 points
$4,000 – Restaurants
8,000 points
12,000 points
$4,000 – Airline
4,000 points
8,000 points
$5,000 – Hotels
50,000 points
25,000 points
$4,000 – Gas
8,000 points
12,000 points
Total Points
90,000 points
77,000 points
Redemption Value (Estimated)
1 point = ~0.7 cent
1 point = ~0.7 cent
Estimated Annual Value
$630
$539

IHG cards offers a range of flexible and rewarding redemption options, including free nights at InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and more. Cardholders can choose from various gift cards,shop for merchandise, book unique experiences or converted into airline miles.

Search hotels and redeem IHG points on IHG app
Search hotels and redeem IHG points on IHG app (screenshot taken by our team from IHG app)

Which Benefits Of You'll Get On Both Cards?

There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards:

  • Redeem 3 Nights, Get 4th Night Free: Enjoy a complimentary fourth night when redeeming points for a consecutive four-night stay at an IHG hotel.
  • 20% Discount on Reward Points Purchases: Save 20% on purchases of IHG reward points when using your IHG One credit card, allowing you to maximize your point accumulation and potentially unlock additional benefits within the IHG loyalty program.
  • Baggage Delay Insurance: Receive reimbursement, up to $100 a day for 3 days, for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing in the event of baggage delays over 6 hours by a passenger carrier.
  • Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Obtain coverage up to $3,000 per passenger if checked or carry-on luggage is damaged or lost by the carrier, extending protection to immediate family members.
  • Purchase Protection: Benefit from coverage on new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, offering reimbursement up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
  • Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance: Receive reimbursement, up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip, for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses in case of trip cancellation or interruption due to covered situations like sickness or severe weather.
redeem IHG points for hotel stay
Redeem IHG points for hotel stay (screenshot taken by our team from IHG app)

Which Benefits Are Unique For Each Card?

There are some additional types of perks which available specifically for each card:

IHG® One Rewards Premier

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

  • Anniversary Free Night: Receive a complimentary night each account anniversary year, redeemable for stays at IHG hotels, with a redemption cap of 40,000 points.
  • IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status: Enjoy Platinum Elite status in the IHG Rewards program as an IHG One Rewards Premier cardmember.
IHG platinum elite status benefits
IHG platinum elite status benefits (screenshot taken by our team from IHG app)
IHG® One Rewards Traveler

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

  • 10,000 Bonus Points: Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 on purchases each calendar year, providing additional rewards for cardholders.
  • Silver Elite Status: You are upgraded to IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status for as long as you remain a Traveler cardmember.
(screenshot taken by our team from IHG app)

When You Might Want the IHG Premier Card?

You Might Prefer the IHG One Rewards Premier over the Traveler if:

  • Frequent Travelers and IHG Hotel Enthusiasts: The IHG Rewards Premier Card is ideal for those who frequently stay at IHG properties, offering a range of premium benefits such as a free reward night each year, elevated point-earning potential on IHG purchases, and automatic Platinum Elite status. If you're a hotel enthusiast, the additional perks can outweigh the annual fee.

  • Value Premium Travel Benefits: If you frequently travel and value premium travel benefits, the IHG Rewards Premier Card provides extras like a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit and enhanced travel insurance, making it a valuable companion for those seeking a more comprehensive travel experience.

Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Want the IHG Traveler Card?

You Might Prefer the IHG One Rewards Traveler over the Premier card if:

  • Infrequent Travelers on a Budget: The IHG Traveler Card is a more suitable option for individuals who travel infrequently and are on a budget, as it doesn't come with an annual fee. It allows you to earn IHG Rewards points without incurring additional costs, making it a cost-effective choice for occasional travelers.

  • New to Rewards Programs: For individuals new to rewards programs or credit card perks, the IHG Traveler Card provides a gentle introduction. Without the annual fee, it's a low-risk entry point into the IHG Rewards ecosystem, allowing you to explore and understand how loyalty programs work without a substantial financial commitment.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for an hotel rewards credit card– there are some excellent alternatives you may want to consider:

amex brilliant

amex platinum

hilton honors card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0. See Rates and Fees.
Purchase APR
20.99% – 29.99% Variable
21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable
20.99%-29.99% Variable

Compare IHG One Rewards Premier Card

Both cards offer similar rewards ratio and hotel perks, so overall it comes down to which hotel chain you like better – IHG or Marriot?

IHG One Rewards Premier vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: Side By Side Comparison

With this hotel rewards cards battle, the World of Hyatt Card is our winner as it offers a higher annual cash back for the average consumer

World of Hyatt Card vs IHG One Rewards Premier: Side By Side Comparison

Compare IHG One Rewards Traveler Card

Both Hilton Honors Amex and Wyndham Rewards Earner cards offer a decent point rewards ratio and basic extra hotel perks.

Hilton Honors American Express vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler: Side By Side Comparison

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.