Which credit card should you use for IHG stays?

If you’re gearing up for your next trip and have your sights set on an IHG hotel, you might think that the best way to pay is with an IHG One Rewards cobranded card.

That’s a reasonable choice, as holding an IHG credit card grants you high earning rates and exclusive perks, like elite status.

But here’s a pro tip: using a cobranded card isn’t always the most advantageous way to pay for your IHG stay. In fact, there are occasions when another card in your wallet can help you maximize your rewards.

Let’s explore some cards to consider when booking with IHG, and you might be surprised by a few options.

Comparing Credit Cards for an IHG Stay

While there are many scenarios where an IHG cobranded card is the ideal choice for booking, you could gain more value by using a travel rewards card that earns transferable points, which may be more beneficial over time.

Below are some cards worth considering, along with what you could earn by using them:

*Value is based on Flying Frugal’s October 2025 assessments.

**The data for the American Express Green Card was independently gathered by The Points Guy and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Which Credit Card Should You Use for IHG Stays?

For IHG loyalists, holding cobranded credit cards can be beneficial for earning elite status and other perks.

However, there are many cases where using a different card might yield better rewards for your stay.

When considering which card to use, keep in mind these two factors:

• The benefits you’ll gain from the card used for payment
• The value of the points you’ll earn from that card

Consider these calculations:

• Using the IHG One Premier or IHG One Premier Business, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent on your stay, which translates to a value of 5 cents.
• Using the Amex Green earns you 3 points per dollar, valued at 6 cents.

This breakdown shows that the Amex Green is the better option, as its points are inherently more valuable. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to a variety of hotel and airline partners, making them more versatile.

Keep in mind that non-cobranded cards generally don’t unlock benefits like room upgrades. However, if you hold an IHG cobranded card, you’re still eligible for those perks, regardless of how you pay.

Simply possessing an IHG card grants you access to elite status benefits without needing to use it for payment.

Furthermore, you might not even need an IHG card to enjoy these benefits. The Sapphire Reserve now offers complimentary IHG Platinum status (valid through Dec. 31, 2027), and high spenders who charge at least $75,000 in a year can obtain IHG Diamond status.

The Sapphire Reserve also provides enhanced earning rates on IHG bookings: 4 points per dollar for direct bookings and 8 points when booked through Chase Travel.

However, be cautious when using the Sapphire Reserve for reservations via Chase Travel; those are treated as third-party bookings and do not earn IHG points.

Nonetheless, the Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned can be transferred to IHG if you need to top off your balance for a redemption.

While there are numerous ways to optimize your points, IHG loyalists can benefit from this strategy. Don’t forget to factor in the $795 annual fee when assessing the value of these benefits.

Additionally, remember that if you book through Chase Travel, you miss out on elite status perks, so consider this when deciding how to make your booking and payment.

Related: Understanding Direct vs. Third-Party Travel Bookings

Bottom Line

While it’s wise for IHG loyalists to have an IHG cobranded card for elite status and additional perks, it isn’t always the case that it’s the best option for actually paying for your stay.

Since we generally assign lower value to IHG points, we recommend accumulating more valuable, transferable rewards. Therefore, another card that offers bonus points on hotel stays could be the optimal choice.

Overall, it’s advisable to keep your IHG card for its benefits while using a more valuable travel rewards card to pay for your IHG stays.

Related: Discover 7 IHG Hotels for Your Next Vacation