IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Review

IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Review

Navigating the world of credit cards can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to finding the best card that aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences. The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card from Chase is designed to offer exceptional value to business owners and frequent travelers, particularly those who often stay at IHG® Hotels and Resorts. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into both the tangible and intangible benefits of this card, explore its rewards structure, and offer insight into whether it might be the right fit for your business needs.

IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Key Takeaways

Here are the key points to consider when evaluating the IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card:
– Welcome Bonus: Earn a staggering 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, and an additional 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $7,000 in the first 6 months.
– Annual Fee: $99 annually.
– Ongoing Rewards:
– 26x points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts.
– 5x points on travel, dining, select business expenses, and at gas stations.
– 3x points on all other purchases.
– Statement Credit: $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year.
– Other Perks:
– Anniversary Free Night.
– Redeem 3 Nights, Get 4th Night Free.
– Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
– Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS Statement Credit.
– No foreign transaction fees.

IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

– High Reward Rates: The card offers up to 26x points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts, making it incredibly rewarding for loyal IHG customers.
– Generous Welcome Bonus: The potential to earn up to 175,000 bonus points in the first 6 months is a significant draw.
– Travel Benefits: Complimentary anniversary night and the ability to redeem three nights and get the fourth night free are valuable perks for frequent travelers.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: This feature is particularly beneficial for those who travel internationally.

Cons:

– Annual Fee: At $99, the annual fee might be a deterrent for some, especially if you don’t utilize the card’s travel benefits.
– High Spend Requirement for Statement Credit: Spending $20,000 to earn the $100 statement credit may be challenging for small businesses or low spenders.
– Variable APR: With a variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%, carrying a balance could become expensive.

IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card Benefits

1. Welcome Bonus

The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offers one of the most lucrative welcome bonuses in the market. New cardholders can earn up to 175,000 bonus points in the first 6 months:
– Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
– Earn an additional 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $7,000 in the first 6 months.

2. Reward Structure

The card’s reward structure is designed to provide maximum value for frequent travelers and business owners:
– 26x Points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts: Earn a whopping 26 points per $1 spent at IHG® properties. This includes brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn.
– 5x Points on Travel, Dining, Select Business Expenses, and at Gas Stations: These categories are broad enough to encompass many common business expenses, making it easier to earn points quickly.
– 3x Points on All Other Purchases: A respectable rate for everyday spending.

3. Anniversary Free Night

One of the standout features of the IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is the anniversary free night. Each year after your account anniversary, you will receive a reward night that can be redeemed at IHG® hotels worldwide. This benefit alone can easily offset the $99 annual fee if used strategically.

4. Redeem 3 Nights, Get 4th Night Free

When you redeem points for a four-night consecutive stay at an IHG® hotel, you will enjoy the fourth night free. This perk can significantly extend the value of your points, particularly for longer stays.

5. Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance

Travel can be unpredictable, and having trip cancellation or interruption insurance can provide peace of mind. If your trip is canceled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels.

6. Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS Statement Credit

Frequent travelers will appreciate the credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS. These programs can expedite your travel experience, making airport security and customs processes faster and more convenient.

7. No Foreign Transaction Fees

When traveling internationally, foreign transaction fees can add up quickly. The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card charges no foreign transaction fees, allowing you to use your card abroad without incurring additional costs.

Conclusion

The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card from Chase offers an impressive array of benefits tailored to business owners and frequent travelers, particularly those who are loyal to IHG® Hotels and Resorts. With a generous welcome bonus of up to 175,000 points, a robust reward structure, and valuable travel perks such as an anniversary free night and no foreign transaction fees, this card can provide significant value.
However, the $99 annual fee and high spend requirement for the $100 statement credit may be potential drawbacks for some users. Additionally, the variable APR makes it less suitable for those who carry a balance.
Overall, if you frequently stay at IHG® properties and can take full advantage of the card’s travel benefits, the IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a compelling option that can enhance your travel experiences and provide substantial rewards.