IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card Review

When it comes to choosing a credit card, the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase stands out as a compelling option, especially for frequent travelers and those who regularly stay at IHG® Hotels and Resorts. This review will dive into the various aspects of the card, including its benefits, rewards structure, fees, and overall value proposition. As a financial expert, I will also share some unique insights and practical advice based on my experience.

IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card Review

The IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card is designed with travelers in mind, particularly those who are loyal to the IHG® hotel chain. The card offers a lucrative rewards structure, an array of travel-related benefits, and no annual fee, making it an attractive option for many consumers. Below, we will explore the card’s key features and benefits in more detail.

IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card Key Takeaways

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, here are the key takeaways for the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card:
– Lucrative Bonus Points: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
– Annual Bonus Points: Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year.
– High Points on IHG® Stays: Earn 17x points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts.
– Bonus Points on Everyday Spending: Earn 3x points on dining, utilities, select streaming services, and at gas stations.
– General Spending Rewards: Earn 2x points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
– Travel Protections: Includes lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
– No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits without an annual fee.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.

IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Annual Fee: One of the standout features of the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card is that it does not charge an annual fee. This makes it an excellent choice for cardholders who want to maximize rewards without incurring additional costs.
2. High Rewards Rate at IHG® Properties: Earning 17x points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts can significantly accelerate the accumulation of points, especially for frequent travelers who prefer IHG® properties.
3. Generous Sign-Up Bonus: The 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first three months from account opening is a substantial welcome offer that can be redeemed for free nights or other rewards.
4. Bonus Points on Everyday Spending: The card offers 3x points on dining, utilities, select streaming services, and at gas stations, which allows cardholders to earn rewards on everyday expenses.
5. Travel Protections: The card includes valuable travel protections, such as lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance, which can provide peace of mind during travel.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees: The absence of foreign transaction fees makes this card a great companion for international travel, ensuring that you won’t incur extra costs when making purchases abroad.

Cons

1. No Introductory APR Period: The card does not offer an introductory 0% APR period for purchases or balance transfers, which may be a drawback for those looking to finance large purchases or transfer existing balances.
2. High Variable APR: The variable APR for purchases and balance transfers ranges from 21.49% to 28.49%, which is relatively high. This makes it important for cardholders to pay off their balances in full each month to avoid interest charges.
3. Limited Redemption Options: While the points earned can be redeemed for various rewards, the best value is typically obtained through IHG® hotel stays. This may limit the appeal for those who prefer more flexible redemption options.

IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card Benefits

Rewards Structure

The IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers a multi-tiered rewards structure that caters to both travel and everyday spending:
– 80,000 Bonus Points: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This is a significant bonus that can be used for free nights at IHG® properties.
– Annual Bonus Points: Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 on purchases and making one additional purchase each calendar year. This provides an incentive for cardholders to continue using the card throughout the year.
– 17x Points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts: Earn a whopping 17 points per $1 spent at IHG® properties, which accelerates the accumulation of points for frequent IHG® guests.
– 3x Points on Dining, Utilities, Select Streaming Services, and at Gas Stations: Earn 3 points per $1 spent in these categories, allowing cardholders to earn rewards on everyday purchases.
– 2x Points on All Other Purchases: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases, ensuring that every dollar spent earns rewards.

Travel Protections

The card offers several travel-related benefits that can provide valuable protection and peace of mind:
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: If your checked or carry-on luggage is damaged or lost by the carrier, you are covered up to $3,000 per passenger.
– Baggage Delay Insurance: If your baggage is delayed by more than six hours, you can be reimbursed for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing, up to $100 per day for three days.
– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short due to sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels.

Additional Benefits

– No Foreign Transaction Fees: The card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers.
– Purchase Protection: The card offers purchase protection, which can cover new purchases against damage or theft for a specified period.
– Payment Flexibility: Cardholders can manage their account and pay their bill online through the issuer’s website or by calling customer service.

Conclusion

The IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase is a strong contender for travelers, particularly those who frequent IHG® Hotels and Resorts. With its lucrative rewards structure, generous sign-up bonus, and valuable travel protections, the card offers significant value without charging an annual fee. While the lack of an introductory APR period and the high variable APR may be drawbacks for some, the overall benefits and rewards potential make this card an attractive option for those who can pay off their balances in full each month.
As a financial expert, I would recommend the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card to individuals who are loyal to the IHG® brand and frequently travel domestically or internationally. The combination of high rewards rates, travel protections, and no foreign transaction fees make it a well-rounded card for maximizing travel-related expenses. However, for those who prefer more flexible redemption options or need an introductory APR period, it may be worth exploring other credit card options that better align with their financial goals and spending habits.
In summary, the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card offers a compelling value proposition for travelers seeking to earn and redeem rewards at IHG® properties while enjoying robust travel protections and no annual fee. By leveraging the card’s rewards structure and benefits, cardholders can enhance their travel experiences and maximize their return on spending.