The IHG® Rewards Club Premier from Chase Review

In the ever-expanding realm of credit cards, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Today, we delve into the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card from Chase, a card designed specifically for those who frequently find themselves staying at IHG hotels and resorts. With a plethora of benefits and a robust rewards structure, this card is tailored to meet the needs of avid travelers and hotel connoisseurs alike. Let’s explore the ins and outs of this card to see if it truly lives up to its promises.

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card Key Takeaways

– High Rewards Rate: Earn 26x points per dollar at IHG hotels and resorts, 5x points on travel, dining, and at gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases.
– Sign-Up Bonus: Receive up to 140,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months.
– Annual Fee: $99, which is relatively modest considering the array of benefits.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%, depending on creditworthiness.
– Additional Benefits: Includes travel insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and more.

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Foreign Transaction Fee: This is a significant advantage for international travelers, allowing you to make purchases abroad without incurring extra fees.
2. High Rewards Rate: Earning 26x points at IHG properties is exceptional, providing substantial value for frequent IHG customers.
3. Large Sign-Up Bonus: The 140,000 points sign-up bonus is quite generous and can cover several free nights at IHG properties.
4. Complimentary Elite Status: Automatic Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club offers a range of perks including free WiFi, priority check-in, and exclusive member rates.
5. Travel Benefits: Includes complimentary fourth night, free anniversary night, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation, and interruption insurance.
6. Cell Phone Insurance: Up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year in cell phone protection.

Cons

1. No Intro APR Offer: The card lacks an introductory APR offer, which can be a drawback for those looking to transfer balances or make large purchases initially.
2. Annual Fee: While the $99 annual fee is reasonable given the benefits, it may still be a deterrent for some users.
3. Variable APR: The interest rates can be quite high, ranging from 21.49% to 28.49%, making it less suitable for those who carry a balance month-to-month.
4. Extra Fees: Includes fees for balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card Benefits

Travel Perks

– Complimentary Fourth Night Benefit: Get your fourth night free when booking at least four consecutive nights with points. This can be a tremendous value for those who frequently stay for extended periods.
– Free Anniversary Night: Receive a free night on your cardmember anniversary, valid at properties costing 40,000 points or less per night.
– Baggage Delay Insurance: Provides up to $100 per day for three days if your bags are delayed by more than six hours.
– Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Covers up to $3,000 per passenger if your luggage is lost by a common carrier.
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Offers up to $5,000 in reimbursement for trips canceled or cut short due to covered situations like illness or severe weather.
– Global Entry or TSA Precheck Credit: Qualify for a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership every four years.

Elite Status and Membership Perks

– Platinum Elite Status: Automatically granted to cardholders, offering benefits such as free WiFi, priority check-in, and exclusive member rates.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Allows you to save on fees when making purchases outside the United States.
– Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Provides coverage for damage or theft when you book and pay for your car rental with the card. Note that in the U.S., this coverage is secondary to your personal insurance.

Purchase Protection and Insurance

– Cell Phone Insurance: Offers up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year in protection against covered theft or damage for phones listed on your monthly bill when paid with the card.
– Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
– Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

Additional Services

– Travel and Emergency Assistance Services: Provides free referrals to local services such as medical, legal, or transportation assistance in case of an emergency away from home. Note that cardholders are responsible for the cost of any goods or services obtained.
– 24/7 Customer Service: Access to dedicated customer service representatives at any time for assistance with your account.

Conclusion

The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card from Chase is a powerhouse for those who frequently stay at IHG hotels and resorts. With an impressive rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, and a suite of travel and purchase protection benefits, this card offers significant value for its $99 annual fee. The automatic Platinum Elite status and the array of travel perks make it particularly attractive for frequent travelers.
However, the card’s high variable APR and lack of an introductory APR offer may be a drawback for some. Additionally, the annual fee, while reasonable, could be a deterrent for those who do not stay at IHG properties frequently enough to maximize the card’s benefits.
Overall, if you are an IHG loyalist or a frequent traveler looking for a card that offers robust rewards and comprehensive travel benefits, the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is a compelling option. The combination of high earning potential, valuable perks, and travel protections makes it a standout choice in the travel rewards card category.