IHG typically offers a points purchase promotion every one to two months, lasting for approximately one month each time. The historical lowest price for purchasing IHG points is $5 USD per 1,000 points (during an additional 100% bonus promotion, which is equivalent to buy one, get one free). Each member can purchase up to 200,000 points per year.
Table of Contents:
- IHG Latest Points Purchase Promotion
- Is It Worth Buying Points, Can You Upgrade Membership, What Are the Prices, How Long Do Points Take to Arrive, and Are Purchases Refundable?
- Why Purchase Points?
- Is Buying IHG Points Worth It?
- Which Hotels Are Worth Buying Points for?
- HotelDig Reminders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- IHG Points Purchase Promotion History
- Promotion Terms
1. IHG Latest Points Purchase Promotion
IHG InterContinental Hotels Group has launched its 4th Points Purchase Promotion for 2025. By purchasing IHG points through the official website, members can enjoy an additional up to 80% bonus.
This promotion is a flash sale, and the bonus is only 80%. If you do not urgently need the points, it is recommended to wait for the next promotion.
- Official Promotion Link
- Promotion Time: Ends by May 4, 2025
- Time Remaining: 2 days, 14 hours, 57 minutes, 40 seconds
Points Purchase Costs: Each account can purchase up to 200,000 points annually. By purchasing 5,000 points or more, you can receive an additional up to 80% bonus.
- Purchase cost: $2,000 USD ÷ 360,000 points × 1,000 = $5.56 USD per 1,000 points.
2. Is Buying IHG Points Worth It?
It is important to note that purchasing more than 5,000 points allows you to receive an 80% bonus, but the best price can only be obtained by purchasing 26,000 points or more.
- 1,000 – 4,000 points: $13.5 USD per 1,000 points (no bonus)
- 5,000 – 10,000 points: $7.5 USD per 1,000 points (80% bonus)
- 11,000 – 25,000 points: $6.39 USD per 1,000 points (80% bonus)
- 26,000 – 200,000 points: $5.56 USD per 1,000 points (80% bonus)
Additionally, there is a price anomaly between the 23,000 to 25,000 points range (which is more expensive than the 26,000 points range), so avoid purchasing within this range.
3. Why Buy Points?
The primary use of IHG points is for hotel stays. Some members purchase points due to insufficient points, but there is another important reason to buy points: cost savings! Sometimes, for certain hotels, purchasing points for redemption can cost less than paying for a booking.
Additional Benefits of Points Redemption:
- Exemption from taxes and service fees
- Free cancellation (usually available 24 hours before check-in with points returned)
- Elite membership benefits apply, and stays can accumulate nights for elite status, just like cash bookings.
When booking hotels, it’s a good idea to compare the cost of using points for redemption versus paying cash. If using points is cheaper, consider purchasing points during the promotional period to save money.
It’s important to note that IHG now follows a dynamic points policy, meaning the number of points required for hotel redemption may change frequently. Thus, sometimes more hotels are worth redeeming with points, while other times fewer are. It’s best to keep an eye on your favorite hotels and prepare in advance.
4. Is Buying IHG Points Worth It?
When IHG runs a 100% bonus promotion, the price is $5 USD per 1,000 points. This price is generally in line with the market valuation of IHG points, and some foreign bloggers even estimate the value of IHG points to be as high as $7 USD per 1,000 points.
So, based on the valuation, purchasing IHG points during a 100% bonus promotion is considered a good deal. However, whether buying IHG points is worth it ultimately depends on the value you get from redeeming them at hotels.
5. Which Hotels Are Worth Buying Points for?
As mentioned earlier, IHG now implements a dynamic points policy, and whether it is worth buying points for redemption depends on the specific hotel and the dates. It’s recommended to keep an eye on potential redemptions.
Since the significant membership changes in 2022, more hotels are worth redeeming with purchased points compared to before. Many cities worldwide now offer such opportunities.
For example, at the Shanghai Sheshan Shimao InterContinental Hotel, the cost to redeem with points is 40,000 x $5 USD per 1,000 points (with a 100% bonus) = $200 USD, while the cash price would be $303 USD. This makes buying points for redemption a great deal.
6. HotelDig Reminders
- Points Purchase Steps:
- Open the Points Purchase website.
- Log in with your IHG One Rewards account.
- Choose the number of points you want to purchase and submit your payment via credit card.
- Points will be credited to your account within 72 hours of payment.
- Each member can purchase up to 200,000 points annually, and after the buy one, get one promotion, members can acquire up to 400,000 points. Some promotions may increase the limit to 300,000 points per year, allowing for 600,000 points with the bonus.
- IHG points are versatile and can be used for: hotel stays, online shopping, gift cards for retailers or restaurants, airline miles, downloading digital products (games, software, eBooks), and even purchasing tickets or renting cars.
IHG points are managed and traded through the Points.com platform. For more details on Points.com, refer to this article.
Points are valid for 12 months, and as long as you redeem or earn points within the 12-month period, the validity will automatically extend. Points earned by Elite members (Silver and above) never expire.
Purchasing IHG points is considered an international online shopping activity, and many credit cards offer cashback for such purchases. If applicable, be sure to take advantage of this benefit.
Once the transaction is completed, purchased points are non-refundable.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does IHG points cost?
- Do purchased points count towards elite status or membership upgrades?
- Purchased points do not count towards elite status or membership upgrades in IHG One Rewards. This is clearly stated in the promotional terms.
- How long does it take for purchased points to arrive?
- Are there any requirements for members when purchasing IHG points?
- Can I get an invoice for the purchase of IHG points?
- What kind of credit card should I use for purchasing IHG points?
- Can I refund the points I bought?
8. IHG Points Purchase Promotion History
| Reward/Discount | Purchase Price | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% Bonus | $5.56 USD per 1,000 points | April 25, 2025 | May 4, 2025 |
| Targeted Reward | As low as $5 USD per 1,000 points | March 13, 2025 | March 30, 2025 |
| 100% Bonus | $5 USD per 1,000 points | February 20, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
9. Promotional Terms (促销条款)
This promotion is available from 12:00 AM ET on April 25, 2025 to 11:59 PM ET on May 3, 2025 (“Offer Period”). During this time, you can purchase IHG One Rewards points and receive the bonus as specified in this promotion.
- Bonus Eligibility: Members who purchase 5,000 or more points in a single transaction will receive 80% bonus points on the purchased amount.
- Annual Purchase Limit: Members can purchase up to 200,000 points per calendar year. The maximum number of points you can purchase in this offer depends on how many points you have already purchased in the same calendar year.
- Bonus Points: The bonus points you earn through this promotion are only available for the purchased points and do not count towards IHG One Rewards Elite status.
- Non-Transferable Offer: This promotion is non-transferable and only available to specific invited members.
- Refund Policy: Once the purchase is made, purchased points are non-refundable. Members should carefully consider their purchase before confirming the transaction.
- Points Crediting: The purchased points, including any bonus points, will be credited to the member’s IHG One Rewards account within 72 hours of the transaction being completed.
- Tax and Fees: The prices stated include all fees, but applicable taxes will be added according to the location where the transaction is processed. Members are responsible for paying all applicable taxes.
- Promotion Adjustments: IHG reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel this promotion at any time, and the terms may be adjusted without prior notice. All transactions are subject to IHG’s terms and conditions.
