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Best time to apply for IHG Chase cards based on offer history

April 06, 2026
14 min read
IHG Winter Chalet - Hero Image - Photo Credit Roger Davies (1)
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Knowing when to apply for a card can be difficult, especially considering that earning a sizable welcome bonus may be the primary factor.

Offers change frequently, and whether you're after a large sum of points or free night certificates, knowing the history of offers for credit cards can be useful to understand the difference between amazing and not-so-good bonuses.

If you find yourself frequenting IHG properties often, such as those part of the InterContinental and Kimpton brands, then a cobranded IHG credit card can provide useful perks during your stay. These include elite status, an anniversary free night and bonus points when paying for your accommodations.

Here's a list of the credit card welcome bonuses for Chase's cobranded IHG cards, including their offer histories and when you should apply for a card based on its best-ever welcome bonus.

Related: Current offers on the IHG One Rewards cards

Best IHG credit card welcome bonuses

CardBest welcome offer we've seenWhen to apply
Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
When the offer is more than 140,000 points, whether that's extra points or a free night award added on
Earn two free nights (up to 50,000 points each) plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
When the offer is above 80,000 points
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 in the first six months.
When the offer is more than 140,000 points

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers perks like a free night award on your account anniversary (up to 40,000 points), up to $50 in United TravelBank cash each year, a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry statement credit and automatic Platinum Elite status. Best of all, the card comes with a low $99 annual fee.

IHG Premier personal card art
THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers we've seen on the IHG One Premier card over the past few years:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
January to March 2026
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,050
October 2025 to January 2026
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
September to October 2025
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$990
July to September 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening.
$840
May to July 2025
Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,800
March to May 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
January to March 2025
Earn 170,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,020
September 2024 to January 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
July to September 2024
Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Up to $1,800
April to July 2024
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
February to April 2024
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$990
September 2023 to February 2024
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
June to September 2023
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $100 in statement credits on purchases at IHG properties during the first 12 months from account opening.
Up to $940 (including statement credit)
April to June 2023
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
January to April 2023
Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$1,050

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's April 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

With this card's highest-ever welcome offer, new cardholders could earn five free nights (each valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

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When to apply

When the offer is for more than 140,000 points — whether that's extra points or a free night award added on — it's a good time to apply.


Learn more: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card


IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card has no annual fee but offers perks like IHG Silver elite status and a fourth night free on award stays. Cardholders can also earn higher elite status through credit card spending in a calendar year.

IHG Traveler One Rewards
THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers on the IHG One Rewards Traveler card from the past few years:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
January to March 2026
Earn up to 120,000 bonus points: 90,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus up to an additional 30,000 bonus points (by earning 3 additional points per dollar on purchases that earn 2 and 3 points per dollar on up to $10,000 spent in the first six months).
Up to $720
October 2025 to January 2026
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$480
September to October 2025
Earn two free nights (up to 50,000 points each) plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Up to $840
July to September 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$480
May to July 2025
Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$720
March to May 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
January to March 2025
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
November 2024 to January 2025
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
October to November 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
September to October 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
July to September 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
April to July 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
February to April 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$600
September 2023 to February 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
June to September 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $50 in statement credits on purchases at IHG properties during the first 12 months from account opening.
$530 (including statement credit)
April to June 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$480
January to April 2023
Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$720

*Bonus offer value is based on our valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

With this card's highest-ever welcome offer, new cardholders could earn two free nights (valued at up to 50,000 points each) plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

Whenever the offer is for more than 80,000 points, it's time to apply.


Learn more: IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card


IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card fits businesses loyal to IHG. The card offers Platinum Elite status, a free night award on your card anniversary (up to 40,000 points) and the ability to earn another free night award (up to 40,000 points) after meeting a spending requirement each calendar year.

Chase IHG Premier Business
THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers on the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card from the past:

Approximate dateOfferValue*
March 2026 to now
Earn up to 200,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months. Offer ends April 29.
Up to $1,200
October 2025 to March 2026
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
September to October 2025
Earn up to 200,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $1,200
May to September 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
March to April 2025
Earn up to 200,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Up to $1,200
May 2024 to March 2025
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
April to May 2024
Earn up to 175,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 35,000 bonus points after spending a total of $7,000 on purchases in the first six months.
$1,050
June 2023 to April 2024
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840
April to June 2023
Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$990
March 2022 to April 2023
Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
$840

*Bonus offer value is based on our valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer is currently being offered and allows new cardholders to earn up to 200,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months.

When to apply

Applying for the card is worthwhile when the offer is for more than 140,000 points.


Learn more: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card


Bottom line

Keep this guide handy if you ever want to apply for a cobranded Chase IHG credit card. That way, you can see the trends and know when it's the right time to apply.

Submitting your application at the right time can mean the difference between a short stay and a spectacular stay at one of the more luxurious IHG portfolio properties.

Keep in mind Chase's infamous 5/24 rule to ensure your chances of approval aren't affected.

To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:

Featured image by ROGER DAVIES/KIMPTON
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app