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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs IHG One Rewards Premier

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the IHG One Rewards Premier from Chase at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($575 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Premier's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Premier after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedIHG One Rewards Premier
Annual fee$295$99
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back185,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$925
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorybusinesshotel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • Free night award annually
    • Platinum Elite status
    • 4th night free on awards
    • 10x at IHG properties
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    IHG One Rewards Premier
    $99/yr · 185,000 bonus points

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Premier

    A solid hotel card if you stay at IHG properties regularly. The free night award and 4th night free on award stays can easily offset the $99 annual fee.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or IHG One Rewards Premier?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus 185,000 bonus points (~$925) on the IHG One Rewards Premier.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Premier?
    At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the IHG One Rewards Premier's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and IHG One Rewards Premier?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the IHG One Rewards Premier first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. IHG One Rewards Premier: $3,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.