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Side-by-side

IHG One Rewards Traveler vs IHG One Rewards Premier

Both are hotel travel cards. The IHG One Rewards Traveler comes from Chase at $0/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

Both cards come from Chase and target hotel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The IHG One Rewards Premier costs $99 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.

FeatureIHG One Rewards TravelerIHG One Rewards Premier
Annual fee$0$99
Sign-up bonus80,000 points185,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$480$925
Min spend to unlock bonus$2,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerChaseChase
Card categoryhotelhotel
Best earning category (Ihg)17x10x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 17x at IHG
  • No annual fee
  • Silver status
  • Free night award annually
  • Platinum Elite status
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 10x at IHG properties
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Premier
$99/yr · 185,000 bonus points

Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler

The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

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, IHG One Rewards Traveler or IHG One Rewards Premier?
The IHG One Rewards Premier has the bigger bonus, 185,000 bonus points, worth roughly $925, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Premier?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler has no annual fee, so the question is whether the IHG One Rewards Premier's $99 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the IHG One Rewards Premier's benefits to clear $99 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
Can I have both the IHG One Rewards Traveler and IHG One Rewards Premier?
Yes, though both are issued by Chase so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler or the IHG One Rewards Premier first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 spend in 3 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.