Are you wondering if the IHG One Rewards program is the right fit for you? After all, you’re probably already earning points with travel credit cards if a hotel membership is on your mind. With thousands of properties around the world, IHG probably has a location you’ve stayed at already. For example, Holiday Inn, InterContinental and Crowne Plaza are all part of IHG’s family.

If you’re traveling with any of IHG’s brands, the rewards program is worth considering. It’s free to join and offers different perks depending on how many points you earn over the course of a year. But what are those IHG Rewards points actually worth?

How much are IHG points worth?

The exact dollar value of IHG Rewards points will vary, but they are typically valued at around 0.7 cents per point, based on Bankrate’s latest points valuations.

This valuation considers a few important factors, including:

  • The value of redeeming the points: How much would you normally spend on an equivalent stay if you were paying out of pocket?
  • How much it costs to buy points: You can buy IHG points at a discounted rate if you don’t have enough earned points to cover a rewards night.
  • Availability: Unless you reach elite status, there may be blackout date restrictions.
  • Fees and policies: What are the fees for cancellations or changes?
  • Variations in rewards value: IHG Rewards Club members earn 10 points for every dollar spent at its hotels and resorts, except for its extended-stay brands, which earn 5 points per dollar. IHG Rewards Club points values may vary depending on the location and date of your stay, as well as the type of property you stay at.

But how many points do you get per night at IHG? The points you get per night when you stay at an IHG hotel depend on how much you spend on that room and if you have any bonus benefits from a higher member status.

How do I redeem IHG Rewards points?

IHG reward points can be used for partner deals, although the best way to redeem them is for hotel stays.

So how many IHG points do you need for a free night? Point values will vary based on multiple factors, like room availability and selected dates, on top of the property type. A single rewards night starts as low as 5,000 points.

When you join IHG One Rewards, you’re considered a Club Member, which comes with basic benefits like member rates and no blackout dates for reward nights. The more points you earn or nights you stay at IHG hotels and resorts, the more benefits you get. There are four status levels you can attain:

Silver Elite: You can unlock this entry-level through ten qualifying nights at select IHG properties. Perks include free internet, late check-out and 20 percent bonus points. Bonus points never expire when you reach Silver Elite status. You can also earn automatic Silver Elite status with the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card*.

Gold Elite: You can unlock this level by earning 40,000 IHG Rewards points or 20 qualifying nights. In addition to Silver Elite benefits, Gold Elite status allows you to rollover nights toward next year’s status and 40 percent bonus points.

Platinum Elite: You can unlock Platinum Elite status by earning 60,000 rewards points or 40 qualifying nights. You can also gain automatic Platinum Elite status as an IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card* holder. Platinum status comes with exclusive reward night discounts, guaranteed room availability, early check-in, complimentary upgrades and your choice of points or a drink/snack as a welcome amenity at check-in.

Diamond Elite: Diamond Elite status is granted after earning 120,000 rewards points or with 70 qualifying nights. Diamond Elite offers the most bonus points with 100 percent extra earnings — meaning you’ll double your points on all purchases. Plus, you’re guaranteed room availability with sufficient notice. In addition to Platinum perks, Diamond Elite comes with dedicated customer support and your choice of breakfast, points or a drink/snack as a welcome amenity at check-in.

If you’re already staying at IHG hotels and want to attain these reward levels faster, combining your rewards club membership with a hotel credit card can give you a boost. The IHG Premier and Traveler credit cards both earn additional points per dollar spent at IHG brands and can stack points toward status levels.

What are the restrictions?

Some may wonder: Do IHG Rewards expire? The answer depends on your status level and how often you earn and use points. For standard Club Members, as long as you have some account activity within a 12-month period, your points are good. However, points will expire after long-term inactivity. For Elite level members, IHG Rewards points never expire as long as you maintain Elite status.

How do IHG points compare to other hotel rewards programs?

The value of IHG points is comparable to many popular Hotel brands, including Marriott and Hilton. Here’s a look at Bankrate’s average points values for several popular hotel loyalty programs.

Program Bankrate value* Estimated value of 50,000 points/miles
Best Western Rewards 0.6 cents $300
Hilton Honors 0.6 cents $300
World of Hyatt 2.3 cents $1,150
IHG One Rewards 0.7 cents $350
Marriott Bonvoy 0.7 cents $350
Radisson Rewards Americas 0.4 cents $200
Wyndham Rewards 0.9 cents $450

Are IHG points worth the membership?

The IHG Rewards program is free, and if you’re already a fan of the many worldwide brands, there’s no harm in joining the membership program. Plus, if you already carry one of IHG’s Rewards credit cards, you can earn even more points.

The bottom line

If you stay at IHG hotels more than once a year, it’s worth joining this free program. However, the most value from this membership comes once you can earn bonus points at higher member status levels. IHG Rewards credit card holders can stack points and reach those levels even faster.

*Information about the IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card and IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.