Mar 21, 2014, 1:39 pm
Last edit by: beltway
FAQs
1. What are the current types of free-night certificates (FNC)?
2. Where do I find the FNC(s) in my IHG online account?
3. Is a FNC revoked if I cancel my Chase card?
4. If I make a reservation using my FNC and then need to cancel, are there any special procedures? Do I have to call IHG?
5. Can I use my FNC for a date past the certificate's expiration, provided that I make the reservation prior to that expiration date?
6. Can I trade/gift my FNC?
7. If I have multiple IHG cards (other than the Traveler card), do I get more than one FNC?
1. What are the current types of free-night certificates (FNC)?
As of April 2023, there are four different active FNC types. Described below in order from newest to oldest (roughly), they will appear in your account under the following headings:
2. Where do I find the FNC(s) in my IHG online account?
After you log into the website, click on the section at the top of the window showing your first name and current point balance. This will take you to the Overview page of the My Account section. Underneath the gray box showing your status level, member number, and points balance you will see a submenu with "Overview" selected. Click on "Rewards Wallet" to go to the page summarizing your FNCs. Click "Details" to see the type(s) of FNC(s) in your account.
You can also go directly to the Details page by logging in and visiting http://www.ihg.com/rewardsclub/us/en...gmt/freenights (for English-speaking US members).
3. Is a FNC revoked if I cancel my Chase card?
No.
4. If I make a reservation using my FNC and then need to cancel, are there any special procedures? Do I have to call IHG?
You may cancel your reservation online using the same process as for any other reservation. The certificate is normally returned to your account immediately and available for re-use with no wait and no need to call IHG. For unknown reasons, on rare occasions a FNC will not instantly reappear; in such cases, call IHG customer service to have the FNC redeposited manually.
5. Can I use my FNC for a date past the certificate's expiration, provided that I make the reservation prior to that expiration date?
As of January 2019, members are reporting that they are unable to do this.
Formerly, some members reported success in doing this. (See, for example, the discussion at post #516.) Two basic recommendations:
6. Can I trade/gift my FNC?
No. FNCs are non-transferable.
7. If I have multiple IHG cards (other than the Traveler card), do I get more than one FNC each year?
Yes. The Select card (legacy), the personal Premier card, and the Premier Business card all include an anniversary FNC as a benefit. But note the difference, discussed above, between the Select card FNC--capped at 40K value--and the "flex" FNCs associated with the other cards. The no-fee Traveler card does not provide a FNC benefit.
In previous years, Chase issued the anniversary FNC shortly before the annual fee was billed. More recently, Chase has begun delaying issuance of FNCs until at least 8 weeks after the annual-fee statement date, presumably to prevent accountholders from canceling their cards while keeping the FNC.
Questions related to the extension of the certificate due to the Coronavirus are discussed in its own thread, which is here.
1. What are the current types of free-night certificates (FNC)?
2. Where do I find the FNC(s) in my IHG online account?
3. Is a FNC revoked if I cancel my Chase card?
4. If I make a reservation using my FNC and then need to cancel, are there any special procedures? Do I have to call IHG?
5. Can I use my FNC for a date past the certificate's expiration, provided that I make the reservation prior to that expiration date?
6. Can I trade/gift my FNC?
7. If I have multiple IHG cards (other than the Traveler card), do I get more than one FNC?
1. What are the current types of free-night certificates (FNC)?
As of April 2023, there are four different active FNC types. Described below in order from newest to oldest (roughly), they will appear in your account under the following headings:
- Premier Credit Card Annual Flex Night: The anniversary FNC, good for a base room up to 40K points, for the personal Premier card. This FNC is described as “flex” because you can redeem for an award in excess of 40K by adding points on top of the FNC (aka "topping up").
- Note: points used to top up a Flex FNC are not subject to the 10% rebate for Select cardholders.
- Business Credit Card Annual Flex Night: The anniversary FNC for the IHG Business card. This is identical in all respects to the Premier flex cert.
- New Cardmember Bonus Free Night: Some recent offers for the personal Premier card have included one or more FNCs in the signup bonus. These FNCs are capped at 40K value; there is no "flex"/"top-up" option.
- Select Credit Card Anniversary Night: The anniversary FNC for the older Select card, for which Chase stopped accepting applications in 2018. As with the previous category, this FNC type has a hard cap of 40K redemption value.
- Premier Credit Card Anniversary Night: Prior to March 24, 2022, the personal Premier card FNC was hard-capped at 40K value. On March 24, all unused FNCs of this type were automatically converted to Premier "flex" FNCs as described above.
- Credit Card Anniversary Night: Prior to May 1, 2018, anniversary FNCs for the Select card were uncapped--that is, they could be used at any IHG property.
2. Where do I find the FNC(s) in my IHG online account?
After you log into the website, click on the section at the top of the window showing your first name and current point balance. This will take you to the Overview page of the My Account section. Underneath the gray box showing your status level, member number, and points balance you will see a submenu with "Overview" selected. Click on "Rewards Wallet" to go to the page summarizing your FNCs. Click "Details" to see the type(s) of FNC(s) in your account.
You can also go directly to the Details page by logging in and visiting http://www.ihg.com/rewardsclub/us/en...gmt/freenights (for English-speaking US members).
3. Is a FNC revoked if I cancel my Chase card?
No.
4. If I make a reservation using my FNC and then need to cancel, are there any special procedures? Do I have to call IHG?
You may cancel your reservation online using the same process as for any other reservation. The certificate is normally returned to your account immediately and available for re-use with no wait and no need to call IHG. For unknown reasons, on rare occasions a FNC will not instantly reappear; in such cases, call IHG customer service to have the FNC redeposited manually.
5. Can I use my FNC for a date past the certificate's expiration, provided that I make the reservation prior to that expiration date?
As of January 2019, members are reporting that they are unable to do this.
Formerly, some members reported success in doing this. (See, for example, the discussion at post #516.) Two basic recommendations:
- It is advisable to obtain advance written confirmation, ideally from the hotel itself, that your certificate will be honored under these circumstances.
- Once the certificate expiration date passes, you will not be able to make any changes to the reservation (occupancy, date, room type, etc).
6. Can I trade/gift my FNC?
No. FNCs are non-transferable.
7. If I have multiple IHG cards (other than the Traveler card), do I get more than one FNC each year?
Yes. The Select card (legacy), the personal Premier card, and the Premier Business card all include an anniversary FNC as a benefit. But note the difference, discussed above, between the Select card FNC--capped at 40K value--and the "flex" FNCs associated with the other cards. The no-fee Traveler card does not provide a FNC benefit.
In previous years, Chase issued the anniversary FNC shortly before the annual fee was billed. More recently, Chase has begun delaying issuance of FNCs until at least 8 weeks after the annual-fee statement date, presumably to prevent accountholders from canceling their cards while keeping the FNC.
Questions related to the extension of the certificate due to the Coronavirus are discussed in its own thread, which is here.
Annual Free Night Cert from IHG (Rewards Club) Visa / Mastercard
Jun 30, 2011, 6:52 pm
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
Annual Free Night Cert from IHG (Rewards Club) Visa / Mastercard
We should soon see the Annual Free Night Certs for the first wave of cardholders who applied the then new PC card last July.
I would like to start this thread as a depository thread for folks to post their experiences in receiving such and redeeming such.
Please use this thread to share your experiences, particularly your experiences in redeeming it.
Thank you all.
I would like to start this thread as a depository thread for folks to post their experiences in receiving such and redeeming such.
Please use this thread to share your experiences, particularly your experiences in redeeming it.
Thank you all.
Jun 30, 2011, 8:17 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: PA, NJ
Programs: DL FO MM, AA EXP MM, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 282
I got mine last week, it comes in the form of an e-mail, so keep an eye on your inbox. The e-mail title is: Celebrate Your Anniversary with a Free Night On Us
Jun 30, 2011, 9:31 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
Good news. Is there an expiration on these? Any other limitations? Does there need to be reward inventory? Any word on benefits for RA's if used at IC's?
Jul 1, 2011, 6:35 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
I haven't gotten mine yet, but they are supposed to expire one year from the date of issue. I suspect they basically use IVANI award inventory (like they did with the other Free Night promos).
1 Free Night Certificate:
Please allow 6 to 8 weeks from your account anniversary date each year for the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate to be emailed to you. ("Anniversary" is the date that is twelve months after your enrollment date, and the same date each twelve months thereafter.) Annual fee applies after the first year. For pricing details, please see Pricing & Terms. Chase may close your credit card account or suspend your right to use your credit card account, at any time for any reason, including account inactivity. A valid email address is required in order to receive your Anniversary Free Night e-certificate. The e-certificate will be emailed to the address that is on the Priority Club Member Profile at that time. You must maintain a current, valid email address in your Member Profile and opt in to receive Priority Club e-communications in order to receive the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate. Anniversary Free Night e-certificate is valid at hotels in the Priority Club Rewards Family of Brands and must be redeemed within 12 months from date of issue. Free Night e-certificate reservations may not be made at All Inclusive hotels. Free Night e-certificates are valid for one standard room night rate and applicable taxes only. Rooms are limited, subject to prior sale and availability of allocated resources and may be unavailable during high demand periods. All reservations that will utilize the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate must be booked by calling the Priority Club Service Center at 888-211-9874. You must present the e-certificate at check in either in printed format or on your mobile device. E-Certificates may not be transferred, extended beyond the expiration date, redeemed for cash, or re-credited for points. Individual hotels cancellation policy applies to the use of the e-certificate. Cancellation fees apply if cancellation is made outside of the hotel's cancellation time period. Anniversary Free Night e-certificate rules and regulations are subject to change. Chase is not responsible for offer fulfillment.
Please allow 6 to 8 weeks from your account anniversary date each year for the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate to be emailed to you. ("Anniversary" is the date that is twelve months after your enrollment date, and the same date each twelve months thereafter.) Annual fee applies after the first year. For pricing details, please see Pricing & Terms. Chase may close your credit card account or suspend your right to use your credit card account, at any time for any reason, including account inactivity. A valid email address is required in order to receive your Anniversary Free Night e-certificate. The e-certificate will be emailed to the address that is on the Priority Club Member Profile at that time. You must maintain a current, valid email address in your Member Profile and opt in to receive Priority Club e-communications in order to receive the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate. Anniversary Free Night e-certificate is valid at hotels in the Priority Club Rewards Family of Brands and must be redeemed within 12 months from date of issue. Free Night e-certificate reservations may not be made at All Inclusive hotels. Free Night e-certificates are valid for one standard room night rate and applicable taxes only. Rooms are limited, subject to prior sale and availability of allocated resources and may be unavailable during high demand periods. All reservations that will utilize the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate must be booked by calling the Priority Club Service Center at 888-211-9874. You must present the e-certificate at check in either in printed format or on your mobile device. E-Certificates may not be transferred, extended beyond the expiration date, redeemed for cash, or re-credited for points. Individual hotels cancellation policy applies to the use of the e-certificate. Cancellation fees apply if cancellation is made outside of the hotel's cancellation time period. Anniversary Free Night e-certificate rules and regulations are subject to change. Chase is not responsible for offer fulfillment.
Last edited by soitgoes; Jul 2, 2011 at 7:55 am Reason: typo
Jul 1, 2011, 6:46 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
BTW, I did get an email last month reminding me to be on the look out on my anniversary date for the certificate:
Your Anniversary
IS ALMOST HERE — 07/XX/2011
Dear X,
You're entitled to one Free Night at any of our hotels
worldwide, every year on your Priority Club® Select Visa®
enrollment anniversary. It's just one of the privileges of
being a cardholder. So, what will you do with yours?
You'll receive your Free Night e-Certificate via email the
week of your anniversary date. Have fun!
Earn your way. Redeem your way.
•
Annual Free Night worldwide.
•
Automatic 10% rebate on all Priority Club Rewards
point redemptions.
•
Earn 5 points per $1 spent at all of our hotels.
•
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and dining.
•
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all additional purchases.
•
No foreign transaction fee.
•
Complimentary Gold Elite status as long as you remain
a Priority Club Select Visa card member.
IS ALMOST HERE — 07/XX/2011
Dear X,
You're entitled to one Free Night at any of our hotels
worldwide, every year on your Priority Club® Select Visa®
enrollment anniversary. It's just one of the privileges of
being a cardholder. So, what will you do with yours?
You'll receive your Free Night e-Certificate via email the
week of your anniversary date. Have fun!
Earn your way. Redeem your way.
•
Annual Free Night worldwide.
•
Automatic 10% rebate on all Priority Club Rewards
point redemptions.
•
Earn 5 points per $1 spent at all of our hotels.
•
Earn 2 points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and dining.
•
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all additional purchases.
•
No foreign transaction fee.
•
Complimentary Gold Elite status as long as you remain
a Priority Club Select Visa card member.
Jul 1, 2011, 7:11 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
I feel like quite the cool guy. Receiving an 80k offer for the PC Visa. Having platinum membership already established (now I get to extend my platinum membership for free)......
Now just to see what kind of hotels you guys are staying in with that free night....
Now just to see what kind of hotels you guys are staying in with that free night....
Jul 2, 2011, 6:52 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: DL PM, BA Gold, AA Plat, Marriott LT P, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 178
Dear Flyer Talker,
Congratulations! As a valued Priority Club® Select Visa® cardmember, you have earned a Free Night1 at any of our more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.
Here's how to book your Free Night:
1. Call 1-877-318-5890.
2. Tell the agent you'd like to book your Free Night.
3. Choose your hotel.
4. Enjoy your stay.
Free Night Certificate Expiration Date: 06/27/2012
T&Cs:
1. Free Night - Anniversary Free Night e-certificate is valid at hotels in the Priority Club Rewards Family of Brands and must be redeemed, and stay must be completed, within 12 months from date of issue. Anniversary Free Night e-certificates are valid for one standard room night rate and applicable taxes only. Rooms are limited, subject to prior sale and availability of allocated resources and may be unavailable during high demand periods. All reservations that will utilize the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate must be booked by calling the Priority Club Service center at 877-318-5890. E-certificates may not be transferred, extended beyond the expiration date, redeemed for cash, or re-credited for points. Individual hotel's cancellation policy applies to the use of the e-certificate. Cancellation fees apply if cancellation is made outside of the hotel's cancellation time period. Anniversary Free Night e-certificate rules and regulations are subject to change. Chase is no t responsible for offer fulfillment.
Jul 2, 2011, 2:39 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
Expiration is 1 year from date of issue...below is the email I received.
Dear Flyer Talker,
Congratulations! As a valued Priority Club® Select Visa® cardmember, you have earned a Free Night1 at any of our more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.
Here's how to book your Free Night:
1. Call 1-877-318-5890.
2. Tell the agent you'd like to book your Free Night.
3. Choose your hotel.
4. Enjoy your stay.
Free Night Certificate Expiration Date: 06/27/2012
T&Cs:
1. Free Night - Anniversary Free Night e-certificate is valid at hotels in the Priority Club Rewards Family of Brands and must be redeemed, and stay must be completed, within 12 months from date of issue. Anniversary Free Night e-certificates are valid for one standard room night rate and applicable taxes only. Rooms are limited, subject to prior sale and availability of allocated resources and may be unavailable during high demand periods. All reservations that will utilize the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate must be booked by calling the Priority Club Service center at 877-318-5890. E-certificates may not be transferred, extended beyond the expiration date, redeemed for cash, or re-credited for points. Individual hotel's cancellation policy applies to the use of the e-certificate. Cancellation fees apply if cancellation is made outside of the hotel's cancellation time period. Anniversary Free Night e-certificate rules and regulations are subject to change. Chase is no t responsible for offer fulfillment.
Dear Flyer Talker,
Congratulations! As a valued Priority Club® Select Visa® cardmember, you have earned a Free Night1 at any of our more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.
Here's how to book your Free Night:
1. Call 1-877-318-5890.
2. Tell the agent you'd like to book your Free Night.
3. Choose your hotel.
4. Enjoy your stay.
Free Night Certificate Expiration Date: 06/27/2012
T&Cs:
1. Free Night - Anniversary Free Night e-certificate is valid at hotels in the Priority Club Rewards Family of Brands and must be redeemed, and stay must be completed, within 12 months from date of issue. Anniversary Free Night e-certificates are valid for one standard room night rate and applicable taxes only. Rooms are limited, subject to prior sale and availability of allocated resources and may be unavailable during high demand periods. All reservations that will utilize the Anniversary Free Night e-certificate must be booked by calling the Priority Club Service center at 877-318-5890. E-certificates may not be transferred, extended beyond the expiration date, redeemed for cash, or re-credited for points. Individual hotel's cancellation policy applies to the use of the e-certificate. Cancellation fees apply if cancellation is made outside of the hotel's cancellation time period. Anniversary Free Night e-certificate rules and regulations are subject to change. Chase is no t responsible for offer fulfillment.
Jul 2, 2011, 8:26 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
Is there a code for the Free Night Cert?
How such booking is identified in the reservation system?
I assume one must hand the print out of the Free Night Cert to the clerk at check-in.
I assume one must hand the print out of the Free Night Cert to the clerk at check-in.
Jul 2, 2011, 8:28 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
Somehow I envision we will see posts of hiccups in using this Free Night Cert that must be booked via calling.
Jul 2, 2011, 10:05 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: DL PM, BA Gold, AA Plat, Marriott LT P, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 178
No need to turn anything into the front desk. Once you book by phone, it is treated the same as any other reservation. ID will probably be required though.
Jul 2, 2011, 11:05 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
Some versions of the terms include: "You must present the e-certificate at check in either in printed format or on your mobile device." It can't hurt to be prepared to do so. (As with F&F, most hotels might not ask, but a few might.)
Jul 2, 2011, 11:05 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
Jul 2, 2011, 11:08 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
But it's not clear (yet) if that a std room needs to be available for booking, or for award booking.
Jul 3, 2011, 1:11 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
According to an IC hotel revenue manager I asked, hotels will be reimbursed at reward night rates. Thus, I expect that like the other Free Night promos PCR has run, availability for the cert will basically mirror reward night (IVANI) availability.