Feb 16, 2016, 7:59 pm
Last edit by: philemer
This thread is now archived.
Continue the discussion here: HERE
Prior thread: Pre-2016 discussions archived HERE.
Similar thread on IHG Forum here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-ihg-rewards-club-intercontinental-ambassador/1232030-annual-free-night-cert-ihg-rewards-club-visa-mastercard-23.html Currently, the IHG credit card is NOT subject to Chase's 5/24 restriction.
IMPORTANT NOTE: As of April 2018, a new IHG card is being released. There are changes, including a limit to the value of the annual free night certificate (40,000 point vs. any hotel).
Ongoing discussion can be found here, in the IHG forum.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inte...valuation.html
Existing card members can use "any hotel" certificates that were issued/will be issued prior to April 30th. Any Anniversary Night issued BEFORE May 1, 2018 is still valid at any IHG hotel worldwide.
Certificates issued AFTER May 1 will be under the new T & C's.
From Chase:
Here’s what’s changing
Currently, we award this Anniversary Free Night each year after your anniversary date, and it is redeemable at any IHG property. Going forward, Anniversary Free Nights issued after May 1, 2018, will be redeemable at eligible IHG hotels with a redemption value up to and including 40,000 points.
Here is the list of IHG hotels that will NO LONGER be available for certificate redemption: https://www.ihg.com/content/us/en/deals/partner-offers/anniversary-free-night?_PMID=99634986&cm_mmc=CJ-_-4453693-_-7718223-_-www.ihg.com%2Fcontent&glat=AFFI&setPMCookies=true& url=https://www.ihg.com/content/us/en/deals/partner-offers/anniversary-free-night
Current public offers, as of 9/1/17
All offers have the following terms/benefits:
Q. Where can I learn more about the annual free-night certificate associated with this card? How long are the certificates good for? Are the certificates revoked if you cancel your Chase card?
A. See Annual Free Night Cert from IHG (Rewards Club) Visa / Mastercard.
Q. Once I meet the $1000 (or $2000) spending requirement, how soon will I receive my bonus points?
Q. Can I apply for this card and earn the bonus after doing so previously?
A. For answers to these and other questions, see the wiki and related discussion in the master discussion thread Applying for Chase Credit Cards, 2017 onward
Q. Will the signup bonus count toward Spire Elite status?
A. No
Continue the discussion here: HERE
Prior thread: Pre-2016 discussions archived HERE.
Similar thread on IHG Forum here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-ihg-rewards-club-intercontinental-ambassador/1232030-annual-free-night-cert-ihg-rewards-club-visa-mastercard-23.html Currently, the IHG credit card is NOT subject to Chase's 5/24 restriction.
IMPORTANT NOTE: As of April 2018, a new IHG card is being released. There are changes, including a limit to the value of the annual free night certificate (40,000 point vs. any hotel).
Ongoing discussion can be found here, in the IHG forum.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inte...valuation.html
Existing card members can use "any hotel" certificates that were issued/will be issued prior to April 30th. Any Anniversary Night issued BEFORE May 1, 2018 is still valid at any IHG hotel worldwide.
Certificates issued AFTER May 1 will be under the new T & C's.
From Chase:
Update: We’re changing the Anniversary Free Night on your IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card
On May 1, 2018, we’re changing the Anniversary Free Night benefit associated with your IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card.Here’s what’s changing
Currently, we award this Anniversary Free Night each year after your anniversary date, and it is redeemable at any IHG property. Going forward, Anniversary Free Nights issued after May 1, 2018, will be redeemable at eligible IHG hotels with a redemption value up to and including 40,000 points.
Here is the list of IHG hotels that will NO LONGER be available for certificate redemption: https://www.ihg.com/content/us/en/deals/partner-offers/anniversary-free-night?_PMID=99634986&cm_mmc=CJ-_-4453693-_-7718223-_-www.ihg.com%2Fcontent&glat=AFFI&setPMCookies=true& url=https://www.ihg.com/content/us/en/deals/partner-offers/anniversary-free-night
Current public offers, as of 9/1/17
- 60k + 5K AU After spending $1,000 on purchases (landing page; application) (Still live on April 2, 2018 with the $49 renewal fee)
- 60K + 5K AU After spending $1,000 on purchases (landing page; application) (Dead)
- Signup bonus earned after $1,000/$2000 spend in first 3 months
- Starting on the first anniversary of account opening, a free night every year at any [effective with Anniversary Certs issued on 01 May 2018, redeemable only at properties 40,000 points and under] IHG hotel. (Cert may be redeemed online.)
- 5 points per $ spent at IHG hotels
- 2 points per $ spent on gas, groceries and dining
- 1 point per $ on everything else
- 10% points rebate on any redemptions. ("Please allow 4 to 6 weeks after Reward Night stay for rebated points to be deposited into your account")
- No fee 1st year, then $49.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- IHG Platinum status for as long as you hold the card.
A. See Annual Free Night Cert from IHG (Rewards Club) Visa / Mastercard.
Q. Once I meet the $1000 (or $2000) spending requirement, how soon will I receive my bonus points?
Q. Can I apply for this card and earn the bonus after doing so previously?
A. For answers to these and other questions, see the wiki and related discussion in the master discussion thread Applying for Chase Credit Cards, 2017 onward
Q. Will the signup bonus count toward Spire Elite status?
A. No
IHG Rewards MasterCard [now 60,000 pts]
Mar 29, 2018, 8:46 am
#616
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,099
It seems like the higher offers have been so recent, and a program revamping requires such long term marketing research, that I wonder if the backstory includes pumping up new card membership prior to instigating their "enhancements."
Mar 29, 2018, 10:17 am
#617
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, DL PM, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,305
True BUT I wonder if Chase really wants to offer a high-end hotel product. I know AMEX is offering them now as well as having their AMEX Platinum but could Chase be taking a different approach and thinking that if a customer is looking for a high-end product that they will get the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Let's also not forget that the hotel chains have to be willing to play ball in offering the high-end cards. Maybe Hilton was willing to do it with AMEX (especially since they gave them their entire CC portfolio and left Citi) but who knows how Hyatt, MR and IHG feel about it. With Hyatt and MR I can see it making sense since their top tiers actually offer some benefits but with IHG I personally think most people would take a pass on a high-end card offering as the benefits just aren't there. Just my two cents worth.
Let's also not forget that the hotel chains have to be willing to play ball in offering the high-end cards. Maybe Hilton was willing to do it with AMEX (especially since they gave them their entire CC portfolio and left Citi) but who knows how Hyatt, MR and IHG feel about it. With Hyatt and MR I can see it making sense since their top tiers actually offer some benefits but with IHG I personally think most people would take a pass on a high-end card offering as the benefits just aren't there. Just my two cents worth.
Q1 calls from both Hilton and Amex should be very interesting. My guess is that if their credit card strategy a success, Hyatt will follow. SPG has already announced a premium card from Amex next year. Also, the Club Carlson new spending benefits are pretty fantastic where you get a reward night certificate (can only be used at US properties) for $10K spending up to $30 a year. Given the backdrop, looks like IHG/Chase is thinking about devaluing benefits significantly when the trend from hotel cards is
With pretty massive devaluation of airline miles, hotels and even foreign airlines have a very wide playing field. I was expecting a ramp up in stronger loyalty card programs and new ones from hotels, foreign airlines and transfer rewards. So far, we have seen a pretty solid launch – Cathay, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and the rumored Barclays Arrival Premier. Hence if the new terms for IHG cards comes as a surprise.
Last edited by jediwho; Mar 30, 2018 at 9:54 am
Mar 30, 2018, 5:05 am
#618
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Upstate
Programs: HH Diamond-IHG Plat-AA Gold
Posts: 215
Agreed.
Also, FWIW, I SM'ed chase yesterday inquiring about potential changes to the existing card. The replies were basically canned, and contradictory, but 2 of the 3 different reps that handled the messages different reps did say 'there would be changes coming to the card/benefits for existing IHG RC Select MC holders, and those changes have yet to be confirmed.'
Mar 30, 2018, 7:39 am
#619
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
I think eventually we'll see tiered hotel cards coming, just like the AmEx Hilton cards. About 3-4 tier level, mostly matching hotel tier levels. The same can happen with airline cards too.
So for most the cards, I expect mass market card (silver, no AF or low AF), mid tier (gold, free night) and high end (Plat/Diamond etc) loaded with benefits, just like the Ritz or AmEx Aspire. IHG may not get all levels, but clearly toward that direction.
So for most the cards, I expect mass market card (silver, no AF or low AF), mid tier (gold, free night) and high end (Plat/Diamond etc) loaded with benefits, just like the Ritz or AmEx Aspire. IHG may not get all levels, but clearly toward that direction.
Mar 30, 2018, 9:41 am
#620
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,862
I think it’s both Chase/IHG. The Amex Aspire and Ascend is probably the best new card launched in the last two years as far as I am concerned – better than even CSR. I was never a Hilton fan and most of my stays were at SPG (cash or points) and spending was focused on SPG for hotel cards. We have two Aspire cards between me and my wife and one Ascend. Since we got the cards on launch date, we have only stayed at Hilton properties because of Diamond benefits.
Q1 calls from both Hilton and Amex should be very interesting. My guess is that if their credit card strategy a success, Hyatt will follow. SPG has already announced a premium card from Amex next year. Also, the Club Carlson new spending benefits are pretty fantastic where you get a reward night certificate (can only be used at US properties) for $10K spending up to $30 a year. Given the backdrop, looks like IHG/Chase is thinking about devaluing benefits significantly when the trend from hotel cards is
With pretty massive devaluation of airline miles, hotels and even foreign airlines have a very wide playing field. I was expecting a ramp up in stronger loyalty card programs and new ones from hotels, foreign airlines and transfer rewards. So far, we have seen a pretty solid launch – Cathay, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and the rumored Barclays Arrival Premier. Hence if the new terms for IHG cards comes as a surprise.
Q1 calls from both Hilton and Amex should be very interesting. My guess is that if their credit card strategy a success, Hyatt will follow. SPG has already announced a premium card from Amex next year. Also, the Club Carlson new spending benefits are pretty fantastic where you get a reward night certificate (can only be used at US properties) for $10K spending up to $30 a year. Given the backdrop, looks like IHG/Chase is thinking about devaluing benefits significantly when the trend from hotel cards is
With pretty massive devaluation of airline miles, hotels and even foreign airlines have a very wide playing field. I was expecting a ramp up in stronger loyalty card programs and new ones from hotels, foreign airlines and transfer rewards. So far, we have seen a pretty solid launch – Cathay, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and the rumored Barclays Arrival Premier. Hence if the new terms for IHG cards comes as a surprise.
If they don't do it right, there's a chance I may make the leap from IHG and get an Aspire. That baseline IHG card seems worthless, and shouldn't even have an annual fee.
Mar 30, 2018, 6:58 pm
#621
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Ihg, Delta, Iberia, American, Southwest
Posts: 56
I think that would make sense for Chase to get into the premium hotel game as they are trying to go toe to toe with Amex these days.
If they don't do it right, there's a chance I may make the leap from IHG and get an Aspire. That baseline IHG card seems worthless, and shouldn't even have an annual fee.
If they don't do it right, there's a chance I may make the leap from IHG and get an Aspire. That baseline IHG card seems worthless, and shouldn't even have an annual fee.
Apr 1, 2018, 9:19 am
#624
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego, Ca
Programs: AA 2MM LT PLT; AS MVP Gold75k; HHonors Diamond; IHG PLT
Posts: 3,502
Any indication as to when new cards will be issued, changes implemented
My wife has a free night to use this year, my anniversary is coming soon; would like to book a Kimpton or the Venetian before free night certs are devalued.
Apr 1, 2018, 10:13 am
#625
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,862
I do already have the CSR, which is the best card for me. No other card is even close. My current favorite travel option is cruising. I usually only stay a night or two in a hotel beforehand. That is why 4th night free offers aren't as enticing to me as free nights with no restrictions. The current IHG card is sock-drawered for the free night and 10% rebate. CSR points are plentiful, and can be used on many travel options.
Apr 1, 2018, 11:27 am
#626
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
I can't see myself using that many brands. 2 at the max. For work I travel sometimes, and I can't really stay at anything higher than IHG or Hilton. Which is fine by me.
I do already have the CSR, which is the best card for me. No other card is even close. My current favorite travel option is cruising. I usually only stay a night or two in a hotel beforehand. That is why 4th night free offers aren't as enticing to me as free nights with no restrictions. The current IHG card is sock-drawered for the free night and 10% rebate. CSR points are plentiful, and can be used on many travel options.
I do already have the CSR, which is the best card for me. No other card is even close. My current favorite travel option is cruising. I usually only stay a night or two in a hotel beforehand. That is why 4th night free offers aren't as enticing to me as free nights with no restrictions. The current IHG card is sock-drawered for the free night and 10% rebate. CSR points are plentiful, and can be used on many travel options.
Most of the FT members are more than average travelers with some avid travelers. Most hold multiple travel CCs and are members of frequent travel programs. I do understand some people do not frequent certain CC or travel program, but it does not mean that CC or travel program is bad....
Apr 1, 2018, 12:30 pm
#627
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL Plat, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 7,487
Undoubtedly certificates that have already been issued will be honored without any category restrictions; and if existing cardholders are not going to be grandfathered into the old benefits, Chase will mostly provide notice before your annual renewal.
Apr 2, 2018, 9:54 am
#628
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
Well I got the letter from Chase in the mail today that for anniversary nights issued after 01 May 2018 it will be limited to 40K and under equivalents. Award nights issued prior to 01 May will still be unrestricted but otherwise no grandfathering. Disappointed that the change wouldn't at least have been effective after my next anniversary date, though not surprised I guess.
Apr 2, 2018, 10:02 am
#629
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL Plat, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 7,487
Well I got the letter from Chase in the mail today that for anniversary nights issued after 01 May 2018 it will be limited to 40K and under equivalents. Award nights issued prior to 01 May will still be unrestricted but otherwise no grandfathering. Disappointed that the change wouldn't at least have been effective after my next anniversary date, though not surprised I guess.
Any notice on (a) whether you're going to be subject to an increased annual fee and (b) whether there will be any additional changes to your benefits (i.e. 4th award night free in lieu of the existing 10% rebate; 10x points on IHG charges, etc.)?
Apr 2, 2018, 10:08 am
#630
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
Wow, very disappointing that the devalued anniversary nights are being applied to existing accounts so quickly.
Any notice on (a) whether you're going to be subject to an increased annual fee and (b) whether there will be any additional changes to your benefits (i.e. 4th award night free in lieu of the existing 10% rebate; 10x points on IHG charges, etc.)?
Any notice on (a) whether you're going to be subject to an increased annual fee and (b) whether there will be any additional changes to your benefits (i.e. 4th award night free in lieu of the existing 10% rebate; 10x points on IHG charges, etc.)?