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
Dec 6, 2013, 12:52 am
#466
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,179
Stayed in London and the hotel charged my card even though the reservation stated "chase card free night stay" code. Took about a week to get a credit back. Scary to think how IHG CSR just passed the buck to the hotel in question and told me they could not do anything from their end..even though I made the reservation by calling IHG.
Dec 12, 2013, 8:45 am
#467
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: CA & Europe
Programs: AA Life-Plat 5MM, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, UA, BA
Posts: 738
No more email with free night cert ?
Last year I got the email on Dec-7. This year no email.
But I found a link in "my acct" page, it showed I have an available free night and range of dates To Book!!. AND a link to book the free night.
BTW - my wife is still in 1st year of membership -- no link for free night in her "my acct" page.
I want to point out that IHG has a (relatively) good software:
I am really impressed by the quality of software of IHG (although nothing is perfect), especially when comparing their s/w to HH s/w (that cant even get their user interface to work properly).
The s/w for the Very Complicated Big Win was not perfect ... but to my surprise it mostly worked as it should ... I only had to call once for missing points.
And now the "free night" info and mechanism to book on "my acct" page.
(I don't know if this was already available last year, I think I called to book.)
But I found a link in "my acct" page, it showed I have an available free night and range of dates To Book!!. AND a link to book the free night.
BTW - my wife is still in 1st year of membership -- no link for free night in her "my acct" page.
I want to point out that IHG has a (relatively) good software:
I am really impressed by the quality of software of IHG (although nothing is perfect), especially when comparing their s/w to HH s/w (that cant even get their user interface to work properly).
The s/w for the Very Complicated Big Win was not perfect ... but to my surprise it mostly worked as it should ... I only had to call once for missing points.
And now the "free night" info and mechanism to book on "my acct" page.
(I don't know if this was already available last year, I think I called to book.)
Dec 12, 2013, 4:43 pm
#468
Join Date: May 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 3,951
This question relates to the free night from the UK Visa, however I imagine it is the same software behind it.
My free night expires at the end of the month, however I appear to be able to book my 'free' night into next year. Will this be honoured at time of arrival at the hotel if I was to do so?
My free night expires at the end of the month, however I appear to be able to book my 'free' night into next year. Will this be honoured at time of arrival at the hotel if I was to do so?
Dec 13, 2013, 10:49 am
#469
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
Last year I got the email on Dec-7. This year no email.
But I found a link in "my acct" page, it showed I have an available free night and range of dates To Book!!. AND a link to book the free night.
BTW - my wife is still in 1st year of membership -- no link for free night in her "my acct" page.
I want to point out that IHG has a (relatively) good software:
I am really impressed by the quality of software of IHG (although nothing is perfect), especially when comparing their s/w to HH s/w (that cant even get their user interface to work properly).
The s/w for the Very Complicated Big Win was not perfect ... but to my surprise it mostly worked as it should ... I only had to call once for missing points.
And now the "free night" info and mechanism to book on "my acct" page.
(I don't know if this was already available last year, I think I called to book.)
But I found a link in "my acct" page, it showed I have an available free night and range of dates To Book!!. AND a link to book the free night.
BTW - my wife is still in 1st year of membership -- no link for free night in her "my acct" page.
I want to point out that IHG has a (relatively) good software:
I am really impressed by the quality of software of IHG (although nothing is perfect), especially when comparing their s/w to HH s/w (that cant even get their user interface to work properly).
The s/w for the Very Complicated Big Win was not perfect ... but to my surprise it mostly worked as it should ... I only had to call once for missing points.
And now the "free night" info and mechanism to book on "my acct" page.
(I don't know if this was already available last year, I think I called to book.)
It shows all of my free stays (and suite upgrade certs for Hyatt and SPG). Here's a link to register for a free upgrade: http://AwardWallet.com/?refCode=wqraisoqvf
That's a link which gives me credit for you enrolling there. If you choose to join, you can also use the Conga line on the S.P.A.M. subforum. You'll get awardwallet plus by using either my or a conga line link. I have enough Award Wallet upgrades that you won't hurt my feelings if you opt for the conga line.
Dec 17, 2013, 1:08 pm
#470
Join Date: May 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 3,951
This question relates to the free night from the UK Visa, however I imagine it is the same software behind it.
My free night expires at the end of the month, however I appear to be able to book my 'free' night into next year. Will this be honoured at time of arrival at the hotel if I was to do so?
My free night expires at the end of the month, however I appear to be able to book my 'free' night into next year. Will this be honoured at time of arrival at the hotel if I was to do so?
Dec 23, 2013, 8:12 am
#471
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 124
Dec 23, 2013, 11:38 am
#472
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: BOS
Posts: 1,461
Unfortunately, you probably aren't going to get a definitive answer, because different people have reported different outcomes. It seems to be a YMMV situation. If you want to be completely safe, you should use your certificate before it expires, because that is what is in the emails. You could also contact the hotel and ask them. If they say they will accept it, then get it in writing and hope that that will cover you if there's an issue.
Dec 27, 2013, 10:57 am
#473
Join Date: May 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 3,951
Unfortunately, you probably aren't going to get a definitive answer, because different people have reported different outcomes. It seems to be a YMMV situation. If you want to be completely safe, you should use your certificate before it expires, because that is what is in the emails. You could also contact the hotel and ask them. If they say they will accept it, then get it in writing and hope that that will cover you if there's an issue.
Jan 4, 2014, 12:57 pm
#474
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: MR, SPG, IHG, HH, CC, AA, UA, BA, DL
Posts: 270
Just logged in to my account, just as you described, and lo-and-behold, there it is! ^
Still, I think an email when the free night actually posts to your account would help clear up any confusion...
Jan 4, 2014, 7:08 pm
#475
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 113
Last year I got the email on Dec-7. This year no email.
But I found a link in "my acct" page, it showed I have an available free night and range of dates To Book!!. AND a link to book the free night.
BTW - my wife is still in 1st year of membership -- no link for free night in her "my acct" page.
I want to point out that IHG has a (relatively) good software:
I am really impressed by the quality of software of IHG (although nothing is perfect), especially when comparing their s/w to HH s/w (that cant even get their user interface to work properly).
The s/w for the Very Complicated Big Win was not perfect ... but to my surprise it mostly worked as it should ... I only had to call once for missing points.
And now the "free night" info and mechanism to book on "my acct" page.
(I don't know if this was already available last year, I think I called to book.)
But I found a link in "my acct" page, it showed I have an available free night and range of dates To Book!!. AND a link to book the free night.
BTW - my wife is still in 1st year of membership -- no link for free night in her "my acct" page.
I want to point out that IHG has a (relatively) good software:
I am really impressed by the quality of software of IHG (although nothing is perfect), especially when comparing their s/w to HH s/w (that cant even get their user interface to work properly).
The s/w for the Very Complicated Big Win was not perfect ... but to my surprise it mostly worked as it should ... I only had to call once for missing points.
And now the "free night" info and mechanism to book on "my acct" page.
(I don't know if this was already available last year, I think I called to book.)
Second - I totally agree with the software/programming. The Big Win promo had to be a bear to code and test. I expected way more screaming, but it seemed relatively low here than I would have expected with the many different promos across so many different people. I actually don't fear logging into their site and maneuvering around.
Jan 9, 2014, 5:36 pm
#476
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,607
It should post anyday now, does it show up under My account and account status ?
Thanks
Jan 10, 2014, 4:33 am
#477
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,682
i tried changing the date for a reservation i made using the free night & no matter which date i picked online it would show me no availability....so i cancelled the reservation & started from scratch & all of a sudden all dates were available again....has anyone else faced this problem????
Jan 25, 2014, 1:53 pm
#478
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Central Texas
Programs: Starwood Gold , HH Gold, Hyatt Gold, Aadvantage, Rapid Rewards CP
Posts: 1,586
Was looking for that email as well with the happy news of a new free night. Wasn't on AwardWallet like it was last year. Checked account online and there is is! Thanks for the reminder to check the account.
Jan 29, 2014, 11:56 am
#479
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,607
Are you guys seeing the free night actually post 4 weeks after your anniversary date or is this just the usual language banks use.
I got this reply today from Chase when asking when I would see the certificate and if true I may just cancel the card as I vacation in late March and my anniversary date is Feb 21.
If the cert posts ~ March 21 each year it may not work for me so I may just cancel and get the card again with a better anniversary
"Your anniversary is the date twelve months after your
enrollment date or the date your account was opened or
upgraded. It will be the same date every 12 months going
forward.
The Anniversary Free Night e-Certificate will be issued
each year four weeks after your account anniversary date"
I decided to just cancel the card. I need to add one night to an existing March stay and the hotel has 2 rooms left. Chances are by the time the Cert posts it will be sold out.
I'll apply again in 2015 and maybe pick up the sign up bonus again also
I got this reply today from Chase when asking when I would see the certificate and if true I may just cancel the card as I vacation in late March and my anniversary date is Feb 21.
If the cert posts ~ March 21 each year it may not work for me so I may just cancel and get the card again with a better anniversary
"Your anniversary is the date twelve months after your
enrollment date or the date your account was opened or
upgraded. It will be the same date every 12 months going
forward.
The Anniversary Free Night e-Certificate will be issued
each year four weeks after your account anniversary date"
I decided to just cancel the card. I need to add one night to an existing March stay and the hotel has 2 rooms left. Chances are by the time the Cert posts it will be sold out.
I'll apply again in 2015 and maybe pick up the sign up bonus again also
Last edited by flyer4512; Jan 29, 2014 at 3:38 pm
Jan 30, 2014, 11:50 pm
#480
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
Are you guys seeing the free night actually post 4 weeks after your anniversary date or is this just the usual language banks use.
I got this reply today from Chase when asking when I would see the certificate and if true I may just cancel the card as I vacation in late March and my anniversary date is Feb 21.
If the cert posts ~ March 21 each year it may not work for me so I may just cancel and get the card again with a better anniversary
"Your anniversary is the date twelve months after your
enrollment date or the date your account was opened or
upgraded. It will be the same date every 12 months going
forward.
The Anniversary Free Night e-Certificate will be issued
each year four weeks after your account anniversary date"
I decided to just cancel the card. I need to add one night to an existing March stay and the hotel has 2 rooms left. Chances are by the time the Cert posts it will be sold out.
I'll apply again in 2015 and maybe pick up the sign up bonus again also
I got this reply today from Chase when asking when I would see the certificate and if true I may just cancel the card as I vacation in late March and my anniversary date is Feb 21.
If the cert posts ~ March 21 each year it may not work for me so I may just cancel and get the card again with a better anniversary
"Your anniversary is the date twelve months after your
enrollment date or the date your account was opened or
upgraded. It will be the same date every 12 months going
forward.
The Anniversary Free Night e-Certificate will be issued
each year four weeks after your account anniversary date"
I decided to just cancel the card. I need to add one night to an existing March stay and the hotel has 2 rooms left. Chances are by the time the Cert posts it will be sold out.
I'll apply again in 2015 and maybe pick up the sign up bonus again also
I dont understand your logic of cancellation. If you are going to book with a pay night anyway, why can't you wait for the free night cert to post? Then you can cancel the card.
Despite your annual fee would be posted on Feb 1st, you have 60 days to get it reverse should you cancel. The free night cert would appear in your account the week of Feb 21.
Now since you already cancel your card, you will not receive the cert.