Jun 24, 2014, 2:19 am
Last edit by: soitgoes
IHG Account Termination Fact Summary
1) IHG has been terminating accounts due to abuse since approximately 2010 (#244).
2) IHG account terminations happen suddenly and without warning. If your account is terminated, you will not be able to login. You will have to call customer service, who will either reinstate your account and warn you, or refer your case to another office, in which case your account is probably permamently closed.
3) No one except for IHG knows exactly what the trigger for account cancellation is. The reason given is usually excessive use of promo codes. In the past, it was thought that most of the people who got their accounts canceled was due to either selling points or excessive point break bookings, but it appears that mere registration of promo codes now can sometimes trigger a cancellation.
Who has gotten their account terminated?
(If you, or someone you know has got their account terminated, please list your username here, and reference the post you made on this thread).
bgmike (#1)
lcpteck (#5)
DavidAL - father - (#85)
Dolphinyong - friend - (#155)
Bakkie (#180)
Tim O'Brien (#187) reinstated
chongcao - good summary, esp. of events from flyertea forum (#244)
soitgoes (#262) deactivated temporarily; reactivated after phone call
travelismylife - brother inlaw - (#329)
Also, LoyaltyLobby has a number of data points in the comment thread.
FlyerTea (a Chinese site) also has a number of data points.
What do we know about terminations
1) The usual reason IHG gives is non-targeted promo code usage. We don't know which promo codes IHG considers invalid, although IHG told Bakke (#180), that he used a code that was supposed to be for platinum members when he was not.
2) Status does not matter. Gold members, Platinum members, even RAs have all had their account terminated.
3) Credit card does not matter. Some people terminated did not have the IHG Chase card, some did, for more than 3 years (#329).
4) Stay history does not matter. Some people had their accounts terminated before any stay, some had their accounts terminated after one stay that accrued many points, and some had a history of lot of paid stays.
5) Termination usually doesn't cause a loss of booked nights. Apparently, even though your points are gone, any nights reserved stay booked in the system.
6) Some account terminations are caused by calling customer service on incorrectly credited nights. A number of people who had their accounts terminated called in on a stay that posted as non-qualifying, only to have their account cancelled shortly thereafter.
IHG Terms and Conditions downloadable PDF, including:
1) IHG has been terminating accounts due to abuse since approximately 2010 (#244).
2) IHG account terminations happen suddenly and without warning. If your account is terminated, you will not be able to login. You will have to call customer service, who will either reinstate your account and warn you, or refer your case to another office, in which case your account is probably permamently closed.
3) No one except for IHG knows exactly what the trigger for account cancellation is. The reason given is usually excessive use of promo codes. In the past, it was thought that most of the people who got their accounts canceled was due to either selling points or excessive point break bookings, but it appears that mere registration of promo codes now can sometimes trigger a cancellation.
Who has gotten their account terminated?
(If you, or someone you know has got their account terminated, please list your username here, and reference the post you made on this thread).
bgmike (#1)
lcpteck (#5)
DavidAL - father - (#85)
Dolphinyong - friend - (#155)
Bakkie (#180)
Tim O'Brien (#187) reinstated
chongcao - good summary, esp. of events from flyertea forum (#244)
soitgoes (#262) deactivated temporarily; reactivated after phone call
travelismylife - brother inlaw - (#329)
Also, LoyaltyLobby has a number of data points in the comment thread.
FlyerTea (a Chinese site) also has a number of data points.
What do we know about terminations
1) The usual reason IHG gives is non-targeted promo code usage. We don't know which promo codes IHG considers invalid, although IHG told Bakke (#180), that he used a code that was supposed to be for platinum members when he was not.
2) Status does not matter. Gold members, Platinum members, even RAs have all had their account terminated.
3) Credit card does not matter. Some people terminated did not have the IHG Chase card, some did, for more than 3 years (#329).
4) Stay history does not matter. Some people had their accounts terminated before any stay, some had their accounts terminated after one stay that accrued many points, and some had a history of lot of paid stays.
5) Termination usually doesn't cause a loss of booked nights. Apparently, even though your points are gone, any nights reserved stay booked in the system.
6) Some account terminations are caused by calling customer service on incorrectly credited nights. A number of people who had their accounts terminated called in on a stay that posted as non-qualifying, only to have their account cancelled shortly thereafter.
IHG Terms and Conditions downloadable PDF, including:
4. Membership Cancellation. SCH reserves the right to cancel any IHG®Rewards Club membership and revoke any and all unredeemed IHG® Rewards Club points collected by any member for reasons that include, but are not limited to: 1) violation of these Terms and Conditions; 2) misrepresentation of any information or any misuse of this Program; 3) violation of any national, state or local law or regulation in connection with the use of membership privileges; 4) failure to pay for hotel charges; 5) a check to a participating hotel brand that is returned for insufficient funds or is invalid for any reason; 6) commission of fraud or abuse involving any portion of this Program; 7) more than one active account per member; or 8) physical, verbal, or written abuse of hotel or IHG personnel; or 9) action, in any other way, to the detriment of the Program or any of its alliances; all as may be determined by SCH in its sole discretion.
IHG Account Terminated (after registering for several promotion codes)
Jun 12, 2014, 2:09 am
#166
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,477
Wasn't there a time where IHG customers were asked where they got a promo registration code and one of the options in the pulldown included "friend(s)" or "other" when registering for the promo? [I don't want to ask someone to look up my screen capture feeds from years ago about this matter, but I have no doubt it was something like that.]
If so, then that is pretty much a sign that "friends" sharing promo codes was formally accepted by IHG and formally acceptable under the program rules.
If so, then that is pretty much a sign that "friends" sharing promo codes was formally accepted by IHG and formally acceptable under the program rules.
I have registered some codes in 2011/2012. Not many but a dozen of known ones, and only half was working. I think I will be safe, given the known facts from other forum where there are at least 30 odd people known to got their accounts terminated.
Last edited by FLYGVA; Jul 3, 2014 at 6:41 am Reason: edited names out of post
Jun 12, 2014, 2:20 am
#167
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA EXP (owe), BA Silver (ows), AB Silver (owr), WN A+/CP, IHG Spire AMB, Avis First
Posts: 1,414
I think cir. 2012 the option of choose sources was removed (or could be 2011, not quite sure). That includes: email, friends, post card, hotel promotional material and others. Sufficient to say if you have not registered any code after 2012/2013, your account would be safe. I would be seriously worried if one registered more than a give number of codes (exact number only IHG's Mr. L and Mr. F knows. Both names are used to send member emails about termination of account) that were not sent by IHG to his/her email or displayed in IHG hotels in 2012 and after.
I have registered some codes in 2011/2012. Not many but a dozen of known ones, and only half was working. I think I will be safe, given the known facts from other forum where there are at least 30 odd people known to got their accounts terminated.
I have registered some codes in 2011/2012. Not many but a dozen of known ones, and only half was working. I think I will be safe, given the known facts from other forum where there are at least 30 odd people known to got their accounts terminated.
Last edited by FLYGVA; Jul 3, 2014 at 6:42 am Reason: quoted post was edited
Jun 12, 2014, 5:52 am
#168
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,477
From my observation, almost 80% (about 20-odd) admits or suspects their temporary suspension or permanent termination of their IHG rewards account is the direct result of registering multiple promotional codes in 2012, 2013 (2013 being the most noticeable year) and 2014.
There were a few (around 15%, about 5 posters) had their account suspended or terminated after booking point breaks nights in IC Hangzhou and CP Beijing in last round of PB.
None came forward to claim their account was suspended due to cash sale of award nights or manipulated status match (although we knew these activities exist in Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of ebay).
There were a few (around 15%, about 5 posters) had their account suspended or terminated after booking point breaks nights in IC Hangzhou and CP Beijing in last round of PB.
None came forward to claim their account was suspended due to cash sale of award nights or manipulated status match (although we knew these activities exist in Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of ebay).
Jun 12, 2014, 12:24 pm
#169
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,934
From my observation, almost 80% (about 20-odd) admits or suspects their temporary suspension or permanent termination of their IHG rewards account is the direct result of registering multiple promotional codes in 2012, 2013 (2013 being the most noticeable year) and 2014.
Ie, I have not heard of a single person who registered for a half dozen to dozen promo codes (like I did) once during either Big Win fall 2013 or Big Win early 2014 (ie, in the past 10 months), but meanwhile did do all the paid stays required to complete all their Big Win tasks in both rounds of the Big Win, having had a problem with their account yet.
Ie, analysis earlier in this thread seemed to lean towards a theory that only "unprofitable" customers (extremely few paid stays) who were registering for multiple promo codes had had problems with their accounts. Have we seen any counter-example to that yet?
Jun 12, 2014, 12:59 pm
#170
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,269
There was a RA in the comments of the Loyalty Lobby blog that said he'd lost his account, IIRC.
Jun 12, 2014, 2:20 pm
#171
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: I hate my location and hope to flee from it soon.
Programs: Hyatt PL, PC Spire/RA, HH GOLD, SPG Green, Marriott Silver, Skywards B, CSA Gold, Lufthansa Paper,UA
Posts: 1,211
And he\she was Real RA? (not just referred by voucher?)
Jun 12, 2014, 2:37 pm
#172
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,269
Correction to that- Skimming back down, it looks like the RA's problem was BOGO use or BRG overuse and not specifically promo codes.
Jun 12, 2014, 3:04 pm
#173
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: N/A
Programs: 100m swimming certificate level 5
Posts: 1,456
Jun 12, 2014, 7:54 pm
#174
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Montgomery, Alabama, USA
Programs: UA Gold 1mm, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 662
I would be curious to know if any of the accounts that have been terminated are holders of the IHG Chase credit card. What would happen if IHG terminated the account of a card holder? Would IHG then inform Chase and somehow have the credit card terminated as well? It would seem to me that would be difficult for IHG to pull off especially considering their relationship with Chase is presumable profitable.
Jun 12, 2014, 8:02 pm
#175
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 98
Why would anyone want to retain their IHG Chase credit card if their account was terminated? If my account was terminated, the IHG Chase card would be promptly cancelled by me. It would have no rewards value if my account was closed. There are four separate IHG Chase cards in my extended family and the consensus is that they would be cancelled.
Jun 13, 2014, 1:48 am
#176
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,477
Also comment to sdresearch. From my understanding most people I observed are actively involved with IHG. One of my research in last round member termination suggest an average nights stayed per night is over 37 per member. This figure was from 2011 when IHG terminated lots accounts including several RAs for no apparent reason. Start from this year they actually tell the member the reason. I.e. code.
Last edited by FlyerTalker688786; Jun 13, 2014 at 3:09 am
Jun 13, 2014, 1:57 am
#177
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,477
And, IIRC, all of those were relative low-usage IHG members.
Ie, I have not heard of a single person who registered for a half dozen to dozen promo codes (like I did) once during either Big Win fall 2013 or Big Win early 2014 (ie, in the past 10 months), but meanwhile did do all the paid stays required to complete all their Big Win tasks in both rounds of the Big Win, having had a problem with their account yet.
Ie, analysis earlier in this thread seemed to lean towards a theory that only "unprofitable" customers (extremely few paid stays) who were registering for multiple promo codes had had problems with their accounts. Have we seen any counter-example to that yet?
Ie, I have not heard of a single person who registered for a half dozen to dozen promo codes (like I did) once during either Big Win fall 2013 or Big Win early 2014 (ie, in the past 10 months), but meanwhile did do all the paid stays required to complete all their Big Win tasks in both rounds of the Big Win, having had a problem with their account yet.
Ie, analysis earlier in this thread seemed to lean towards a theory that only "unprofitable" customers (extremely few paid stays) who were registering for multiple promo codes had had problems with their accounts. Have we seen any counter-example to that yet?
Last edited by FLYGVA; Jul 3, 2014 at 6:42 am Reason: full names edited ouf of post
Jun 13, 2014, 4:05 am
#178
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA EXP (owe), BA Silver (ows), AB Silver (owr), WN A+/CP, IHG Spire AMB, Avis First
Posts: 1,414
There were at least two people complaint their accounts were closed due to register code this year. They got the point ok including big win. Only when they used the points to book redemption nights their accounts got audited, and subsequently got cancelled. Two or three other individuals got lucky. They called member help line which is referred ad 4848 as the 800 ends with 4848. After a verbal warnings abd promise no more codes they got their accounts back. The first two I mentioned was referred to Mr. L and got account terminated. Again I don't know the criteria of temporary suspension or permanent termination. But I reiterate my thinking that one should seek clarification from Mr. L and Mr. F if the individual had registered more than a dozen of Codes during 2013 and 2014 which exludes big win and ambassador accelerator or being targeted.
I wonder how many points these people had in their accounts (maybe they booked 500k points worth of nights, which triggers an audit?)
The Chinese IHG Platinum card has a huge AF, I've noticed. Much more than the US-based one.
Last edited by FLYGVA; Jul 3, 2014 at 6:43 am Reason: quoted post was edited
Jun 13, 2014, 8:09 am
#179
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PL, SPG G, MR G, HH G, CC G, AMEX PL
Posts: 1,465
Wow, thanks for the summary. I think your posts are some of the most informative in this thread!
I wonder how many points these people had in their accounts (maybe they booked 500k points worth of nights, which triggers an audit?)
The Chinese IHG Platinum card has a huge AF, I've noticed. Much more than the US-based one.
I wonder how many points these people had in their accounts (maybe they booked 500k points worth of nights, which triggers an audit?)
The Chinese IHG Platinum card has a huge AF, I've noticed. Much more than the US-based one.
Jun 13, 2014, 9:42 am
#180
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 3
I am one more victim to add to the statistics. Brief details:
Last month I registered promo codes posted here and on PriorityClub Insider and a travel blog (can't remember which).
My next stay the bonus points were credited, but then all my accumulated points were confiscated (~250k).
Multiple calls to CS and long waits on hold revealed that my account was closed due to fraud - using a non-targeted promo code.
I finally asked to talk to senior manager and they took my mobile# and email and promised me a response. No response in a week.
I was a Platinum member for a few years but I have only stayed at IHG hotels a few times in the past two years. I was saving my remaining points for a long overdue family vacation. I am upset and offended to be accused of committing fraud. I consider myself an honest person.
I will continue to contact CS and ask politely for my original points to be reinstated.
Last year I stayed at hotels for over 140 nights. Unfortunately few IHG hotels were in my work areas, so my IHG nights were few. I try to stay at IHG when I can. Some years I work near my favourite IHG (staff know me and are really nice), and my nights accumulate. It is IHG's interest to keep me as a customer.
Thank you to all that have posted their insights and experiences here. It has been somewhat comforting to know that I am not alone.
UPDATE: I called CS and was finally forwarded to the Executive Office voicemail, where I left a message. After a few hours with no reply I called CS again, and was then forwarded to Kent Fox. He kindly spent several minutes with me reviewing my case. He reiterated that my account was closed due to fraudulent activities - using a non-targeted promo code. I explained that the codes were freely available on forums such as these and that the general consensus is that entering them into the IHG system was not fraud. He would not discuss the forums or blogs that post codes. He repeated that some codes I entered were fraudulent and that the account was terminated permanently. From my file he used as an example the fact that I had entered a code targeted only to Platinum members, and I since I was no longer a Platinum member this was fraudulent. I explained that I felt that I had been treated unfairly and would like to discuss this with someone who was not as restricted in their abilities. He told me that all requests would end up at his office and there was no way to reactivate the account.
I am very disappointed with IHG and will no longer be staying at their hotels.
Last month I registered promo codes posted here and on PriorityClub Insider and a travel blog (can't remember which).
My next stay the bonus points were credited, but then all my accumulated points were confiscated (~250k).
Multiple calls to CS and long waits on hold revealed that my account was closed due to fraud - using a non-targeted promo code.
I finally asked to talk to senior manager and they took my mobile# and email and promised me a response. No response in a week.
I was a Platinum member for a few years but I have only stayed at IHG hotels a few times in the past two years. I was saving my remaining points for a long overdue family vacation. I am upset and offended to be accused of committing fraud. I consider myself an honest person.
I will continue to contact CS and ask politely for my original points to be reinstated.
Last year I stayed at hotels for over 140 nights. Unfortunately few IHG hotels were in my work areas, so my IHG nights were few. I try to stay at IHG when I can. Some years I work near my favourite IHG (staff know me and are really nice), and my nights accumulate. It is IHG's interest to keep me as a customer.
Thank you to all that have posted their insights and experiences here. It has been somewhat comforting to know that I am not alone.
UPDATE: I called CS and was finally forwarded to the Executive Office voicemail, where I left a message. After a few hours with no reply I called CS again, and was then forwarded to Kent Fox. He kindly spent several minutes with me reviewing my case. He reiterated that my account was closed due to fraudulent activities - using a non-targeted promo code. I explained that the codes were freely available on forums such as these and that the general consensus is that entering them into the IHG system was not fraud. He would not discuss the forums or blogs that post codes. He repeated that some codes I entered were fraudulent and that the account was terminated permanently. From my file he used as an example the fact that I had entered a code targeted only to Platinum members, and I since I was no longer a Platinum member this was fraudulent. I explained that I felt that I had been treated unfairly and would like to discuss this with someone who was not as restricted in their abilities. He told me that all requests would end up at his office and there was no way to reactivate the account.
I am very disappointed with IHG and will no longer be staying at their hotels.
Last edited by Bakkie; Jun 13, 2014 at 3:11 pm Reason: More discussions with CS