IHG One Rewards guide: How to earn and redeem points and get elite status

IHG One Rewards is the loyalty program for IHG Hotels & Resorts, which includes brands like Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental, Kimpton and Crowne Plaza. It has become one of my go-to hotel loyalty programs; I spent 72 nights with it in 2025, and I've already logged 81 nights in 2026.The IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes a mix of luxury and mainstream brands. I love the high-end Six Senses brand, but even less prestigious properties, like those affiliated with Candlewood Suites and Holiday Inn Express, usually offer solid quality.Cobranded IHG credit cards often have generous welcome offers and can unlock valuable perks. So, especially since the IHG cards portfolio just got a major refresh, here's what you need to know about the IHG One Rewards program.A few notes first, though. When discussing card benefits throughout this guide, we discuss the benefits you'd get as a new cardholder (benefits for existing cardholders may be different). We also present the earning and redeeming options available to U.S. residents, as these vary by country of residence.IHG One Rewards elite statusThere are five IHG elite status tiers. Plus, IHG offers two additional membership...