mangoMan am I nuts or assuming one can get a half cent of value out of IHG points then Diamond status is essentially free if you charge your taxes?
$700 (correcting my number) in fees, less $600 of value for the 120,000 points you get, less $100 statement credit less $50 of value for the 10,000 points.
$700 in, $750 out and you get two years of Diamond.
Is that right?
@Steve: your numbers match my thinking. However, as pointed out by Will in replies to my initial comment, you should factor in the opportunity cost of making the $40K tax payment with a 3% cash back card. See Will's reply for details.
If you’re interested in Platinum, why not just buy an Ambassador membership for $225?
As a leisure traveller with no business stays, no credit card offers (I'm belgian) and staying in hotels occasionally (50 nights per year), the perk I value the most is 'free breakfast'. As I am eligible for this offer (I achieved Platinum status in 2025 thanks to the Ambassador programme), I purchased 100,000 points to attain Diamond Elite status. I estimate the value of breakfast at around $20 per person, so in my case it pays for itself after ten nights (and if I stay at ICs, it pays for itself even faster!). The remaining nights are a free bonus! As are the better room upgrades, earlier check-ins and later check-outs, and dedicated services. I just love this opportunity!
Big eligible. Was last year but ran into problems trying to actually complete the purchase. Guessed I can skip the status
Big eligible. Was last year but ran into problems trying to actually complete the purchase. Guessed I can skip the status
Not eligible. Was last year but ran into problems trying to actually complete the purchase. Guessed I can skip the status
I have the card so am Platinum. Seems the only advantage is free breakfasts.