While we’re used to IHG One Rewards having promotions on buying points, the program has now launched a promotion for buying elite qualifying points, which is essentially a way to buy elite status. Is it a good deal, though? While I first wrote about this earlier, oddly the pricing has dropped since my previous post, so I wanted to take an updated look at this.
In this post:
IHG One Rewards selling elite status boost
It’s not uncommon to see airline or hotel loyalty programs offer ways to buy up to elite status at the end of the year, whether members are struggling to requalify for their current status, or are hoping to achieve a higher status tier.
Along those lines, between December 16 and December 31, 2024, IHG One Rewards is selling elite qualifying points, to help members earn status in 2024, for the 2025 program year. As a reminder:
- IHG One Rewards Gold status requires 40,000 elite qualifying points
- IHG One Rewards Platinum status requires 60,000 elite qualifying points
- IHG One Rewards Diamond status requires 120,000 elite qualifying points
With this promotion, members can buy enough elite qualifying points either to requalify for their current elite tier, or to qualify for the next tier. This opportunity is based on the status that a member had as of December 6, 2024.
New elite status earned through this promotion will be awarded within 5-10 business days of making the purchase. Note that it appears that not all members are eligible for this offer, and pricing even differs between accounts. So you’ll have to log into your account to see what you’re eligible for.
Many with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (review) or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (review) have the opportunity to buy up to Diamond status, given that the card offers Platinum status. The 20% cardmember discount on buying points also applies for this.
What’s the cost to purchase points? It depends on how many you buy, as the cost per elite qualifying point gets lower the more elite qualifying points you purchase. For example, looking at my account:
- Buying 5,000 elite qualifying points costs $200, or $160 with the 20% cardmember discount; that means you’re paying 3.2-4 cents per elite qualifying point
- Buying 120,000 elite qualifying points costs $800, or $640 with the 20% cardmember discount; that means you’re paying 0.53-0.67 cents per elite qualifying point
As an existing Platinum member with virtually no elite qualifying points, this means that I can outright buy Diamond status for $640 (factoring in the 20% cardmember discount).
What’s interesting here is that the elite qualifying points that you purchase can also be redeemed toward award stays. So you’ll earn the same number of elite qualifying points as you earn redeemable points — buying 120,000 elite qualifying points also earns you 120,000 redeemable miles.
Keep in mind that when IHG offers a 100% bonus on purchased points, the cost is typically 0.5 cents per point.
Is it worth buying IHG One Rewards elite status?
While I was lukewarm about this promotion at first, I’ve gotta say, the math here really works out quite nicely. Assuming you’d consider buying IHG points for 0.5 cents each, you’re basically spending $40 or so on Diamond status (since buying 120,000 points with a 100% promotion would ordinarily cost $600).
A few thoughts:
- Even a single stay as an IHG Diamond at a full service property would probably make this worthwhile, given that Diamond offers complimentary breakfast
- A lot of IHG’s best elite perks are tied to the IHG Milestone Rewards program, as this is how you can receive confirmed suite upgrades, get club lounge access, etc.; this is tied to elite nights and not elite qualifying points, so this promotion wouldn’t help you with that
- Another pathway to IHG Diamond status is to just spend $40,000 per year on one of IHG’s premium co-branded credit cards, so if you do really value Diamond status and have access to the cards, that’s another option to consider
Honestly, even though I don’t think I’d have much use for Diamond status in the next year, I’m still kind of tempted. Buying 120,000 points and getting Diamond status for $640 is quite a good deal. If you value the points at $600, that’s like paying just $40 for Diamond status.
Bottom line
For a limited time, IHG One Rewards is selling elite qualifying points, for those looking for a year-end status boost. Objectively the price for outright being able to buy top tier status is quite attractive, especially since these also count as redeemable points. While not everyone will have access to the same offer, at least one version of the promotion is pretty lucrative, if you ask me.
Do any OMAAT readers plan on buying IHG elite qualifying points to earn status?
I've only seen this for $960... I'd do it if the price was $640.
The math seems inverted here on my offer - the higher points purchase has a lower value per point:
5,000 points $250 (reg. $300)
120,000 points $960 (reg. $1,200)
For some reason the purchase rate went up, you think theres anyway we could email or call them to get the old rate back .... Ill do it for 640$ but not 800$...
I am targeted for this offer but the purchase rate is quite high 120,000 points cost 1200USD or 960USD with 20% discount.
Well, I was going to buy it but they raised their prices from yesterday so I am no longer interested. Get it together IHG.
It looks like they "fixed the glitch". The pre-20% discounted price is now 25% higher than it was this morning...
Yes just saw that too. Sneaky move
Just checked again as I'd also seen the $640 offer yesterday only for it to disappear later on - now it's reflecting a total of $1000 discounted to $800. Should have pulled the trigger yesterday.
I am kicking myself for not pouncing on it.
Current IHG Diamond member. I received the promo email yesterday with the subject, "Don't lose your Diamond status..."
Like others, email clearly states an additional 20% discount when purchasing with an IHG card. I didn't pay attention because there was no clear indication that the points were also redeemable. However, given that they are, it's a great buy at the $640 level.
Note that the sliding scale means that even if you need, say, just...
Current IHG Diamond member. I received the promo email yesterday with the subject, "Don't lose your Diamond status..."
Like others, email clearly states an additional 20% discount when purchasing with an IHG card. I didn't pay attention because there was no clear indication that the points were also redeemable. However, given that they are, it's a great buy at the $640 level.
Note that the sliding scale means that even if you need, say, just 60,000 EQP, it's worth buying the whole 120K because of the diminishing marginal cost of the points.
Just called the IHG Diamond line, and was told that the glitch needs reporting to tech once again, and should be fixed within 1-4 hours.
@David Hanson I received this email before and it was very clear that the points were redeemable if you read the whole email including the fine print at the end.
Note this on the bottom of the page of T&C's on Points.com Save 20% On Points Purchases: Save at least 20% on points purchases when you pay for those points with your IHG One Rewards Premier, Premier Business or Traveler Credit Cards. Point purchase amounts are subject to change by IHG One Rewards. Upon completion of the points purchase, you agree that the total dollar price of the points, minus the discount, will be immediately...
Note this on the bottom of the page of T&C's on Points.com Save 20% On Points Purchases: Save at least 20% on points purchases when you pay for those points with your IHG One Rewards Premier, Premier Business or Traveler Credit Cards. Point purchase amounts are subject to change by IHG One Rewards. Upon completion of the points purchase, you agree that the total dollar price of the points, minus the discount, will be immediately charged to your credit card. The cost for the points purchased is non-refundable. Point purchase transactions managed by Points.com.
So are you confident that if you pay now, you'll only be charged $640 not $800
That is how I read the T&C's. It's on the website, and on the email with the invitation. My gut feeling is that the "glitch" was showing the discounted price on the drop down without specifying that the price was related to using the specific IHG Credit Card/s.
Unfortunately, $800 was charged although I used IHG credit cards to purchase 120k points.
Got confused.
So if I have Platinum status, how much do I have to spend to get to Diamond? And how long does status last?
@Patrick if you were targeted for this offer you would know the answer to your question. Not everyone gets this offer. If you can get diamond with this offer it will last through the end of next year, 2025.
Hmmm... it seems that my decisiveness and quick action paid off here !
I saw the offer, decided that it was a no-brainer, and just pulled the trigger. Given the reports that the 20% discount has been "disappearing", it's great I acted fast.
Anyway, for those who wonder how a "successful" claim of the best version of this offer ($640 for 120K points) looks like, I have posted a screen capture at the link...
Hmmm... it seems that my decisiveness and quick action paid off here !
I saw the offer, decided that it was a no-brainer, and just pulled the trigger. Given the reports that the 20% discount has been "disappearing", it's great I acted fast.
Anyway, for those who wonder how a "successful" claim of the best version of this offer ($640 for 120K points) looks like, I have posted a screen capture at the link below of how things looked after I completed my claim:
https://bit.ly/3OYsuco
"Current Status" in your IGH One Account should then say: "Diamond Elite until 12/31/2025."
Best of lucks!
Can you imagine if Marriott, Accor or Hyatt start doing this with the elite qualifying points purchase at the end of the calendar year? Also, imagine if other airlines start copying what AA does as well with the elite status purchase to the next elite tier? Can this be another source of revenue for the travel industry?
I was told by ihg this evening that the lack of the 20% discount for credit card holders is a temp glitch but will reset by tomorrow morning for those that have been targeted
Keep in mind like others I was targeted and yet when I went to buy the points through the normal portal I was told I was not eligible and I had reached the max points limit.That said I clicked through...
I was told by ihg this evening that the lack of the 20% discount for credit card holders is a temp glitch but will reset by tomorrow morning for those that have been targeted
Keep in mind like others I was targeted and yet when I went to buy the points through the normal portal I was told I was not eligible and I had reached the max points limit.That said I clicked through the email and there was no problem
I’m just waiting for points.com to fix the issue as it clearly states ihg cardholders are entitled to receive the 20% discount
What a mess
It's a shame that I already maxed out buying points earlier this year...
"Sorry, you've reached your purchase limit. You can't buy anymore Points this year. Check back in 2025 for some great offers."
Having Diamond status with IHG is much better than just being Platinum. To tie that up with Ambassador it is even better. You can double tip on benefits at IC. For those who do appreciate better guest service I would say that the Diamond elite help desk has been good. They do treat Diamond Ambassador elites better. Whenever I did call the Diamond help desk the call was answered in just one or two rings...
Having Diamond status with IHG is much better than just being Platinum. To tie that up with Ambassador it is even better. You can double tip on benefits at IC. For those who do appreciate better guest service I would say that the Diamond elite help desk has been good. They do treat Diamond Ambassador elites better. Whenever I did call the Diamond help desk the call was answered in just one or two rings even early in the morning. The Ambassador elite email is pretty helpful as well. This may be an annual thing as they offered this last year too.
Does as post as hotel/travel spending on the credit card statement or as a general purchase, such as points.com ?
It was showing me a purchase price of 640 (with discounted noted), even before I entered my cc info. Now it's showing me just the $800 and no discount. Does this mean if I use my IHG card to make the $800 purchase Chase will refund me 160? Or does it mean I've lost the discount (i.e. they have pulled it, most likely)?
Same here. Seems they made a mistake earlier (showing the discount without using the IHG cards) and it's now been "corrected".
Are you sure that if I buy with my IHG card they will refund me 20% after the purchase? Has anyone done this and seen how it works? I tried inputting my IHG card number and it wouldn't show me the discount still (not surprising). I don't want to take a leap of faith and make the purchase for 800 unless I'm sure I'll get 160 back.
Earlier it showed the 20% discount for me (I have an IHG Premier credit card) and now it doesn’t. I think it’s a computer glitch on their end. I would wait until they fix it.
Still not corrected
I'm seeing $1000 for the full purchase of 120k...no discount even when they state I have the card...
I am current IHG Diamond but dropping to Platinum next year and decided to pull the trigger to get free breakfast and potentially better upgrades at some IC stays in Asia I have coming up in 2025.
I used my IHG Premier Mastercard and currently Chase has it pending for $800. Here is hoping it posts with the 20% discount correctly in a day or two!
The 20% discount is no longer working. Not worth it.
I am 58 out of 70 nights for diamond, but only 27K out of 120K in points. I stay at two properties. One offers breakfast to all, which I've never had in 63 nights there over the years. The others has none for anybody. Neither has room upgrades. So, an easy no for me.
You should purchase the hotel rates with the 5K elite qualifying bonus. It’s +$19 or +$29 per night and you can be Diamond in 18-20 nights. That’s what I did in 2023 & 2024.
We're sorry, but you are not currently eligible for this promotion. If you would like to purchase IHG One Rewards points, please click here.
Same here. @Ben, you should definitely update the post to indicate that it's targeted.
Diamond is definitely worth it for the free breakfast IF: 1) you have a card and the 20% discount is applied again (not working currently) 2) you typically stay at IHG properties that aren't providing breakfast like Intercontinental and 3) you eat breakfast at hotels to begin with. If the 3 criteria are met then buying the 120k points would only make it ~$60 deficit or so.
I was wondering about this. Earlier it showed the cost when I clicked at $640 and now it shows $800. However, is it that it applies the 20% discount after the purchase? I was surprised that it showed me 640 initially bc it seemed like I could have just used any card. So I'm wondering if that was an error and if 800 is correct and it takes off the discount after the purchase.
I just bought into the Ambassador level (which comes with Platinum status) under the old rate before it went up. I stayed and used my certificate at an Intercontinental in Houston in October. I got upgraded to a larger 1 bedroom suite, definitely worth it. I will probably stay with IHG and Marriott (will be lifetime Gold after the new year). I really enjoyed my stay there, and will probably stay there as I go to Houston more often now than before.
That's a nice property, although the lounge is weak with no consistent evening options and bad wine. But as nice as it is, there are a lot of markets without a good IHG option.
I don't think the diamond status is worth it. It only gives the free breakfast and room upgrade. None of the IHG statuses give lounge access and other benefits.
But most IHG brands either don't have lounges or don't have lounges worth writing home about (Crowne Plaza).
I am disappointed that although I have the Chase IHG One Rewards Premier credit card, I am told I don’t qualify for this promotion. Is there anything I can do to appeal this?
looks like they got rid of the 20% discount with CC now its $800 which makes the deal not worth it
I was targeted for this and when I checked earlier was offered 120,000 points for $640. However, I just went back in to make the purchase, and the 20% discount was no longer being applied and it only offered 120,000 points for $800. Hoping it's a temporary bug, as the e-mail clearly stated I'd receive a 20% discount for being a cardholder.
I am seeing $800 - for 120k .... not showing 20% in the table... does this mean I pay $800 or is the 20% taken after ? as in the notes at the end... yes I have the CC
I see the same thing in my wife's account (has Premier IHG card): no 20% discount. My account is not eligible (IHG Select card).
I am close to requalifying for Diamond but need 20k points. The price shown is $475. How do I get the 20% off? I have two IHG cards. Does it come off when you pay with the card itself?
So I need just 25,000 points for my diamond. My offer for 25,000 points is $515… so not really that enticing as 120k for nearly the same price makes far more sense. I buy ambassador every year. Got my 40 nights so get the lounge access. Last year IHG gave me diamond even though I was missing about 20k of points…can’t circle the square on this one…
Buy or not buy?
I was targeted for this, but my points are showing as $1,000 for 120,000
Me too. I have been Diamond for a few years as well. I sent an email to IHG and will see what they say.
Has anyone who is an IHG cardholder tried using a non-IHG card to successfully purchase points w/ the 20% discount? I'm aware the terms of the 20% discount offer state that an IHG card must be used for the purchase in order to receive the discount, but I'm skeptical points.com has any mechanism to enforce this (and perhaps the mechanism of enforcement is to only make this offer available to IHG cardholders). I have a...
Has anyone who is an IHG cardholder tried using a non-IHG card to successfully purchase points w/ the 20% discount? I'm aware the terms of the 20% discount offer state that an IHG card must be used for the purchase in order to receive the discount, but I'm skeptical points.com has any mechanism to enforce this (and perhaps the mechanism of enforcement is to only make this offer available to IHG cardholders). I have a few IHG cards that I could use for this, but I would like to put this purchase towards a minimum spend bonus on another card.
Oddly enough , I don’t get even the 20% discount when applying the IHG Chase card…
Yup, that would be me. Though I have the IHG MC, I paid for the 120K points that I purchased with my Chase Freedom Unlimited card and got the 20% discount on $800 (-$160) for a net purchase price of $640.
Let me know if you find out the answer because I'd like to focus on a different card SUB if possible while still getting 20% ideally.
This is weird... When I first clicked this promo link from an email in my inbox, I saw the 20% discounted price listed ($640 for 120k); I now see the full price of $800 listed. It appears this deal has shifted under my feet. Same link, same browser, same everything (a couple hours time is the only difference)...
Same thing with me....
Same here. I'm wondering if the 20% up front was an error and that it takes off the the 20% after you make the purchase (with the IHG card). That would make sense but I'm hoping someone confirms this. Otherwise I won't pull the trigger.
I used the Capital One to paid for this and still got the 20% discount. Paid $640 for 120K.
I was treated much better as IHG diamond last year than Hilton diamond this year. Another way you can achieve is 120k points, which include 5k point / night bonus during booking.
I cannot buy because I bot points in 2024.
I get the message that I have already bot my limit for the year.
It simply means that you were not targeted, because on May 2, 2024, I purchased 450K IHG points, which was more than the usual limit, and yet, I was eligible for this offer.
Anyone find a way around not being eligible (delusional I know)? P2 and myself did not get it.
I got a rock
So did my wife
So did I
Spending $400-$600 to get a free breakfast at Holiday Inns within the USA is a bad use of money.
It is bad deal for those that lack imagination and cannot make the most a gift horse...which your statement epitomizes. Just becoming a Diamond Ambassador as opposed to Platinum Ambassador with IC easily covers the $640.
BTW, do you realize that the $640 do not just purchase the IHG One Diamond status, but they also purchase 120K points that can be redeemed for stays? My exact valuation of IHG points being $0.0053/point, the cost of the 120K points is thus:
120,000 points * $0.0053/point = $636
which indistinguishable from $640?
So how did you come up with your valuation again?
Don't tell me you used the self anointed travel guru methods.
And REAL breakfast is a no brainer not a $15 that couldn't cover breakfast.
According to AwardWallet, the total number of points in my IHG account before I went for the offer was 500,355.
After purchasing 120K points that made me Diamond, the total number of redeemable points in my account is 620,355
Not since SQ's "get elite status without flying" have I seen an offer this lucrative where purchased points count both as elite-qualifying points and redeemable points!!!
You are 100% on all your comments. I just finished spend on a 5 FNC IHG SUB & am very much looking forward to Ambassador Diamond on those stays. IC especially really ponies up with the extra status bump, no brainer for all the excellent freebies/upgrades.
I'm also seeing 120K points for $640. Seems like a good deal to me.
Can anyone who has purchased EQP points confirm that they did indeed receive points that are redeemable? The language in the offer as others have mentioned is terrible.
See what I just posted above. The answer is "yes", the points double as elite-qualifying and redeemable!
Woah! That was fast! As soon as pulled the trigger on the offer, I got an email from IHG with the subject like: Congrats on reaching Diamond, DCS!
Then inside the email it says: WELCOME TO DIAMOND, DCS. Diamond status through 12/31/2025.
Then...
A few of our favorite DIAMOND benefits
--100% more Bonus points. Earn extra bonus points every time you stay. More points = more rewards!
--FREE BREAKFAST WELCOME AMENITY CHOICE*. Choose...
Woah! That was fast! As soon as pulled the trigger on the offer, I got an email from IHG with the subject like: Congrats on reaching Diamond, DCS!
Then inside the email it says: WELCOME TO DIAMOND, DCS. Diamond status through 12/31/2025.
Then...
A few of our favorite DIAMOND benefits
--100% more Bonus points. Earn extra bonus points every time you stay. More points = more rewards!
--FREE BREAKFAST WELCOME AMENITY CHOICE*. Choose breakfast as your Welcome Amenity and wake up on the sunny side with a delicious meal to fuel your day.
-- dedicated diamond support. We're here 24/7, just for you.
-- SEE ALL PERKS
Then I log into my account and it says:
Hello DCS, diamond elite Member
PERFECT!
Did you get the redeemable points? I am hesitant to pull the trigger because the wording is confusing if I actually get the redeemable points or not!
See what I just posted above. The answer is "yes", the points double as elite-qualifying and redeemable!
Dedicated diamond support.... lol.
As a diamond at IHG for multiple years, I'd note that most would view their dedicated support effectiveness as below expectations
Targeted offer.
Yeah, upon login, I was not eligible. Ben did say that may be the case, at least.
This is a no-brainer for me. I have the IHG Platinum statua through the IHG CC. I need 120K points to make IHG Diamond. What I am being offered to purchase 120K points is $800 less a 20% discount or -$160 for a total cost of $640...and the 120K also count as redeemable points?!
With stays already booked within the month at IC Pattaya City and voco Singapore Orchard, I did not hesitate. I pulled the trigger!
Can you report back to confirm you indeed got the redeemable points from the purchase? :D
Yeah. If you can confirm the redeemable, that’d be great. The language in the terms is terrible.
See what I just posted above. The answer is "yes", the points double as elite-qualifying and redeemable!
Thank you for the nice post with calculations and suggestions. I couldn’t tell if I had to use my IHG premier card to get the 20% off, so I did. I was lamenting the pending loss of my Diamond status at the end of the month as I was eating my free breakfast this morning at an IHG hotel. Happy to get email. Since the 100% points bonus just ended on 12/13, I assumed it...
Thank you for the nice post with calculations and suggestions. I couldn’t tell if I had to use my IHG premier card to get the 20% off, so I did. I was lamenting the pending loss of my Diamond status at the end of the month as I was eating my free breakfast this morning at an IHG hotel. Happy to get email. Since the 100% points bonus just ended on 12/13, I assumed it would be expensive for these points. I also got the $640 (using 20% cc discount) for $120k. That is only $40 more than I would pay for that many points during any big sale. So, delighted to re-up for Diamond. And confirmed the full 120k were added to my rewards points balance (redeemable points).
My offer was regularly $1000 and discounted to $800. A bit of a bummer!
I see 115k points for $628.
And I can redeem the points also!
That is a pretty easy decision.
Exact same offer I got. I needed 110k points & bought immediately. First time Diamond with IHG so excited to see how it works out. Have 3 int'l trips for 2025 so plenty of options to use.
Two words: not eligible
Which sucks because I got short-notice deployed this summer and was on track to re-up Diamond for the 6th year...
One of the reasons I like IHG One Rewards is that the programme is not oversubscribed like Bonvoy, and has less entitled elites! I hope this doesn’t ruin it!
When I click on the link, it asks me to login and then says I am not eligible for this offer. It then shows me a link to check what offer I may be eligible for and then brings me to the regular point purchase page. Weird.
Is this offer targeted or open to anyone?
This could be really handy—I have a 5 night stay at the kimpton grand cayman, and I know diamond status there gets you the breakfast buffet included ($25 value). That’s $375 right there.
Mine says I am not eligible... "We're sorry, but you are not currently eligible for this promotion. If you would like to purchase IHG One Rewards points, please click here."
Any ideas?
I tried, shows me I cannot buy points at all. just a regular 15% not including the status
I'm seeing 120K points for $1200.
A lousy offer and really stupid that they sent it at all when I've already qualified by nights!
I'm seeing 120K points for $800 before the discount and $640 after... Other friends of mine are seeing different pricing... really bizarre
The notes say EQP Points are not refundable and are applicable toward all IHG One Rewards redemptions.
@ Johnny -- Good catch on those also being redeemable, you're right. I updated the post to reflect that, as it changes the math quite a bit. Thank you!
I would rather pay for Ambassador which includes plat. I don't care about breakfast. Room upgrade and late checkout, plus the bogo cert make this the much better play.
The Bogo certificates has so many constraints that it is useless to me.
But Diamond status gets you into the IC lounges, which can be very good depending
Since when does Diamond status get you into the IC lounges???
Ambassador WITH Diamond was quoted to me for free entrance at IC Buckhead; IC San Antonio; IC Houston
@Pam you may have been at more generous IC hotels but I can assure you that it does not work at every IC hotel. Go to the IC in London, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc. and you will not get access to the lounges based solely on being a Diamond Ambassador. Did you redeem the milestone reward at 40 nights or 70 nights?
Like previously mentioned about Diamond status, you can get this based on...
@Pam you may have been at more generous IC hotels but I can assure you that it does not work at every IC hotel. Go to the IC in London, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc. and you will not get access to the lounges based solely on being a Diamond Ambassador. Did you redeem the milestone reward at 40 nights or 70 nights?
Like previously mentioned about Diamond status, you can get this based on IHG points or CC spending but not lounge access unless redeemed as a milestone reward. There can be platinum elite members with lounge access as long as they redeemed the lounge access at 40 nights. You can look clearly at the IHG website or read the travel blogs to know that you are incorrect.
@Pam Diamond status does not outright give you lounge access. You need to have forty nights. There are those who qualify for Diamond status based on achieving 120,000 IHG points or spending $40,000 on the CC but do not have the 40 nights.