Back in November 2021, IHG announced it would extend some free night award certificates, issued with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (review). However, all free night award certificates that were initially issued at some point in 2020 expire on December 31, 2021. Fortunately there’s a way to get something for these expiring certificates.
In this post:
IHG offering 25K points for expiring free night awards
There’s no way to have these extended, though some members are reporting that they’re having luck being issued some bonus points in exchange for these:
- To see if this might be possible for your account, call 888.211.9874, and tell the automated system you have an IHG Rewards account inquiry
- Many people are being offered 25,000 IHG Rewards points, which is reasonable (the certificates have a maximum value of 40,000 points, but outright having points gives you more flexibility); some are also reporting being offered 40,000 points, but that seems to be the exception rather than the norm
- Other members aren’t being offered points and are being told nothing can be done, so it doesn’t seem that this is being offered consistently
- The points are posting as a “goodwill gesture,” and in many cases the free night awards aren’t even being taken from accounts (as they’re only valid for a couple more days)
- This only works for certificates expiring at the end of 2021, and certificates that were initially issued in 2020
- There’s a lot of inconsistency here — some have success after calling a few times, and it does seem that there might almost be an element of negotiating here
It could be worth picking up the phone and giving this a try.
My experience calling IHG about my expiring award
My biggest takeaway from this entire exercise is that getting through to an agent at IHG who can help is an adventure:
- I tried to call in yesterday, and the recording said there would be an eight minute hold, so I agreed to use the callback feature; I got a call back after about 10 minutes, then I was on hold for 10 more minutes, and then the line was disconnected (and it wasn’t on my end)
- I called back a short while later and was told I’d get a call 16 minutes later, but the call never ended up coming
- I then tried again very early this morning, and got through to someone without waiting; after being on the phone with the representative for eight minutes, he told me he was having system issues and that I should hang up and call again
- I called back and got through to someone immediately; she proactively offered 25K points, the points posted instantly, and the entire phone call took three minutes
If you get through to the right person, it seems like this process can be very quick. It’s just a function of getting through to someone…
Bottom line
IHG Rewards seems to be offering members bonus points as a gesture of goodwill for expiring free night certificates, with 25K points being the most common offer. It could be worth picking up the phone to see if you can pick up some points, though don’t be surprised if you have to wait on hold for a while.
I was able to get through to IHG immediately this morning, and had luck getting points for my expiring certificate — woot!
If you try calling in to IHG about this, please report back with your experience!
(Tip of the hat to Doctor Of Credit)
I called and was told that I was not able to get any points for the expired free night. I called again immediately and was told that I could get 10,000 points as a one-time courtesy.
All very dependent on who you get on the phone. She gave me 40,000 points for a credit card awarded free night certificate with a day left to expire. Shocked but then again I am Platinum - that probably made a difference.
I had 2 reward night expiring 12/31/2023 tried to make reservations before expiring for that night New Year’s eve. They took them away from me at 5pm 12/31/2022. I called 3x left on phone for 40 minutes they hung up on me 3 times. My Birthday was January 1st. I called today January 2nd and they said only thing they can do is give me 10,000 points. So they cheated me out of 2 nights.
Called today for a night expiring tomorrow. Talked with a nice lady for 10 minutes, was offered 5k points, asked to speak to a supervisor and the line was hung up. Called back talked to someone else was told I couldn't get any points since the night had already been extended once. I asked for a supervisor and was told that they would tell me the same thing. I was asked if they could help...
Called today for a night expiring tomorrow. Talked with a nice lady for 10 minutes, was offered 5k points, asked to speak to a supervisor and the line was hung up. Called back talked to someone else was told I couldn't get any points since the night had already been extended once. I asked for a supervisor and was told that they would tell me the same thing. I was asked if they could help make a reservation somewhere tonight... to which I replied that was useless.
I brought up that there were articles online and people that had gotten 25k points for the expiring nights. I was told that ended in December. I pointed out that there were comments as recent as May 5 where people had got 25k points. I was offered 5k points and told that was the best I would get. Since I was unable to talk to a supervisor and this was turning into more hassle then it was worth I accepted and told them I was disappointed.
I had a free reward night expire end of April 2022 and needed it for later this month (May 2022).
Overall I spent about 1 hour on the phone dealing with this, but they did comp me the 25k points, though I did have to immediately reserve a night at a hotel. The remainder of the points do go back into your account. So if your hotel is 22k, then you get the extra 3k in your account.
It was worth my time since the value of the points is roughly $150.
I phoned in on the 888 211-9874 number and was kicked over to reservations when the recording said no one is available in rewards. After 12 phone call attempts i was given a different number of 800 621-0555 (also rewards) and I got a young lady who had to put me on hold for 10+ minute intervals to investigate my expiring stay then what she can offer me. She came back with a 10K point...
I phoned in on the 888 211-9874 number and was kicked over to reservations when the recording said no one is available in rewards. After 12 phone call attempts i was given a different number of 800 621-0555 (also rewards) and I got a young lady who had to put me on hold for 10+ minute intervals to investigate my expiring stay then what she can offer me. She came back with a 10K point offer so i asked for a supervisor. The supervisor asked if i would be traveling in 2022. She then said when i know the date and hotel i want to stay at in 2022, call IHG rewards back and if rooms are available using points, they will deposit that number of points into my account. Restrictions are 40k points max and within 2022. After 2+ hours invested in this expiring reward night, I accepted the offer.
Booked a stay at the Klimpton Paris in March with the Creation credit card as it was expiring on 31 Dec 2021. Then needed to amend it due to extenuating circumstances. IHG representative said she needed to cancel the original booking in order to amend it which I agreed to (nb I didn't request a cancellation). She was then unable to make an amended booking but the free night wasn't refunded as it was past...
Booked a stay at the Klimpton Paris in March with the Creation credit card as it was expiring on 31 Dec 2021. Then needed to amend it due to extenuating circumstances. IHG representative said she needed to cancel the original booking in order to amend it which I agreed to (nb I didn't request a cancellation). She was then unable to make an amended booking but the free night wasn't refunded as it was past its expiry date. Have made numerous phone calls and emails trying to get the free night rebated to no avail. Has anyone else had a similar problem?
Thank you for this article. I called IHG because I had a night expiring Feb 3, 2022. I mentioned that I had a couple of awards expire unused on Dec, 2021. Although they could not do anything about the one expiring tomorrow, they did offer 25K points as a one time courtesy for the Dec, 2021 free night award.
thanks for posting this; called twice and got a 15K offer for each of two expiring certs each time. HU and will CA. At least 25K is closer to what it takes to book the hotel we like ....
Any luck this month?
They converted my Dec 2021 expiring cert last month into 25K points.
But when I called about my cert expiring tomorrow (Jan 19), the rep said there was nothing she could do, because it shows in her system as allowing for *stays* through Jan 29 :\.
So do I just need to HUCA... and if so, tomorrow (the booking-expiration day) or Jan 28 or...?
Thought I’d share my experience
I called ihg a number of times and each time was flatly refused. They denied there was any policy and that any member had ever had goodwill points for a expiring reward night.
I did persist, forwarded the article and some other evidence and after a few days they replied and offered 25,000 points for the expired voucher.
There seems to be a large disconnect with information...
Thought I’d share my experience
I called ihg a number of times and each time was flatly refused. They denied there was any policy and that any member had ever had goodwill points for a expiring reward night.
I did persist, forwarded the article and some other evidence and after a few days they replied and offered 25,000 points for the expired voucher.
There seems to be a large disconnect with information between department, a lack of knowledge be if official policies or not.
But glad it did get resolved.
Thanks for the article :)
My uncapped Reward Night was extended for the first time at my request in February 2020 before COVID hit the US. However, it was extended/reissued as a capped Reward Night. Didn't make it to the Maldives anyway so it wasn't too big of a bummer.
Fast forward to 30 Dec 2021, I had one Reward Night due to expire on 31 Dec so I went ahead to book a one night get away at...
My uncapped Reward Night was extended for the first time at my request in February 2020 before COVID hit the US. However, it was extended/reissued as a capped Reward Night. Didn't make it to the Maldives anyway so it wasn't too big of a bummer.
Fast forward to 30 Dec 2021, I had one Reward Night due to expire on 31 Dec so I went ahead to book a one night get away at Intercontinental Robertson Quay, situated at a popular bar district, in Singapore.
The booking page showed that no Reward Night available and the standard room would cost around $500. Using the Reward Night booking link, I got a room. The hardware at the property is not up to par of what I would expect from Intercontinental, however, a $500 night for a measly $49 Chase IHG Select annual fee is how I still consider it a win...
Was told 26 minutes for call back- waited 11 hours NADA!
Maybe the key is calling early US time? I just got through at ~8:45 am ET and got 25K points for my one expiring cert. Yesterday I tried multiple times, used the call back feature multiple times, and never got a call back.
I read about this 2 days ago and finally got around to calling tonight. Had to wait on hold for about 10 minutes but got connected to a very charming rep. I inquired about the 2 expiring certificates in both my and my husband's accounts. She put 25,000 points in each. Then I asked if that was for each certificate - she hesitated just for a moment, explained that 25,000 points was the IHG offer...
I read about this 2 days ago and finally got around to calling tonight. Had to wait on hold for about 10 minutes but got connected to a very charming rep. I inquired about the 2 expiring certificates in both my and my husband's accounts. She put 25,000 points in each. Then I asked if that was for each certificate - she hesitated just for a moment, explained that 25,000 points was the IHG offer for not being able to use the certificates, but added, "if you insist, I can give you another 25,000 points each..." Yes, please! My interaction was pleasant and easy - I find just saying you hope they are doing well during this stressful time (Covid and working during the holidays) goes a long way. The rep I spoke to was truly appreciative of my consideration and made the entire transaction easy. No pushback at all.
Happy New Year to all.
This is beyond pathetic. They only gave me 25,000 points for 2 nights expiring on December 31, 2021, a little over a week ago and refused to extend the certificates. Now, I called up again and the guy checked my account and said he can't give me an additional 25,000 points. I read IHG was having trouble getting customers to sign up for the IHG credit card since they went to variable pricing, and now...
This is beyond pathetic. They only gave me 25,000 points for 2 nights expiring on December 31, 2021, a little over a week ago and refused to extend the certificates. Now, I called up again and the guy checked my account and said he can't give me an additional 25,000 points. I read IHG was having trouble getting customers to sign up for the IHG credit card since they went to variable pricing, and now it looks like they will have a lot more customers closing accounts who had certificates expire on December 31, 2021 due to their shortsightedness. I know I will be cancelling mine. We are in the middle of a pandemic and travel has not been anywhere close to normal and the few hotels I looked at during the year were always priced well over 40,000 points, and I would have needed to cancel anyway because I wasn't able to travel. Well at least Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Choice, and independent hotels will get more of my business.
Thank you for the information. Just turned two expiring free nights certificates into 50,000 points !
Had to deal with a couple transfers but eventually got a nice rep on the phone. Made my case and was told that no extension was possible...I asked if I might be possible to get some points in lieu of the expiring cert. The rep put me on hold then came back offering 25k points as a one-time goodwill gesture. Said thank you then offered to link my IHG account to Hertz and upgrade to...
Had to deal with a couple transfers but eventually got a nice rep on the phone. Made my case and was told that no extension was possible...I asked if I might be possible to get some points in lieu of the expiring cert. The rep put me on hold then came back offering 25k points as a one-time goodwill gesture. Said thank you then offered to link my IHG account to Hertz and upgrade to ambassador status. Politely declined both. Totally worth the 20 or so minutes it all took.
I called and the system suggested I try using their TEXT Customer support, so I did. They sent me a text to start the interaction. After 2 hours, during which I got 5 texts from the Agent, I've gotten nowhere other than providing my credentials a few times and getting an apology from the long delays. I guess I'll call tomorrow.
Just tried it. Asked if they'd extend the night eligibility (I was unsure how to approach it), and they offered the 25,000 points. Couldn't understand the guy fully and ended up sitting through a 5 minute pitch for a timeshare trip for an additional 500 points.
I waited on the phone for over one (1) hour this evening, however in the end, I was successful in receiving 50,000 points for two (2) Free Nights that were expiring in 2021.
Thank you for the information!
Ben, do you know if this is working on Ambassador free nights, too? Would like to try this for one expiring 2.1.22 if so, thx
After spending a TON of time trying to get through and them never calling back.... FINALLY, it all worked. Got the 25k and I'm thrilled!
After reading your review, I decided against the call back option and stayed on hold. Was about 12 minutes and I was connected with someone who put me on hold to look into it. Was told that indeed the 25k bonus is real for 12/31/21 certificate expirations, but the certificate I was trying to redeem it for was one that expires 1/3/22 and so it didn’t qualify. Too bad for me but good for others.
I had called a few days ago before starting to see blogs on this and was given 10,000 points. I called again today and told them I had seen postings where most people were given 25,000. I didn't mention the 10,000 figuring they had notes or whatever on it. They ended up giving me an additional 25,000 points (for total of 35,000)..
They did stress it was a one time thing, so I hope to be able to use one expiring 2/22 rather than trying for points again.
@DCS
Is IHG better than Hilton?
Thanks for the post. I called and received 25K points today.
Thanks for the heads-up. I called & also got the 25k, and was happy to get them.
I sadly still had one uncapped night that I was never able to use, and they gave me 25k points for it as well. I was able to do it through the chat though, didn't have to call.
Wow who are you guys chatting with on Live Chat? Rejected by three reps even if I said I'll be happy to take my business elsewhere.
It's definitely negotiating. I got declined for the 25k. Hung up and called back. Got the same girl and she offered it to me this time. Crazy. what an annoying way for them to do this but glad to get the points:-)
I got 25,000 added today without any hassle + another 500 points for listening to some offer for the Holiday Inn Club Vacation. Posted ASAP
Thanks for this post — it’s one more reason I read the daily OMAAT digest bc I would’ve forgotten that I had a cert expiring tomorrow. When I called and asked for extension, they said it wasn’t possible. Then silence. Having read this post, I asked if there was anything else they could do. They offered 25k points as a “one-time goodwill” gesture. I accepted. A whole lot better than nada…
Wow, I was LITERALLY just searching for hotel options this evening when this post popped into my Android Discover feed... woo hoo (and thanks, Ben!)
I have three certs, one expiring in a few days, one in a month, and the other in a year. One thing I'm curious about, though, is this: If I book a few nights for a Tokyo hotel in March and then discover that Japan is still not accepting visitors...
Wow, I was LITERALLY just searching for hotel options this evening when this post popped into my Android Discover feed... woo hoo (and thanks, Ben!)
I have three certs, one expiring in a few days, one in a month, and the other in a year. One thing I'm curious about, though, is this: If I book a few nights for a Tokyo hotel in March and then discover that Japan is still not accepting visitors due to COVID... do you think IHG will let me change the nights to a later month?
Oh crap, now I'm seeing in the terms and conditions that one must book AND STAY within the dates listed. Ugh. Okay, off to call IHG for points :\
And ouch. The chat guy is offering me 25K *total* for 2 certs. Thats super-crappy, so I'm gonna try calling.
Okay, just called, got transferred to the awards dept and the rep there explained that she's only able to offer 25K points for my cert expiring this month and she's unable to offer points for the cert expiring next month. Bummer. But that's at least something, so I accepted.
Thank you so much for alerting us to this! I just talked to a customer service rep and got 25,000 points for my unused Chase free night expiring tomorrow. I had to wait a few hours for a call-back, but otherwise it was a breeze. I never would have thought to ask for this. Honestly, IHG is my favorite hotel brand and this type of good customer service builds a lot of goodwill. I am even more likely to stay at IHG properties now.
Just called and it worked like a charm - I am a Spire Elite so that might have helped. Also as a Spire Elite I got right through when I called.
I have gotten the most value out of IHG lately due to their change to $ based rewards. Perhaps this is being on the west coast of the US and many California hotels being much higher points (in the old system) due to a huge swing in off-peak vs. peak.
Just used 3 nights at the Kimpton Palomar San Diego (free Chase nights) and they upgraded us to a large high floor suite with a...
I have gotten the most value out of IHG lately due to their change to $ based rewards. Perhaps this is being on the west coast of the US and many California hotels being much higher points (in the old system) due to a huge swing in off-peak vs. peak.
Just used 3 nights at the Kimpton Palomar San Diego (free Chase nights) and they upgraded us to a large high floor suite with a 270-degree view of the city. Well worth it. With Marriott, I am lucky to get upgraded anymore. With IHG I get upgraded on points...at a Kimpton.
My husband and I each got 25k - thanks for the post - MUCH appreciated. I was on hold for about 15 minutes so in the meantime I tried the live chat. The live chat wouldn't budge and as I was finishing up the phone rep picked up. When the live chat asked if there was anything else, I said no thanks and quickly got off. The phone rep couldn't have been more helpful.
I called and explained I could not use certificate or my husband's my Dec 31, 2021. I explained I had heard some people were offered 25,000 points per certificate. The phone call took 29 minutes from start to finish and the points instantly went into our accounts. I was told repeated this was this was one time extension and that I would never get another one.
I called yesterday to extend my expiring 2021; agent said they couldn't and didn't offer any points. Ended up using it for NYE in Seattle.
IHG is quite difficult to use the certificate. In this regard I give marriott credit. They apply the certificate to your account and it's used similar to points. If you have a 40k certificate then you can redeem for a 40k night or less. IHG is annoying because some hotels are participating while others aren't. While I agree taking a point cut for more flexibility is worth it, I don't think it's an even exchange....
IHG is quite difficult to use the certificate. In this regard I give marriott credit. They apply the certificate to your account and it's used similar to points. If you have a 40k certificate then you can redeem for a 40k night or less. IHG is annoying because some hotels are participating while others aren't. While I agree taking a point cut for more flexibility is worth it, I don't think it's an even exchange. What could you get for 25k - may be a crowne plaza, but you may get an InterContinental brand at 40k? Yes, it is easier to use than in the past but in this regard Marriott wins.
Called and was only on hold about 2 minutes, representative stated because I was platinum they would extend it to expire on Dec 31 2022. I call that a win.
I'm spire elite and when I called I was offered 25,000 points for the reward night expiring this Friday. The agent explained that Chase was not extending the rewards any further.
I have stayed almost 30 nights this year in IHG hotels so that undoubtedly helped as well; I was staying in a suite in Huatulco where I could not have used a free reward night.
No sympathy!! Anyone could have used the certificates. Don’t tell me you haven’t traveled ANY! I used mine for golf and casino trips. Mainly Holiday Inn Express (One at a Kimpton in Denver) but got value for them. To me this is basically begging like the scammers that try to get retention bonuses. Just use what you earn and if you can’t quit whining.
I called yesterday and had a 2019 and a 2020 that had been extended to end of 2021, was offered 25k per night 50k total which I accepted. Hated to lose that 2019 certificate because it was a grandfathered no 40k cap. Oh well, such is life.
Success! Thanks for the tip. Got the 25K points just by asking. They even noted that the cert would stay in my account in case I have to use it (not going to happen given the 31st is pretty much here). Then got routed to the 500 point 'vacation ownership' pitch.. HA!
I called a few weeks ago and was able to get 25,000 points for our soon to expire anniversary night.
Just spend about 20 minutes on the phone with IHG.
I am Platinum Elite and I could only get 20.000 after talking to the supervisor .
Was asking for 40.000 or at least 25.000.
I've had no luck with the chat. It's clearly a computer, no person there, at least that's what I'm experiencing. Also, we used the call back feature, but it's been at least twice the time predicted, and no call yet.
My certificate that was expiring was earned in 2019 and was extended to December 2021. I called and got right through and after a short wait was offered 25,000 points. I took them and was very happy, otherwise it would have gone to waste. My wife and I could not use it and every family member I tried to get a reservation for told me they could not use it. So, 25,000 points was just...
My certificate that was expiring was earned in 2019 and was extended to December 2021. I called and got right through and after a short wait was offered 25,000 points. I took them and was very happy, otherwise it would have gone to waste. My wife and I could not use it and every family member I tried to get a reservation for told me they could not use it. So, 25,000 points was just fine with me. Now my wife and I each have 1 certificate to use by the end of 2022 and I have 85,000 points in my account. We have some Marriott Certs as well and tons of those points and Hyatt points too. We just need to get covid under control so us seniors can feel safe traveling again!
Is it really an 'offer' if you have to ask for it?
I just called and got right through. They gave me 25,000 points. I asked if that was highest she said yes. I said ok.
Used the chat feature. I have 2 nights expiring and was offered 25,000 total. My wife has one expiring and was also offered 25,000 but her chat agent was much tougher to convince. I had tried to contact them a few times previously and was offered nothing, so this is definitely helpful. Thanks for the post.
Tried to call 3 times and no luck at all. I guess it is hit and miss with the reps.
HUCA?