This Insane 5 Free Night Hotel Offer from IHG is The Deal You Need for Summer

Look, we see a ton of credit card offers here at Travel Card Insider. Most are pretty standard, but every now and then, one comes along that makes our entire team sit up and pay attention. This is one of those times.

Right now, IHG and Chase are offering a welcome bonus on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card that’s honestly one of the best we've seen all year. We're talking 5 Free Hotel Nights. Seriously.

In a world where hotel bills can seriously eat into your travel fund, the chance to get five nights completely free isn't just a deal—it's your ticket to a vacation you might have thought was out of reach. So, let's break down what this offer is all about, how to get the most out of it, and whether it’s the right move for you.

So, What's the Deal? Here’s the Lowdown

We love a straightforward offer, and this one is refreshingly simple. No weird rules or confusing math. Here’s exactly what you get and what you need to do.

• The Card: It's the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, issued by Chase.
• The Bonus: You score 5 Free Night certificates after hitting the sign-up goal.
• The Goal: Just spend $5,000 on the card in your first three months to unlock the nights [Link to Official Chase Card Application Page].
• The Power of Each Night: Each certificate is good for a one-night stay at an IHG hotel that costs up to 60,000 IHG One Rewards points.
• The Clock is Ticking: You have a full year from when the certificates are issued to use them, which gives you plenty of time to plan.
• The Cost: The card has a $99 annual fee.

Quick heads-up: these 5 welcome bonus certificates are capped at 60k points. You can't add your own points to book a more expensive hotel. That feature is reserved for the card's annual anniversary night, which is still a great perk we'll get to later.

Why 5 Free Nights is Such a Big Deal

Okay, so what’s the real-world value here? While it depends on your travel style, you’re easily looking at a value of $1,500 or more. Think about it—a decent hotel in a major city can easily run you $300 a night. With this offer, you could cover a five-night trip or take several long weekend getaways without touching your wallet for the hotel stay. For a $99 annual fee, the value you get back in the first year is just massive. It's a travel-hacking grand slam.

Your Game Plan: How to Use These Nights Like a Pro

Getting the bonus is easy. Using it for maximum impact is the fun part. You want to use these certificates where they'll save you the most cash. Here are some ideas to get your gears turning:

• The All-Inclusive Dream (Mexico): This is my favorite play. You can book the Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive for around 50,000 points a night [Link to IHG Hotel Directory]. Why it's great: Using your certificates here means your room, food, and drinks are covered. A five-night beach vacation for virtually free? Yes, please.
• The Big City Break (New York City): NYC hotels are notoriously expensive, making it a perfect place to use your certs. Pro Tip: Look for off-peak dates at hotels like the InterContinental New York Times Square. If you can snag a room for under 60k points when cash rates are $400+, you're winning.
• European Adventures (London or Paris): A trip across the pond can get pricey, fast. Using these nights can take a huge bite out of your budget. Where to Look: Check out cool, boutique-style hotels like the Kimpton Fitzroy London or a well-located Holiday Inn in Paris. Finding availability under 60k points means hundreds of dollars back in your pocket for food and fun.
• Caribbean Vibes (Aruba): Picture yourself on a white sand beach. The Move: The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba is a popular spot that’s often bookable with points. Using a certificate here for a room that would cost a few hundred bucks is a fantastic feeling.

My Top Tip: Before you click "book," do a quick search for the cash price on your dates. If a room is only $120, maybe pay cash and save that free night for a trip where it can save you $300+.

More Than a One-Hit Wonder: The Card’s Everyday Perks

A huge sign-up bonus is awesome, but a card needs to be useful long-term. The IHG Premier keeps delivering value year after year. Here’s how:

• Automatic Platinum Elite Status: You're instantly upgraded to Platinum Elite status, which gets you nice perks like room upgrades, bonus points, and late checkout whenever you stay at an IHG property [Link to IHG One Rewards Status Benefits].
• Annual Free Night: Every year you keep the card, you get another free night certificate for hotels up to 40,000 points. Plus, with this one, you can add your own points to book even fancier stays.
• Fourth Night Free: This is a killer perk. When you book 3 nights with points, you get the 4th night completely free. It’s an amazing way to stretch your points further.
• TSA PreCheck / Global Entry Credit: The card will reimburse you up to $100 every four years for the application fee for these time-saving programs [Link to Official Global Entry Website].
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Never pay extra fees when you use your card abroad. A must-have for any traveler.

The Final Question: Should You Get This Card?

This offer is incredible, but let's make sure it's a good fit for you. Ask yourself these questions:

• Can I handle the spend? Be honest. Is spending $5,000 in three months something you can do with your normal, everyday expenses? Don't go into debt for points.
• Do I stay at IHG hotels? IHG's family of brands is huge, from Holiday Inn to InterContinental and Kimpton [Link to IHG Brands Collection]. If you're not opposed to staying with them, you're golden.
• Is the $99 fee worth it after year one? The welcome bonus makes the first year a no-brainer. After that, the annual free night alone can easily be worth more than the $99 fee. For most travelers, the answer is a clear yes.
• Am I eligible? Chase has rules about how often you can get a bonus [Link to Chase Card Agreement/Terms]. Generally, you can't get this if you currently have an IHG card or got a bonus for one in the last 24 months.

The Bottom Line

The IHG Premier Card's 5 Free Night offer is the real deal. It’s a straightforward, high-value bonus on a card that provides excellent long-term perks. If you can meet the spend responsibly and have travel plans in your future, this is one of the smartest moves you can make for your wallet right now.