IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card Review: Worth the Annual Fee?

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card presents a compelling option for small business owners and frequent travelers who often stay with IHG hotels. With an annual fee of just $99, this card offers a range of benefits that can easily justify the cost if utilized effectively. However, for those who are not loyal to the IHG brand, it may be worth considering other options.

One of the standout features of the IHG Premier Business card is the automatic Platinum Elite status that cardholders enjoy as long as their account remains open. This status comes with a host of perks, including a 60% bonus on points earned from paid stays booked directly through IHG, room upgrades (subject to availability), and a welcome amenity of either points or a drink/snack. Additionally, cardholders receive a free night award on their cardmember anniversary, which can be worth up to 40,000 points, effectively covering the annual fee.

For new applicants, the IHG Premier Business card currently offers an attractive welcome bonus of up to 200,000 points. This includes 140,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months and an additional 60,000 points after spending $9,000 in the first six months. Based on TPG’s September 2025 valuations, this bonus could be worth as much as $1,000, making it one of the highest offers available for this card.

It’s important to note that applicants who have received a welcome bonus for this card within the past 24 months are not eligible for the current offer. Additionally, those looking to apply should ideally have a credit score of at least 670 to increase their chances of approval.

When evaluating the IHG Premier Business card, consider how frequently you will utilize its benefits. The free night award, combined with the ability to earn substantial points on IHG stays, can provide significant value. Cardholders earn 10 points per dollar spent at IHG properties, which, when combined with the 10 base points and the Platinum Elite bonus, totals 26 points per dollar. This translates to a potential return of 13% on spending at IHG hotels, based on TPG’s valuations.

For those who spend $20,000 annually on the card, there’s also the opportunity to earn an additional 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit, further enhancing the card’s value. However, outside of IHG stays, the earning potential is less impressive, with a return of 2.5% on bonus categories and only 1.5% on everyday purchases.

The IHG One Rewards program uses dynamic award pricing, meaning there is no fixed award chart. Free nights start at 5,000 points, but some properties can require as many as 120,000 points per night. Despite this variability, savvy travelers can maximize their points through strategic searches and by booking stays with a combination of points and cash.

Additionally, for stays of four nights or longer, cardholders benefit from a unique perk where the fourth night is free, effectively providing a 25% discount on longer stays. However, this benefit is only applicable to full award stays and may not be useful for those who typically book shorter visits.

When comparing the IHG Premier Business card to other hotel-branded business credit cards, it stands out for its low annual fee and the potential for valuable rewards for frequent IHG guests. Business owners who regularly utilize the card’s benefits can find it well worth the investment. However, those who do not frequently stay at IHG properties may want to explore more versatile business credit cards that offer broader rewards.

In conclusion, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a solid choice for small business owners who are loyal to IHG and can take full advantage of its benefits. With a $99 annual fee, a free night award, and a generous welcome bonus, the card can deliver significant value. However, if you find that you are not maximizing its perks or tend to stay at a variety of hotel brands, a more general business credit card might better suit your needs.

For those interested in applying, the IHG Premier Business card could be a valuable addition to your travel strategy, especially if you frequently stay at IHG properties.