My good friend and fellow blogger, Sean, texted me over the weekend asking my opinion on which hotel credit card that he should apply for. He was in the midst of applying for a new set of travel credit cards and was torn between the Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card and IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card and wanted my input.
Just a quick recap, here’s a quick glance of what the two offers look like side-by-side:
- Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card: 50,000 Marriott Rewards points after spending $1,000 within three months; one free night at any category 1-4 property upon account approval, $85 annual fee – waived the first year, annual free night at any category 1-5 property every year after your account anniversary date, no foreign transaction fees.
- IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, automatic free Platinum status, free annual night at any IHG property, $49 annual fee – waived the first year.
While they are both great hotel cards (Dad has even had one for over 20 years), between the two, without second thought, especially now, I told him to pick the IHG card for some very specific reasons:
Given the recent 2015 category changes that were just announced for Marriott (out of the 35-page PDF, the first 9 pages display the hotel properties that are decreasing in categories, and the rest are hotels moving up a category), it’s no secret that it was a devaluation of Marriott points and free-night certificates.
Even with all that aside, here’s why the IHG card trumps the Marriott card at moment, in my opinion:
- Annual free night with no category or property restrictions: This perk is hands-down the best thing about the card. After paying the annual fee each year, you’ll receive a certificate in your IHG each year that is good for a free night at ANY IHG property worldwide, even those with nightly rates of over $1,000. Hey – if all else fails, and I end up using my free night at a nearby Holiday Inn, I still make out like a bandit considering how low the annual fee is.
- One of the lowest annual fees out there: $49 annual fee, which is waived the first year, is a no-brainer to me (which is why this will always be a hotel credit card that is never leaving my wallet).
- High sign-up bonus: I applied for this card a few years ago when the highest public sign-up bonus was 80,000 points. The offer usually lingers at 60,000 points, which is still generous. To put redemption possibilities in perspective, that’s enough points to redeem for up to 12 free nights (if redeeming from the PointBreaks list). My favorite place to redeem my IHG points is at the Z Ocean Hotel in South Beach.
- IHG Platinum Status actually gets me perks: Usually mid-level hotel status is nothing to write home about, but I personally have nothing but good things to say about my experiences as an IHG Platinum. On all occasions, I’ve received a nice upgraded room, a great welcome amenity (such as a free bottle of wine), late check out, and free breakfast. Since being a card holder automatically grants me Platinum status, I don’t have to worry about re-qualifying through paid nights each year.
- PointBreaks: Though none of the PointBreak hotels work with my travel plans this time around, I love the fact that several times a year IHG makes it possible to book award nights at extremely discounted redemption-rates (only 5,000 points a night!). This is an extremely generous program perk, and I look forward to the list each time it is released.
- I love Kimpton: I’m going to leave off this post by repeating for the umpteenth time that I love Kimpton. With IHG’s recent acquisition of the Kimpton brand, I’m excited to see how details of the partnership will unfold. I love the idea that I will soon be able to possibly redeem IHG points at some of my favorite Kimpton properties. As of now, you could use proof of IHG Platinum status to ask for a reciprocity status match with Kimpton (and believe me, this brand does loyalty the right way).
What do you think? Do you agree with me that the IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card is a better choice?
Don’t forget the 10% points refund benefit when you burn points on rewards nights, good for up to 100,000 points a year. That makes reward stays 10% cheaper when holding this card!
I agree. I think the IHG card maybe the best hotel card period. Free night anywhere for $49. Its hard to top that.
With the addition of the Kimpton properties this is a wonderful deal.
And I’ve always received a welcome as a Platinum member no matter where the property(big cit, rural hamlet).
Very good program that we to which we stay loyal.
Good analysis, I agree that the IHG card is way better than the Marriott Card. Although I do think it’s worth pointing out that there’s a 70,000 point bonus available on the Marriott Card here: https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/marriottpremier/phdmoffer
Agree! In addition to the points you made, I also find that IHG has more availability. We often take road trips and the freeway exit hotels out west often do not include a Marriott brand, but usually do have IHG.
I’ve had the card for a while and have Ambassador status through points. I used to stay at a lot of Intercons, but in the past couple of years I’ve switched to SPG (gold or platinum depending on the year) and Hyatt (always Diamond). I can’t recall a single time I’ve been upgraded at an IHG hotel, and more often than not the “guaranteed” upgrade that comes with Ambassador status is mucked up somehow. The reason I keep renewing the Ambassador status is that even though most of the time it’s not done right, they’re always so gracious in fixing the situation. IHG is difficult for me because you really never know what you’re going to get when staying at a property you’ve never visited before.
I’ve had both cards for quite some time. I’m most happy with the IHG card; we do get a decent amount of upgrades with it, but these aren’t why I travel. The free night coupon is great, and compared to Marriott’s that is only good for 6 months (reports are you can call and get it extended, but why should I have to?), this is good anywhere and for a full year. Well worth the $49, even better when as a couple you have 2!
IHG hasn’t thrilled me. The only hotels in their chain I would choose are oversees. Kimpton though…
Hi, a year later and with the bonus sign ups in affect now do you still strongly favor IHG.
Do you like an airline card better than Delta with a 60k bonus and $1000 spend requirement.
Thanks