IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: A Complete Guide

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is a premium business credit card issued by Chase in collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Designed for business owners who frequently stay at IHG properties, this card offers a wealth of travel-related benefits and rewards. From earning IHG points on every purchase to unlocking exclusive hotel perks, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who want to enhance their business travel experience.

This guide explores everything you need to know about the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, including its key features, benefits, and the steps to apply for it.

Key Features of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

1. Welcome Bonus

One of the most attractive features of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is its welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn up to 140,000 bonus IHG One Rewards points after spending a specified amount on purchases in the first three months of account opening. This bonus can be used for free hotel stays, room upgrades, or even to purchase other rewards through the IHG One Rewards program.

The IHG points earned from the welcome bonus can be redeemed for stays at a variety of IHG properties, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. As a business owner, these points can significantly reduce travel expenses, especially during frequent business trips.

2. Earning IHG One Rewards Points

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card allows you to earn 10X points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and 5X points on purchases for office supplies, internet, phone services, and restaurants. For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1X point per dollar.

This rewards structure benefits business owners who frequently purchase office supplies, use communication services, or dine out for business purposes. With 10X points on IHG purchases, your business stays at hotels like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental hotels can quickly earn you points towards future stays or upgrades.

3. Automatic IHG One Rewards Elite Status

As a cardholder, you automatically receive Platinum Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program. This status offers several benefits, such as room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and bonus points on stays. Platinum Elite status also brings access to exclusive promotions and discounts, helping you save money and earn more rewards during your hotel stays.

In addition to Platinum Elite status, cardholders can enjoy benefits such as earning more points per stay and the ability to use points for room upgrades and other special services.

4. Annual Free Night Award

Cardholders can earn a free night award every year after spending a specified amount on the card. This is a great perk for those who frequently stay at IHG properties, as it allows you to enjoy a night at any IHG hotel without having to redeem points. This free night is valid for a stay at any IHG hotel with a standard room, making it a valuable benefit for both business and leisure travel.

5. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For business owners who travel internationally, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, which can save you significant amounts when making purchases abroad. This feature makes the card an excellent choice for frequent travelers, as you can use the card for business expenses without worrying about additional charges.

6. Employee Cards with No Additional Cost

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card allows you to issue employee cards at no extra charge. This is particularly beneficial for business owners who need to have multiple employees handle business expenses. All the points earned on employee cards will go toward the primary cardholder’s account, maximizing the points potential for the business.

7. Travel and Purchase Protection

The card comes with travel protection benefits to ensure that you’re covered in case of unexpected events. This includes trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and purchase protection for items bought with the card. These benefits can give you peace of mind when traveling for business or making important purchases for your company.

8. Annual Fee

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card comes with an annual fee of $99. While this fee is relatively low compared to other premium business credit cards, the benefits it offers, such as the free night award, bonus points, and travel protections, make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers and business owners.

9. Redeeming IHG Points

Points earned through the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can be redeemed in a variety of ways. You can use your points for:

  • Free hotel stays at any IHG hotel, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and more.
  • Room upgrades to a higher category room, including suites.
  • Airline miles through IHG’s airline mileage transfer program.
  • Gift cards, merchandise, and other experiences available in the IHG Rewards catalog.

Points are also flexible, meaning you can combine them with cash to book stays or use them for special promotions and events. The IHG One Rewards program offers great flexibility, allowing cardholders to choose how and when to use their points.

How to Apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying for the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, ensure that your business is eligible. To apply, your business must be a legal entity with a registered tax identification number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). You should also have a good to excellent credit score (typically 700 or higher), a steady income, and a history of responsible credit usage.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

To complete the application, you will need to provide personal and business information, including:

  • Business name and address
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Annual business revenue and number of employees
  • Tax filing status
  • Personal income and personal credit information

Step 3: Submit the Application

You can submit your application online through the Chase website. You will be prompted to provide the required information and agree to the card’s terms and conditions. Chase may also perform a credit check to evaluate your eligibility.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, Chase will review your business and personal financial details. If approved, you will be notified and your card will be sent to your business address. Most applicants will receive a decision within a few minutes, but in some cases, Chase may take additional time to process the application.

Step 5: Activate Your Card

Once you receive your card, you’ll need to activate it. You can do this by following the instructions that come with the card or by calling the customer service number on the back of the card.

Conclusion

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is an excellent choice for business owners who frequently stay at IHG properties. With its rich rewards structure, automatic Platinum Elite status, free night award, and travel protections, it offers substantial value for those who travel often for business. The card’s ability to earn points on both IHG stays and everyday business expenses makes it a powerful tool for maximizing rewards and minimizing travel costs.

If your business involves frequent travel or if you regularly stay at IHG hotels, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card could be an essential addition to your business’s financial tools. The application process is simple, and with the benefits it offers, it is well worth considering for your business’s travel needs.