Buying hotel points speculatively is rarely a good financial decision. The standard cash price for points is usually far higher than the value you get when redeeming them. However, specific promotional periods can change this calculation entirely.
IHG One Rewards has launched its latest promotion, offering a 100% bonus on purchased points. This offer runs now through June 6, 2026.
If you are targeted for the full 100% bonus, this promotion drops the price per point to 0.5 cents.
This guide analyzes the math behind the offer, identifies the "pricing traps" to avoid, and helps you decide if this deal makes sense for your travel plans.
Key Details of the Current Offer
You can check your specific offer by clicking the button below:
IHG frequently runs sales, but the terms vary. Here is the breakdown of the current offer ending on June 6, 2026:
- Bonus: You can get up to a 100% bonus when buying points, but the offer might vary depending on the member.
- Minimum Purchase: You must buy at least 5,000 points to trigger the bonus.
- Purchase Limit: The standard annual cap is 200,000 points, but it has been temporarily increased to 300,000 points (pre-bonus) during this Offer Period.
- Refund Policy: Purchased points are non-refundable.
- Posting Time: It may take up to 72 hours for the points to appear in your account.
If you max out this promotion by purchasing 300,000 points, you will receive a 300,000 point bonus. This results in a total of 600,000 points for a cost of $3,000.
Terms and Conditions
This Offer is available for qualifying purchases of IHG One Rewards points made between 12:00 AM ET on May 18, 2026 and 11:59 PM ET on June 6, 2026 (“Offer Period”). Members will receive a bonus of 100% of the points purchased when they purchase a minimum 5,000 points purchase threshold on a per transaction basis.
There is a minimum points purchase threshold on a per transaction basis to be eligible for a bonus. The percentage bonus amount will show for eligible members when they log into their IHG One Rewards account. (Please click through to access the landing page for the Offer.)
The number of points a member may purchase, gift, or receive as a gift during the Offer Period is subject to annual limits under the IHG One Rewards Membership Terms and Conditions, which are available on www.ihg.com. Members may only purchase a maximum of up to 200,000 points during a calendar year, so the number of points a member can purchase will depend on how many points the member had already purchased during the same calendar year. However, during the Offer Period, members may purchase a maximum of up to 300,000 points. For example, if a member had previously purchased 50,000 points in 2026, then the member could only purchase up to a maximum of 250,000 points during the Offer Period and would be eligible to receive the applicable percentage of additional bonus points under this Offer based only on the amount of points purchased during the Offer Period.
Similar limits apply to gifting points and receiving points as a gift: Members may purchase a maximum of 300,000 points during the Offer Period only. Members may gift a maximum of 300,000 points or receive as a gift from another member a combined maximum of 300,000 points during the Offer Period only. Points that have been already purchased, gifted or received as a gift in 2025 are included in the 300,000 points limit. Outside of the Offer Period, if a member purchases points that exceed the 200,000 points threshold for 2026 then they cannot purchase points for the remainder of the calendar year.
Purchased points, as well as any bonus points awarded under this Offer, do not count towards IHG One Rewards Elite status. This is an exclusive, non-transferable offer for intended recipients only and may not be forwarded. Offer is subject to change and cannot be combined with any other offer. Price includes all fees but subject to applicable taxes. Purchased points are not refundable and are applicable toward all IHG One Rewards redemptions. Please allow up to 72 hours for points to post and appear in the recipient's account. All other IHG One Rewards Membership Terms and Conditions apply.
Doing the Math: The Cost Per Point
To determine if a points purchase is "worth it," you need to look at the Cost Per Point (CPP).
- Standard Rate: Buying points without a bonus typically costs between 1.0 and 1.35 cents per point.
- Promotional Rate: With the 100% bonus, the cost drops to 0.5 cents per point.
Buying at 0.5 cents is the benchmark for a good deal with IHG. Since this offer provides a 100% bonus (0.5 cents per point), you are getting the best historically available rate. This is generally the optimal time to stock up on points if you have upcoming travel plans.
It is important to note that IHG points are generally valued at 0.5 cents per point. Buying at this 0.5 cent promotional rate means you are acquiring points exactly at their fair market value. You create an opportunity to save money whenever you can redeem them for a value higher than 0.5 cents.
Important: Avoid the "Pricing Trap"
Not all bulk purchases yield the same rate. IHG uses a tiered pricing structure that can be confusing.
Do not buy between 23,000 and 25,000 points.
Due to the way IHG structures its price tiers, the cost per point is actually higher in this specific range compared to buying 26,000 points.
To ensure you are getting the optimal 0.5 cent rate, you generally need to purchase a minimum of 26,000 points in a single transaction. Always verify the final dollar amount divided by the total points before clicking "Buy."
When Should You Buy Points?
Just because the points are on sale does not mean you should buy them without a plan. There are two specific scenarios where buying points saves you significant money compared to paying cash rates.
Booking Luxury Properties
Luxury hotels often have high cash rates but reasonable points redemption caps.
- Example: The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa might cost $1,017 per night including taxes.
- Points Cost: The same room might be available for 70,000 points.
- The Savings: If you buy points at 0.5 cents, those 70,000 points cost you $350.
In this scenario, buying points instead of paying cash saves you over 65% on the exact same room. Similar value can often be found at high-end InterContinental properties in cities like London, New York, or resorts in the Maldives.
Utilizing the "Fourth Night Free" Benefit
If you hold an IHG One Rewards Premier or Traveler credit card, you have access to the "Fourth Night Free" benefit. When you book four consecutive award nights, you only pay for three.
This effectively reduces your purchase cost even further. If you buy points at 0.5 cents and use them for a four-night stay, your effective cost per point redeemed drops to approximately 0.375 cents. This is mathematically the cheapest way to stay at IHG properties.
The Risks and Downsides
Before you pull out your credit card, you must be aware of the limitations. This is not a risk-free investment.
- No Refund Policy: Once you buy the points, the transaction is final. You cannot return them if your trip gets cancelled.
- Dynamic Pricing: IHG does not use a fixed award chart. The number of points required for a hotel can change daily based on demand. A hotel that costs 40,000 points today could cost 60,000 points tomorrow.
- No Elite Status: Purchased points do not count toward earning elite status. They are strictly for redemption.
- Availability: Reward nights are subject to availability. Just because a room is available for cash does not guarantee it is available for points.
Frequently Asked Questions
IHG Buy Points Promotions History
| Start Date | End Date | Max Bonus | CPP | Max Amt | Targeted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/05/2026 | 06/06/2026 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 600,000 | Yes |
| 07/04/2026 | 30/04/2026 | 80% bonus | 0.56 | 360,000 | Yes |
| 25/02/2026 | 17/03/2026 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | Yes |
| 15/01/2026 | 05/02/2026 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | No |
| 10/11/2025 | 26/11/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | Yes |
| 20/10/2025 | 29/10/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 600,000 | No |
| 25/09/2025 | 11/10/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | Yes |
| 04/09/2025 | 13/09/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | No |
| 14/08/2025 | 28/08/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 600,000 | Yes |
| 24/07/2025 | 01/08/2025 | 80% bonus | 0.56 | 360,000 | No |
| 01/07/2025 | 17/07/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | Yes |
| 06/06/2025 | 13/06/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | No |
| 08/05/2025 | 22/05/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | Yes |
| 25/04/2025 | 03/05/2025 | 80% bonus | 0.56 | 360,000 | No |
| 13/03/2025 | 29/03/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | Yes |
| 20/02/2025 | 28/02/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | No |
| 16/01/2025 | 31/01/2025 | 100% bonus | 0.5 | 400,000 | Yes |
Bottom Line
Is this promotion worth it?
Yes, if: You have a specific, immediate redemption in mind where the math shows a clear saving over the cash rate, or if you are topping off your account for a "Fourth Night Free" booking.
No, if: You are buying speculatively with no travel plans. Devaluation is a constant risk in loyalty programs. Cash in your bank account is always more flexible than points in a loyalty account.
If you decide to proceed, check your account to ensure you are targeted for the full 100% bonus and remember to buy at least 26,000 points to secure the lowest rate.
All Comments (0)