Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIHG One Rewards points and elite status use different rules: hotel stays and some partner activity can earn points, but only Elite Qualifying Points and qualifying nights count toward status. Elite tiers add bonus points and stay benefits, while Milestone Rewards are earned at qualifying-night thresholds and must be selected within 90 days.
How IHG One Rewards points are earned
IHG’s published base rates are generally 10 points per U.S. dollar, or local equivalent, at most participating hotel brands and 5 points per U.S. dollar at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. These are typical rates, not a guarantee for every property, rate, or charge; qualifying-stay rules and exceptions apply. See IHG’s membership terms and its points-earning page for applicable details. The earning page is the GB-market version, so check the page and terms for your own region.
Points in an account are not all treated alike for status. IHG classifies them as Elite Qualifying Points or Non-Elite Qualifying Points. Qualifying-rate hotel stay points, certain partner activity, IHG Bonus Points Packages, and some other activity may qualify. Ordinary promotional bonuses, elite tier bonus points, purchased or transferred points, and U.S. IHG credit-card purchases generally do not qualify unless a stated exception applies. IHG’s terms put it plainly: “Only Elite Qualifying Points count towards Elite status.”
IHG names Hertz rentals, OpenTable reservations, and Viator experiences as partner activities that can earn Elite Qualifying Points. By contrast, U.S. IHG credit-card purchases and Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to IHG are listed as Non-Elite Qualifying Points. Partner and card rules can change, so verify current eligibility before relying on an activity to advance status. Ineligible points may still add to a redeemable balance; they simply do not count as Elite Qualifying Points.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
How annual elite status qualification works
IHG measures qualification from January 1 through December 31 each year. A member qualifies through either the required Elite Qualifying Points or the required number of Elite Qualifying Nights, except Silver, which has a nights threshold only. Not every point earned is a qualifying point.
| Tier | Annual qualification | Tier bonus on base points | Examples of added benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Elite | 10 qualifying nights | 20% | Tier bonus points |
| Gold Elite | 20 qualifying nights or 40,000 Elite Qualifying Points | 40% | Tier bonus points and rollover nights |
| Platinum Elite | 40 qualifying nights or 60,000 Elite Qualifying Points | 60% | Rollover nights; subject-to-availability upgrades and early check-in |
| Diamond Elite | 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 Elite Qualifying Points | 100% | Rollover nights; subject-to-availability upgrades and early check-in; Diamond support |
Thresholds and bonus rates are from IHG’s membership terms and current U.S. benefits chart. The bonus is a percentage on top of base earnings, not a replacement for them. Benefit details, availability, and terms vary by hotel and geography; the chart is not a guarantee that an upgrade or early check-in will be available at a particular stay.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
- One room night per day counts. Booking multiple rooms for the same night does not multiply qualifying nights.
- Checkout date controls the year. A stay spanning December and January is assigned according to its checkout date.
- Reward Nights count. IHG lists Reward Nights as qualifying nights.
- Earned status carries forward. Status earned in a calendar year lasts through the end of the following calendar year, subject to requalification.
What the elite tiers add
Each tier increases the bonus points earned on eligible base points: 20% for Silver, 40% for Gold, 60% for Platinum, and 100% for Diamond. The higher tiers also add stay benefits. Gold and above can receive rollover nights; Platinum and Diamond may receive upgrades and early check-in subject to availability; Diamond includes Diamond support. Consult IHG’s benefits chart for the market-specific benefit terms, since hotel, country, and regional rules can differ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Milestone Rewards work
Milestone Rewards are earned based on Elite Qualifying Nights completed during the calendar year. The first milestone is 20 nights; further milestones occur every 10 nights through 100. IHG offers one choice at most thresholds and two choices at 40 and 70 nights. The available reward menu varies by threshold, so do not assume every type of reward is offered at every milestone. IHG’s current chart shows the choices for each threshold, including bonus-point options.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Complete the required number of Elite Qualifying Nights in the calendar year.
- Open your account on IHG’s website or app and select a reward for the milestone.
- Make the selection within 90 days of reaching that milestone. If you do not choose in time, the reward expires.
Selections are final. The Milestone tracker resets each January 1, and rollover nights can help with next year’s elite qualification but do not count toward Milestone Rewards. Promotional bonus-night credits may have separate terms governing whether they count toward status, milestones, or rollover; check the offer conditions rather than assuming they count in all three ways.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
How to avoid common qualification mistakes
- Check whether an activity earns Elite Qualifying Points, not merely whether it adds points to your account balance.
- Track qualifying nights and qualifying points separately; either route may be useful for a tier, but Milestone Rewards depend on qualifying nights.
- Use the checkout date to place a stay in the correct qualification year, and count no more than one room night per day.
- Review the Milestone tracker after reaching a threshold and make a choice before its 90-day window closes.
- Use the terms and benefits page for your market. The published earning page cited above is GB-specific, while the cited tier chart and terms are U.S. pages.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
