I firmly believe that anyone who likes to travel at least once per year should have the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card, and here are five reasons why.
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IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card![]() |
$0 intro first year
$49 annual fee |
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening Read Review » |
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IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card |
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Read the FTG Review » |
1. A pretty killer signup bonus
The signup bonus for the IHG card can vary a bit, but right now it is a solid 80,000 IHG Points after spending only $1,000 within three months of account opening. 80,000 points is not only more than enough for one night at any IHG Hotel in the world, but if you stretch it by only booking PointBreaks hotels, you could get as many as 15 free nights out of the signup bonus.
2. You get a free night to use at any IHG property on your anniversary date
You heard that right. One free anniversary night certificate every year, and there are no restrictions on what hotels it can be used at. Most other hotel cards limit your free night certificate to lower category hotels, but with IHG you can book whatever hotel you want.
3. But there must be an annual fee? It’s only $49
You’re right, it isn’t really a “free night certificate” but the annual fee on this card is super low – only $49. Comparable hotel cards that offer a restricted free night usually also have a higher annual fee – $95 is common. A$49 annual fee for this card is an absolute steal.
4. Complimentary Platinum elite status
IHG doesn’t have the most valuable status levels out there—so don’t expect regular suite upgrades or Park Hyatt style breakfasts for free, but Platinum elite status will give you a pretty good boost on points earnings for paid stays. You’ll also have access to priority check-in.
5. They’re everywhere!
The thing that I love about IHG hotels is that I can pretty much count on them being anywhere, and they are very consistent. When I walk into a Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express, especially, I pretty much know what I’m going to get—and that’s nice sometimes.
Final Thoughts
The free night certificate alone makes this card worth hanging onto in my book, and in fact it is one of my oldest card accounts since getting into the points and miles hobby. I look forward to using my certificate every year either somewhere cool (like the InterContinental Boston) or convenient (like last year near New York La Guardia Airport). As long as you actually use your free night certificate every year, you will surely be coming out ahead of the annual fee of $49.
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[Image via IHG]


Delta® Reserve for Business
- Annual Fee: $450 fee
- Foreign Fees: No
- Card Type: Travel
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- Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after you spend $3,000 in purchases with your new Card in the first 3 months.†
- Earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and 15,000 bonus miles after you reach $30,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in the calendar year.
- Earn 2 Miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
- Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding and enjoy 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas.‡
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club® Access.‡
- Terms and limitations apply
- See Rates & Fees

Delta® Reserve for Business
- Annual Fee: $450 fee
- Foreign Fees: No
- Card Type: Travel
FTG Review | Reward Breakdown | Points Breakdown |
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Breakdown
Earn (pt.)
Spend
3 months
0
$3,000
Per dollar on eligible purchases with Delta Purchases
2.00
$1
All Purchases
1.00
$1
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