IHG Is Targeting Select Members with a Compelling Offer to Buy Elite Qualifying Points: What It Means for Travelers in 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- IHG is targeting select members with a compelling offer to buy elite qualifying points—ideal for travelers aiming to fast-track elite status.
- This offer can help you earn Platinum or Diamond Elite faster, unlocking better perks like suite upgrades, bonus points, and late checkout.
- It’s a time-limited offer available only to targeted members, so check your email or IHG account for eligibility.
- Best for frequent IHG hotel guests, luxury travelers, or digital nomads who rely on loyalty program benefits.
- Use this opportunity to enhance your travel experience with smarter travel planning and elite perks.
Table of Contents
- What Is IHG’s Elite Qualifying Points Offer?
- Should You Buy Elite Qualifying Points with IHG?
- How to Know If You’re Targeted
- Best Strategy to Use IHG’s Offer in 2025
- How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way
- FAQ: IHG Is Targeting Select Members with a Compelling Offer to Buy Elite Qualifying Points
What Is IHG’s Elite Qualifying Points Offer?
IHG Hotels & Resorts—home to brands like InterContinental, Kimpton, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza—is giving targeted members the option to purchase elite qualifying points. Unlike regular IHG points, these points specifically help you reach or retain elite status, like Platinum or Diamond Elite.
Why does it matter? Because moving up the status ladder in IHG One Rewards unlocks real perks:
- Room upgrades (including suites if available)
- Complimentary breakfast or welcome amenities
- Priority check-in, late check-out
- Bonus earning on paid stays
- Reward Night discounts and promotions
Normally, you’d earn elite qualifying points by staying at IHG hotels. But this targeted offer lets you bypass a few nights (or even entire trips) by purchasing the EQPs you need.
Here’s the catch: it’s invitation-only. If you’re eligible, you’ll find your personalized offer in your IHG account or email inbox.
Should You Buy Elite Qualifying Points with IHG?
Let’s get practical. Just because IHG is targeting select members with a compelling offer to buy elite qualifying points doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Here’s who benefits most:
Ideal for:
- Frequent IHG travelers: If you regularly stay at IHG properties, leveling up to Diamond could maximize your value with every stay.
- Luxury travelers: Perks like potential suite upgrades and 2x earnings can make high-end stays even more rewarding.
- Digital nomads & business travelers: Regular hotel stays mean more chances to enjoy enhanced status benefits year-round.
- Elite chasers: Nearing the next tier but missing a few stays? This could be the easiest way to cross the finish line.
Probably not worth it if:
- You rarely stay at IHG properties
- You’re not already close to reaching the next elite level
- You’re mainly redeeming points for free nights and don’t need the status perks
Pricing varies based on your account, but in some examples, travelers can buy 10,000 elite qualifying points for around $100–$200 USD.
Remember: You’re buying qualification—these points won’t pad your regular IHG points balance for redemptions.
How to Know If You’re Targeted
Unfortunately, not all IHG members can access this offer. That said, here are a few ways to check:
- Log into your IHG One Rewards account: Look under your promotions section.
- Check your email updates: Search for recent messages from IHG Rewards between November and December 2025.
- Follow trusted loyalty travel sites: For example, this report from The Points Guy covers the details of the promotion.
If you don’t see anything, you’re likely not targeted (this time). IHG may run similar offers in the future, so it’s worth keeping your profile active and clicking on promotional emails.
Best Strategy to Use IHG’s Offer in 2025
If you’re going to take advantage of this promotion, timing and location are everything. Here’s how smart travelers are making it work:
1. Align with Busy Travel Months
The beginning of the year or holiday periods are prime time for hotel stays. If you plan to travel in peak months, make your elite status work harder for you—perks like room upgrades and check-in priority are significantly more helpful during high-traffic periods.
2. Plan Bucket-List Staycations
Already have a trip planned? Consider turning it into an opportunity to cash in on your new elite perks. Booking a special weekend at an upscale Kimpton or InterContinental is a popular strategy among status chasers.
3. Stack This Offer with Other Promotions
IHG frequently runs promotions like double points or free night offers. Time your travel to overlap with these for maximum rewards.
4. Book with Flexibility
After reaching new status levels, browse luxurious IHG properties with flexible cancellation—you might find a deal worth jumping on via expedia.com or special hotel deals.
How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way
Here’s how to turn your elite status upgrade into real travel benefits:
- ✅ Check your IHG account for targeted offers
Not everyone is eligible—log in and confirm before planning around it.
- 🏨 Book key hotel stays post-status upgrade
Prioritize luxury or long-stay bookings after your status is updated to maximize value.
- 🔍 Compare flights on your travel dates
Use a trusted flight engine like Kiwi to snag deals and align with your hotel stays.
- 🧳 Add airport extras
Use your elite status with late checkout and arrival timing alongside a pre-booked airport transfer for smoother transitions.
- 💼 Sync status with business trips
If you travel often for work, use this elite upgrade to gain long-term travel perks throughout 2025.
- 🌍 Use reward nights strategically
Redeem points (not EQPs) for aspirational stays in dream destinations to get the most from your elite-level experience.
FAQ: IHG Is Targeting Select Members with a Compelling Offer to Buy Elite Qualifying Points
Q1: What are elite qualifying points?
Elite qualifying points (EQPs) are points that count toward your annual status within IHG One Rewards. They differ from redeemable points, which are used to book free stays.
Q2: How can I tell if I was selected for this offer?
Log into your IHG account and check the “Offers” section. Promotional emails from IHG will also notify you if you’re eligible.
Q3: What elite status levels can I reach with this?
You can use bought EQPs to reach tiers like Platinum Elite (generally around 40K EQPs) or Diamond Elite (typically 70K EQPs per year).
Q4: Will this help me get upgraded rooms or free breakfast?
Yes—these are perks tied to elite status. Especially at upscale IHG brands like InterContinental or Kimpton, elite status can lead to better rooms, amenities, and service.
Q5: Are the purchased EQPs refundable?
No. EQP purchases are typically final, so make sure you understand how close you are to leveling up—and that the perks justify the cost.
The bottom line? IHG is targeting select members with a compelling offer to buy elite qualifying points—and for the right traveler, it’s a boost worth grabbing. Whether you’re chasing upgrades, taking lifestyle trips, or just want smoother stays in 2025, this could be your loyalty program power move. Just be sure to plan it with care—and enjoy the perks that come with staying a step ahead.
