Terms checked 2026-10-19
The flagship premium travel card, rebuilt in 2025 with a credit stack that can out-earn its fee.
100,000 pts bonus (≈$2,050)AF: $795Rating: 9.2/10
IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card
By Alex Compton · Last verified
A 49 dollar fee for a free night anywhere IHG flies its flag. Never again.
★ 8.9/10ChasepersonalIHG One Rewards Points
DiscontinuedBest for: The best annual-fee ROI ever offered
Welcome Bonus
None recorded
Last recorded offer
Spend Requirement
None recorded
Last recorded requirement
Annual Fee
$49
Last recorded · No FTF
Credit Score
700+
(Good-Excellent)
Common Questions
Is the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card discontinued?
Yes. Discontinued. A 49 dollar fee for a free night anywhere IHG flies its flag. Never again.
What can I use instead of the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card?
The closest open alternatives we track are the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, World of Hyatt Credit Card. Each links to our full review with its current offer and complete breakdown.
Open Alternatives
The IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card is no longer open to new applicants. Compare these cards for a similar use.
Terms checked 2026-10-26
The best first travel card in the game. Full transfer partner access for $95.
75,000 pts bonus (≈$1,538)AF: $95Rating: 9.0/10
Terms checked 2026-10-26
The only hotel card whose free night reliably beats the annual fee.
60,000 pts bonus (≈$1,020)AF: $95Rating: 8.8/10
Historical Offers Chart
Dated offer history for this discontinued product.
Sign-Up Bonus (points)Spending Requirement ($)
| Observed | Offer | Requirement | What changed | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-12 | 100,000 | $3,000 in 3 mo | Bonus increased: 80,000 → 100,000 · Spend: $2,000 → $3,000Final offer before the Premier replaced it in 2018 | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2016-05 | 80,000 | $2,000 in 3 mo | Bonus increased: 60,000 → 80,000 · Spend: $1,000 → $2,000 | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2014-02 | 60,000 | $1,000 in 3 mo | Earliest record | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
Primary-source verification log
Append-only evidence ledgerEvent-level primary-source attachments begin with the September 2026 verification system. Older records remain visible but are not retroactively presented as evidenced.
Historical record · spot an outdated offer? Report a correction above.
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Last Recorded Earning Rates
These terms are historical context and are not presented as current.
- 5xIHG hotels
- 2xGas stations, grocery stores and restaurants
- 1xEverything else
Last Recorded Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Last Recorded Benefits
Confirm availability and enrollment requirements with the issuer.
- ✦Anniversary free night honored at any IHG property worldwide, with no points cap for years
- ✦Automatic Platinum Elite status
- ✦10 percent rebate on points redemptions
Why it earns its spot
- +InterContinental Bora Bora for a 49 dollar annual fee was the best ROI in credit cards
- +Grandfathered holders kept the cheap fee long after new cards cost more
Where it costs you
- −Weak everyday earning outside IHG stays
- −The uncapped anniversary night was too good to survive
The Compound Verdict
The Select, descended from the old Priority Club card, charged 49 dollars a year and handed back an anniversary night valid at any IHG hotel on earth, top-tier InterContinentals included. Chase closed it to new applicants when the 89 dollar Premier launched in 2018, and the replacement's capped free night made the old card's value obvious in hindsight. Holders guard grandfathered accounts like heirlooms.
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