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IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card card art

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 Select is gone, but these cards do a similar job and are still accepting applications.

Chase Sapphire Reserve card art

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
Chase Sapphire Preferred card art

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
World of Hyatt Credit Card card art

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

Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.

Sign-Up Bonus (points)Spending Requirement ($)
037,50075,000112,500150,000$0$1,000$2,000$3,000$4,0002014-012016-012018-012020-012022-012024-012026-01Sign-Up BonusSpending Requirement ($)
ObservedOfferRequirementWhat changedEvidence
2017-12100,000$3,000 in 3 moBonus increased: 80,000 → 100,000 · Spend: $2,000 → $3,000Final offer before the Premier replaced it in 2018Archive record · no attached snapshot
2016-0580,000$2,000 in 3 moBonus increased: 60,000 → 80,000 · Spend: $1,000 → $2,000Archive record · no attached snapshot
2014-0260,000$1,000 in 3 moEarliest recordArchive record · no attached snapshot

Primary-source verification log

Append-only evidence ledger

Event-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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