IHG is currently running a promotion that lets some members buy points with a large bonus, effectively lowering the cost per point to around half a cent. That’s roughly in line with what IHG points are generally worth, which means this deal can make sense — but only in very specific situations.

This is not a “buy now, figure it out later” kind of offer.

Only Worth It If You Have a Redemption in Mind

Any time you’re thinking about buying hotel points, the golden rule is simple: always compare the points price to the cash price before booking.

If buying points helps you book a stay for less than paying cash, great. If not, skip it. There’s no advantage to stockpiling IHG points just because there’s a bonus.

How the Promotion Works (High Level)

The exact bonus and purchase limits vary by account, so you’ll need to log in to see your offer. Some members are targeted for a full bonus, while others may see something smaller.

In general:

• You usually need to buy a minimum number of points to trigger the bonus
• Buying fewer points without the bonus is much more expensive per point
• There is a cap on how many points you can buy per year
• Purchased points do not help you earn IHG elite status

The promotion is time-limited, so if you’re considering it, make sure your stay is actually bookable before purchasing anything.

A Few Important Things to Know

IHG sells points through a third-party processor, not directly as a hotel charge. That means your credit card won’t treat this as a hotel purchase, so you won’t earn bonus points for hotel spending.

If you do decide to buy points, use a card that earns well on everyday purchases rather than one that only bonuses travel or hotels.

Bottom Line

This promotion can be useful, but it’s not automatically a “good deal.” If you already know what you’re booking and the math works in your favor, buying points can save real money. If you’re buying points just because there’s a bonus, it’s usually better to walk away.