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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs IHG One Rewards Traveler: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Ideal for frequent travelers and diners who want to maximize rewards on travel and dining purchases.
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: A great option for occasional travelers who stay at IHG properties and want to earn hotel rewards without an annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® a standout choice for many travelers.
- The card offers strong rewards on everyday spending categories like dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.
- It comes packed with valuable travel protections, including trip cancellation insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
- The $95 annual fee is easily offset by using the $50 annual hotel credit and spending just $1,500 on dining each year (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Offers highly flexible points that can be transferred to a valuable list of airline and hotel partners.
- Includes a strong suite of travel insurance benefits, providing coverage for common travel mishaps.
- Earns bonus points on popular spending categories like dining and travel, and its wide acceptance makes it a practical choice for everyday use and trips abroad.
Cons
- Earning the card’s welcome bonus requires a significant spending commitment in the first few months.
- It doesn't include premium travel perks like airport lounge access.
- Strict application rules, like the Chase 5/24 rule, may prevent approval for some applicants.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a quick look at why the IHG One Rewards Traveler card stands out.
- With no annual fee, it's an accessible entry point into the IHG One Rewards program that also waives foreign transaction fees.
- The fourth-night-free benefit on award stays of four or more nights offers a clear path to maximizing your points.
- Because there is no annual fee to offset, any rewards you earn immediately translate into net positive value for you. (publisher-formulated estimate)
Pros
- Cardholders receive automatic Silver Elite status, unlocking basic perks within the IHG One Rewards program.
- Points don't expire for cardmembers, offering flexibility for occasional travelers.
- The card provides an upgrade path to the more premium IHG Premier card for those who want enhanced benefits in the future.
Cons
- The included Silver Elite status offers minimal perks, which may not be very noticeable.
- Points can have a lower value compared to other premium travel cards, and redemption rates at popular properties can be high.
- Travel protection benefits are limited, falling short of what's offered by more premium travel cards.
IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Categories
Deciding between a general travel card and a hotel-specific one can be tricky. To figure out which is better, Chase Sapphire Preferred or IHG One Rewards Traveler, it's important to look at what each card is designed for.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - This card is best for frequent travelers who want a strong, entry-level travel rewards card. It offers robust travel protections and flexible redemption options without a premium price tag.
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card - This hotel rewards card is ideal for occasional IHG guests and budget-conscious travelers who want to earn rewards without an annual fee. It's also a great entry point for those new to hotel rewards programs.
Redemption
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers significant flexibility, as its points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal or transferred to a wide array of airline and hotel loyalty programs. This versatility allows cardholders to book travel how they see fit.
On the other hand, rewards earned with the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card are redeemed within the IHG ecosystem. These points are primarily used for booking award nights at IHG properties worldwide.
Travel Perks
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - This card provides access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, a comprehensive platform for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals. It also features a valuable network of airline and hotel transfer partners. The card includes a suite of travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver, and it does not charge foreign transaction fees. However, it does not offer complimentary airport lounge access.
- IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card - The travel ecosystem for this card is focused entirely on IHG properties. Its standout perk is the ability to get a fourth night free on award stays of four or more nights. Cardholders also receive automatic IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status. This card does not charge foreign transaction fees but does not provide airport lounge access.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To make the decision easier, you can use a tool like Kudos, which evaluates nearly 3,000 credit cards to provide personalized, data-driven recommendations.
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Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred®?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want to earn significant rewards without committing to a premium annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for individuals who often book travel and dine out, as it offers high rewards rates in these categories. With robust travel protections and no foreign transaction fees, the card provides great value for both domestic and international trips, making it a top entry-level travel card.
Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler card is tailor-made for occasional IHG guests who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee, making it a great entry-level option. It's also a strong contender for budget-conscious travelers or anyone new to hotel loyalty programs who wants basic travel protections. As our IHG Traveler Card review points out, the card is especially useful for those who can take advantage of the fourth-night-free benefit on award stays.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card comparison didn't pinpoint the perfect card for your wallet, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent travel rewards cards that might be a better fit for your spending habits and travel goals.
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Tips for Application Success
Getting approved for a top travel card requires a bit of strategy. Here’s how to improve your chances of success.
Before You Apply:
- Check your credit score - Most premium travel cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
- Know your 5/24 status - Chase has an unofficial rule where applications are often denied if you've opened five or more new credit cards (from any bank) in the last 24 months.
- Plan your spending - Make sure you can naturally meet the spending requirement for the welcome offer within the specified timeframe without going into debt.
- Confirm your eligibility - Some cards are only available to residents of the United States and specific U.S. territories.
Application Strategy:
- Time your application - Applying right before a planned large purchase like a vacation or home project can help you meet the spending threshold faster.
- Consider your travel style - Decide if a flexible rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or a co-branded hotel card like the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card better suits your habits.
- Be patient with offers - Welcome offers can fluctuate. If you see a lower offer, it can sometimes pay to wait for a more elevated one to appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a general travel rewards card with flexible points, while the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is a co-branded hotel card focused on earning points specifically for stays at IHG properties. The Sapphire Preferred offers broader redemption options, whereas the IHG Traveler card provides brand-specific perks.
Can you transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to IHG?
Yes, IHG One Rewards is a travel partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards®, meaning you can transfer points earned with your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to your IHG account. This allows you to combine points from both cards for hotel redemptions.
Which card is better for earning hotel rewards?
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is designed to maximize rewards on spending at IHG hotels and resorts. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns flexible points that can be transferred to IHG or other hotel and airline partners, offering more versatility for your travel plans.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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