United Club vs IHG One Rewards Premier: Which Is Better In 2025?

IHG One Rewards Premier Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of why we like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

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• Cardholders automatically receive Platinum Elite status, unlocking valuable perks like room upgrades and late check-out.
• While the card carries an annual fee, it has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great companion for international travel.
• The annual Anniversary Free Night certificate, valid at properties costing up to 40,000 points, can easily offset the card's annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Receive a complimentary fourth night when you redeem points for a longer stay, a benefit that can be used multiple times a year.
• Accelerated points earning on IHG stays and bonus rewards on everyday purchases like travel, gas, and dining.
• Valuable travel benefits including a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and various travel insurance protections.

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Cons

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• The card comes with an annual fee and lacks some of the premium travel protections found on other top-tier travel cards.
• Reward points have limited transfer flexibility and deliver the best value when redeemed for stays within the IHG hotel network, which may not suit all travelers.

IHG One Rewards Premier vs United Club

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, United Club or IHG One Rewards Premier, comes down to your primary travel habits. One card is built for airline loyalists, while the other caters to those who frequent a specific hotel chain.

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• The United Club℠ Card: This is a premium airline credit card designed for frequent United Airlines flyers. It offers the most value to travelers who are loyal to United and want to enjoy premium airport experiences and travel perks.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: This is a hotel rewards credit card for travelers who regularly stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Its benefits are tailored to maximize rewards and provide elite status perks within the IHG ecosystem.

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Redemption

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United Club℠ Card: Miles earned with this card are primarily redeemed for flights with United and its partner airlines. You can also use them for seat upgrades, in-flight purchases, and other travel-related experiences.

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Points are redeemed for reward nights at IHG's vast portfolio of hotels and resorts. These points offer flexibility, allowing you to book stays without blackout dates.

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Travel Perks

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• Lounge Access: The United Club℠ Card comes with a full United Club membership, granting access to its lounges and participating Star Alliance partner lounges. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card does not offer airport lounge access; its benefits are focused on the hotel stay itself.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards are well-suited for international travel, as neither charges foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
• Elite Status & Priority Services: The United Club℠ Card provides Premier Access travel services, which include priority check-in, security screening where available, priority boarding, and baggage handling. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card automatically grants you IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, unlocking perks like complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, and welcome amenities.
• Baggage Allowance: Cardmembers of the United Club℠ Card get their first and second standard checked bags free for themselves and one companion on the same reservation when flying United. The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card does not include any airline baggage benefits.
• Travel Credits & Certificates: The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card provides an Anniversary Free Night certificate each year and offers a statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. The United Club℠ Card does not offer similar credits, instead concentrating its value on the premium airport experience.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For those looking to find the perfect card for their spending habits, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards using your own data.

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• Personalized Recommendations: Get matched with new credit cards that will earn you the most rewards based on your actual spending history.
• Test Drive Cards: Before you apply, you can test drive a credit card using your real spending data. This feature projects your potential annual rewards and net value for any card, all without a hard credit pull.
• Approval Odds Analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your chances of being approved for a card based on your credit report.
• Autofill at Checkout: When shopping online, Kudos can automatically fill in the best card from your wallet to maximize rewards for that specific purchase.
• Stack Rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points by shopping at partner stores through a feature called Kudos Boost.

Who Should Choose the United Club?

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The United Club℠ Infinite Card is primarily designed for frequent United Airlines flyers who want to significantly upgrade their travel day. Its most valuable perks, like complimentary United Club membership and free checked bags, directly offset the costs for those who travel with the airline multiple times per year. The card is also a strong contender for business travelers and anyone chasing MileagePlus elite status, as this in-depth analysis shows.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Premier?

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The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is tailor-made for travelers who regularly stay at IHG properties like Holiday Inn, InterContinental, and Kimpton. These cardholders can maximize value through perks such as automatic Platinum Elite status and a free fourth night on award stays. Ultimately, it's a strong choice for brand-loyal guests who can leverage the annual free night certificate and other hotel-specific benefits, as detailed in the official card information.

Alternatives to Consider

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If neither card in our United Club vs. IHG One Rewards Premier showdown feels like the right fit, your search isn't over. Several other top-tier travel cards offer compelling benefits that might better align with your needs.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most premium travel cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Make sure you can meet the welcome offer's spending requirement with your normal purchases.
• Have a goal for your rewards - Know how you plan to use the points or miles, especially with co-branded cards tied to a specific airline or hotel.

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Application Strategy

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• Be mindful of recently opened cards - Some issuers have restrictions based on your recent application history.
• Don't be afraid to call - If your application isn't immediately approved, you can call the issuer's reconsideration line.
• Look for elevated offers - Welcome offers can vary, so check different sources before applying.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which card is better for frequent United flyers?

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The United Club℠ Infinite Card is tailored for loyal United customers, offering premium benefits like United Club membership and free checked bags that directly enhance the flying experience.

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Which card offers better hotel benefits?

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The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is the clear winner for hotel stays, providing an annual free night award and automatic Platinum Elite status within the IHG program.

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Can I transfer points between United MileagePlus and IHG One Rewards?

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No, you cannot directly transfer points between United's MileagePlus program and the IHG One Rewards program. Each card earns points for its respective loyalty program.

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What are the annual fees for these cards?

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The annual fees for these cards are in different tiers; the United Club℠ Infinite Card has a premium fee reflecting its lounge access, while the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card's fee is more moderate.

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