UPDATED: The links in this post have been updated to direct to the new Mastercard edition since the Visa is no longer offering the bonus.
We are right at that point in the year where people are looking ahead to think about where they might want to go, what races they may want to do, what training program they are going to use for their next race, etc. Something else to think about at this time is what kind of credit card bonuses you can get to help you out with all of that (well, the travel part anyway!).
One of the most lucrative travel credit card bonuses around (and also one of the least talked about) is the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) Chase Visa card that gives 80,000 IHG points after spending only $1,000 in 3 months. That is a huge bonus to begin with but when you pair it with another incredible value, it grows substantially. Of course, I am talking about the IHG Point Break rates. These rates come out every few months for IHG hotels around the world and allow you to book nights at those hotels for a mere 5,000 points per night. That means that this credit card bonus would give you the point potential for 16 free nights.
Getting the Points – IHG Rewards Club Mastercard
application link – Chase IHG Rewards Club Mastercard – 80,000 points after spending $1,000 in 90 days (I do not receive a commission for this card) Note: This link takes you to a landing page without the terms of the bonus offer listed. There have been a few reports of new applicants confirming the bonus at 80K points. However, this is a new product (switch from Visa to Mastercard). For more info, see thisflyertalk link. If you feel more comfortable seeing the bonus offer spelled out, there is another offer that gives 60,000 points instead available here – I do not receive a commission for this either).
Card Features:
- Receive 80,000 points after spending $1,000 in 90 days
- $0 INTRODUCTORY ANNUAL FEE THE FIRST YEAR, THEN $49.
- 10% REBATE ON IHG REWARDS CLUB POINT REDEMPTIONS For example, if you redeem 30,000 points, you will receive 3,000 back!
- ANNUAL FREE NIGHT WORLDWIDE
- NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES
- PLATINUM ELITE STATUS As a IHG® Rewards Club credit cardmember, you qualify for an upgrade to IHG® Rewards Club Platinum Elite status for as long as you remain a cardmember.
Point Break List
The current list is due to expire January 31 so the new list will be coming out in a few weeks. Time to plan on getting some points for this year’s Point Break hotels. There will undoubtedly be hotels on the list that will work with future races. In fact, some of the hotels on the list may even help you to make a decision on your next race. Though you can book any of the hotels on the Point Break list through the dates of the list, most of the good hotels/dates are booked quickly. Having points in the bank is the best way to be ready. If you were to apply right now and are approved instantly, you will probably not see the points until the middle of next month or more near the end. But at least you will be ready should there still be rooms left or for the next Point Break list. So, now makes a great time to get the IHG Chase card and bank those 80K points!
