Over the years, the IHG credit card sign-up bonus has been a significant draw for frequent travelers seeking to maximize their rewards. The history of these bonuses has seen a variety of offers, some more generous than others, making it a strategic endeavor for cardholders to capitalize on the best opportunities. In this article, we delve into the IHG credit card sign-up bonus history, highlighting key moments and the impact they’ve had on the loyalty program landscape.
The first major sign-up bonus for the IHG credit card was introduced in 2013, offering cardholders a generous 100,000 point bonus after spending $1,000 within the first three months. This offer was particularly appealing to those looking to quickly accumulate points for an upcoming trip. However, as the years went on, the sign-up bonus structure began to evolve.
In 2016, IHG introduced a tiered bonus structure, offering 60,000 points for spending $1,000, 80,000 points for spending $2,000, and the coveted 100,000 points for spending $3,000 within the first three months. This new structure allowed cardholders to choose the offer that best suited their spending habits, while still providing a substantial bonus for those willing to commit to higher spending thresholds.
One of the most memorable sign-up bonuses in IHG credit card history occurred in 2018, when the card issuer offered a 125,000 point bonus for spending $3,000 within the first three months. This offer was a significant increase from the standard 100,000 point bonus, and it sparked a frenzy of applications from eager travelers. The high demand for the card led to a brief shortage of available cards, but ultimately, the issuer was able to meet the demand, and many cardholders successfully earned the bonus.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the travel industry, and with it, a shift in the IHG credit card sign-up bonus landscape. Many card issuers, including IHG, reduced the sign-up bonus amounts to reflect the uncertainty in the travel market. However, in a surprising turn of events, IHG actually increased the bonus for its premium card, offering a 100,000 point bonus for spending $5,000 within the first three months. This move was seen as a way to retain and attract high-value customers during these challenging times.
As we move forward, the IHG credit card sign-up bonus history continues to shape the loyalty program landscape. Cardholders must stay informed about the latest offers and be prepared to act quickly when a particularly lucrative bonus is introduced. By understanding the history of these bonuses, travelers can make more informed decisions about when and how to apply for the IHG credit card, ultimately maximizing their rewards and enhancing their travel experiences.
