IHG Points Transfer to Partners & Family Members

IHG One Rewards is a popular hotel loyalty program, that offers members the ability to earn and redeem points for hotel stays, experiences, and more. But did you know that you can also transfer IHG points to airlines, and other accounts, or even convert Chase points into IHG One Rewards? In this guide, we’ll explore all your options, including how to maximize your points for travel.

Can You Transfer IHG Points to Airlines?

Yes, IHG allows members to transfer IHG points to airline frequent flyer programs. 

IHG One Rewards boasts an impressive network of 37 airline partners, providing members with numerous opportunities to convert hotel points into frequent flyer miles. While each partnership has its own specific terms, the majority offer a transfer ratio of 5:1. This means that for every 5,000 IHG points transferred, you receive 1,000 airline miles. The minimum transfer for all programs is 10,000 IHG points.

37 Airlines That Accept IHG Points Transfers

Below is a comprehensive table detailing each IHG airline partners, the minimum transfer amount, and the respective transfer ratio:

Transfers typically process within 14 to 21 days, which is relatively swift compared to other hotel loyalty programs that may take up to two months for similar transactions.

Notably, while most partners adhere to the 5:1 transfer ratio, a few differ:

• 5:1 ratio: Converting 10,000 IHG points yields 2,000 United MileagePlus miles.
• 40:1 ratio: Converting 10,000 IHG points yields 250 Air Miles.
• 250:1 ratio: Converting 10,000 IHG points yields 40 EL AL Matmid points.
• 400:1 ratio: Converting 10,000 IHG points yields 25 Airpoints with Air New Zealand.

Before initiating a transfer, it’s essential to verify the current terms and conditions with both IHG and the respective airline, as transfer rates and processing times can change. Additionally, consider the potential value of airline miles versus hotel points to ensure the transfer aligns with your travel goals.

To transfer IHG points to airlines, you’ll need to log into your IHG One Rewards account, navigate to the “Transfer Points” section, and select your airline of choice. Keep in mind that transfers can take up to four weeks to process, and once converted, the points cannot be reversed.

Can You Transfer IHG Points to a Family Member?

Transferring IHG One Rewards points to family members is a convenient way to pool resources for shared travel experiences. While all members can transfer points, the associated fees and limits vary based on membership status.

Standard IHG One Rewards Members

For most IHG One Rewards members, transferring points incurs a fee of $5 per 1,000 points. Transfers must be made in 1,000-point increments, and both the sender’s and recipient’s accounts need to be active for at least 30 days. Additionally, there’s an annual cap of 500,000 points that can be transferred or received per calendar year. Given the cost, standard members might find this option less economical unless it’s essential to combine points for a specific redemption.

Diamond Elite Members and IHG Business Rewards Members

IHG offers enhanced benefits for its top-tier members:

• Diamond Elite Members: Achieving Diamond Elite status requires staying 70 qualifying nights or earning 120,000 qualifying points annually. Alternatively, spending $40,000 in a calendar year on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card also grants this status. Diamond Elite members can transfer up to 500,000 points per calendar year to other IHG accounts without incurring any fees. Transfers are still subject to the 1,000-point increment requirement, and recipient accounts must be at least 30 days old. This benefit allows families to consolidate points more efficiently for group travel.
  
• IHG Business Rewards Members: Designed for individuals who frequently book accommodations or events on behalf of others, this program is free to join. Members earn 3 points per $1 spent on bookings. Business Rewards members can transfer up to 500,000 points annually without fees, under the same conditions as Diamond Elite members. This offers a strategic advantage for those managing group travel or corporate events, enabling them to share points seamlessly with family or colleagues.

How to Transfer IHG Points

1. Log into Your Account: Access your IHG One Rewards account online.
2. Navigate to Point Transfers: Find the “Transfer Points” section.
3. Enter Recipient Details: Provide the recipient’s IHG One Rewards member number and the number of points to transfer.
4. Confirm the Transfer: Review the details and confirm. Transfers are typically processed promptly, but it’s advisable to allow up to 24 hours.

By leveraging these transfer options, especially the fee-free benefits available to Diamond Elite and Business Rewards members, families can maximize their IHG One Reward points for memorable shared travel experiences.

How to Transfer IHG Points to Another Account for Free

While IHG charges a fee for direct transfers, there is a workaround: Points Pooling with an IHG One Rewards credit card.

If you and a family member both have an IHG credit card (such as the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card), you may be eligible to pool points for free. This feature isn’t widely advertised, but you can contact IHG customer support to check eligibility and process the transfer.

Chase Points Transfer to IHG: Is It Worth It?

Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to IHG at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Chase points convert into 1,000 IHG One Rewards points. This can be a good option if you need to top off your IHG account for a specific redemption, but it’s generally not the best use of Chase points.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed at a higher value with travel partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest, often yielding a better return per point. However, if you have an IHG stay in mind and need extra points, transferring from Chase could make sense.

To transfer Chase points to IHG:

1. Log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards account.
2. Select “Transfer to Travel Partners.”
3. Choose IHG One Rewards.
4. Enter the number of points you want to transfer (in 1,000-point increments).
5. Confirm and complete the transfer. Transfers are typically instant.

Maximizing IHG Points Transfers

While transferring IHG points to airlines or family members is possible, it’s usually best to redeem points for hotel stays rather than convert them into miles. Here are some tips for maximizing your IHG points:

• Use IHG’s 4th Night Free Benefit: If you hold an IHG co-branded credit card, you get every 4th night free when redeeming points for an award stay.
• Look for PointBreaks Deals: IHG occasionally offers deeply discounted award nights at select hotels.
• Book Stays During Promotions: IHG frequently offers promotions that provide bonus points for stays, which can make earning and using points more valuable.

Final Thoughts

IHG One Rewards provides flexibility when it comes to transferring points, whether to airline partners, family members, or even from Chase Ultimate Rewards. However, the best value is usually found by redeeming points for hotel stays rather than converting them to miles.

If you’re looking to maximize your IHG points, consider booking award stays with added perks like the 4th Night Free and keep an eye on promotions to get the most value out of your rewards.

Would you transfer IHG points to an airline or another account? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!