Rewards & next steps

How to Apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Card

★Here's how to get the most from this card. Follow the steps below, then apply on the issuer's official site.

Applying for the IHG One Rewards Premier Card takes a few minutes online, but a little preparation improves your odds of approval and helps you get the most out of the welcome offer. Chase, the issuing bank, evaluates your credit history, income, and existing relationship with the bank as a whole — not just your credit score in isolation.

Before you start the application, it helps to know your current credit standing, have your income and housing information on hand, and understand what the currently listed welcome offer actually requires, since Chase adjusts these offers periodically and the number advertised on third-party blogs is not always the one you'll see on the official application page.

Step by step

1. Check where your credit stands: Review your current credit score and report before applying. This card is generally positioned for good-to-excellent credit, and knowing your standing helps you gauge realistic approval odds ahead of time.
2. Confirm the current welcome offer: Welcome bonuses on this card change over time and sometimes run elevated limited-time promotions. Check the offer listed on Chase's official application page rather than relying on a number you saw on a blog post, since older figures go stale quickly.
3. Gather your application information: Have your Social Security number, annual income, housing payment, and employment details ready. Chase also reviews your broader relationship with the bank, including other open Chase accounts, as part of the decision.
4. Apply through the official Chase page: Complete the application directly on Chase's IHG One Rewards Premier Card page to make sure you're seeing accurate, current terms rather than a stale offer from a third-party comparison site.
5. Register your benefits after approval: Once approved, register your card with your MileagePlus account to start receiving United TravelBank Cash, and note the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and anniversary free night dates so you don't let them go unused.

Tips & mistakes to avoid

• Register your card with your United MileagePlus account promptly after approval — the linked TravelBank Cash credit only starts accruing once you're registered.
• Plan your anniversary free night around a property priced near the 40,000-point ceiling to extract the most value from that single annual benefit.
• If you're pursuing multiple Chase travel cards, be aware that Chase's informal application patterns (including the commonly cited '5/24' rule) can affect approval odds, so time applications accordingly.
• Track your calendar-year spending if you're within reach of the $20,000 threshold — hitting it unlocks a statement credit and bonus points that are otherwise easy to miss.

FAQ

Does applying for the IHG One Rewards Premier Card trigger a hard credit inquiry?

Yes. Like any Chase credit card application, submitting an application results in a hard pull on your credit report, which can cause a small, temporary dip in your score.

How long does the application decision take?

Many applicants receive an instant decision online. Some applications go into manual review, which Chase says can take about 7 to 10 business days, especially if you have several recently opened accounts.

Can I apply if I already have another IHG or Chase travel card?

You can hold multiple Chase travel cards, but welcome bonus eligibility is restricted if you've received an IHG credit card bonus in the past roughly 24 months, and Chase's unwritten '5/24' pattern (no more than five new accounts across all issuers in 24 months) commonly affects approval odds for its travel cards.

Advertiser disclosure: general information only, not financial advice. We are an independent publisher, not a card issuer or lender. Confirm current terms on the issuer's official site.