Purchasing IHG One Rewards points can be a strategic move for travelers looking to maximize their hotel stays, especially during promotions. Here’s an in-depth look at the process, benefits, and considerations when buying IHG points, along with a real-world example from the luxurious Kimpton Seafire in the Cayman Islands.

How to Purchase IHG Points

IHG One Rewards members can buy points directly through the IHG Points Purchase page. Points are sold in increments of 1,000, with standard pricing as follows:

• 1,000 to 10,000 points: 1.35 cents per point
• 11,000 to 25,000 points: 1.15 cents per point
• 26,000 to 150,000 points: 1 cent per point

However, IHG frequently offers promotions that significantly reduce the cost per point. For example, during a 100% bonus promotion, you can effectively purchase points at 0.5 cents each.

A Real-Life Example: The Kimpton Seafire

Let’s apply this to a luxury getaway at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in the Cayman Islands. A 1 King Essential North Sound View Room is currently priced at $662 per night, totaling $2,648 for a 4-night stay. Alternatively, you can book this room for 70,000 IHG points per night.

If you have an IHG credit card, you’ll unlock a 4th-night-free benefit on award bookings, requiring just 210,000 points for 4 nights. Now, let’s calculate the cost of buying points during a promotion:

• 100% Bonus Promotion:
  You’d need to purchase 105,000 points (which doubles to 210,000 with the bonus). The cost? Just $1,050, saving you $1,598 compared to the cash rate.
• 80% Bonus Promotion:
  You’d need to buy 117,000 points (which multiplies to ~210,000). The cost? Around $1,170, still saving you $1,400+.

Even without the 4th-night-free perk, buying points can still make sense. For a 4-night stay requiring 280,000 points, the cost would be $1,400 with the 100% bonus or $1,555 with the 80% bonus. Compared to the cash rate of $2,648, you’d still save over $1,000.

When Does It Make Sense to Buy?

Purchasing IHG points is most beneficial when:

1. Redeeming for High-Value Stays: Luxury properties like the Kimpton Seafire or the InterContinental Bora Bora charge premium cash rates but can be booked for a reasonable number of points.
2. Topping Off Your Account: If you’re close to having enough points for a redemption, buying the remaining points can be more economical than paying cash.
3. Leveraging Promotions: Taking advantage of point-purchase bonuses can cut the effective cost of points in half, making redemptions significantly cheaper than paying the cash rate.

Benefits of IHG Credit Cards

As mentioned previously, IHG co-branded credit cards, enhance the value of buying and using points:

• Fourth-Night-Free on Award Stays: A game-changing perk for point redemptions.
• Discount on Purchased Points: Cardholders receive a 20% discount on point purchases.
• Elite Status Boosts: Automatically earn elite status, providing perks like free upgrades and late checkout.

Important Considerations

Before purchasing points, consider the following:

• Point Expiration: Points expire after 12 months of inactivity for non-elite members (which the credit cards automatically give)
• Dynamic Award Pricing: IHG’s pricing varies with demand, so always compare cash rates to point requirements.
• Purchase Limits: You can typically buy up to 200,000 points per year, excluding bonuses.

Conclusion

Buying IHG points, especially during promotions, is a powerful strategy for accessing luxury travel at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re eyeing a stay at the stunning Kimpton Seafire or planning to top off your account for a high-value redemption, this approach can unlock incredible savings. By combining IHG point-purchase promotions with credit card benefits like the 4th-night-free, you can turn dream vacations into affordable realities.

So, if this deal sounds like the perfect fit for your next trip, act fast—IHG point promotions don’t last forever!