Chase's IHG Hotel Card
If you can use the annual 40,000-point free night and occasionally book 4-night award stays, this is an "easy keeper." Platinum Elite is automatic, and stacking card + member + status points makes paid IHG stays rack up fast.
If you never set foot in an IHG hotel, skip it. But for casual IHG guests who can aim one night per year at a solid property, the fee is tiny compared to the value.
| What It Is: | $50 per calendar year as two $25 United TravelBank deposits (Jan and Jul) after one-time registration. |
| How It Works: | Link your IHG and United accounts at ihg.com/united; deposits post to your MileagePlus TravelBank and are auto-applied when you choose TravelBank at checkout on United/United Express flights. |
| Gotchas: | Each $25 deposit expires fast (Jan deposit expires Jul 15; Jul deposit expires Jan 15). No transfers, no extensions, United-operated flights only. Registration required; allow up to ~2 weeks for first deposit. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Flyers who book at least one United ticket every six months. |
| Practical Value: | Real $50 if you fly United sometimes; $0 if you forget the short expiry. |
| What It Is: | Reimburses one application or renewal fee (up to $120) every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. |
| How It Works: | Pay the fee with the card; a statement credit posts automatically in 1–2 billing cycles. Can be used for you or someone else. |
| Gotchas: | One credit per four-year window; only fees paid direct to the official program sites/providers qualify. Government processing times vary. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Anyone who flies a few times a year and values shorter lines and quicker re-entry. |
| Practical Value: | Easy win; effectively free expedited screening for four years. |
| What It Is: | One-year DashPass membership when activated, plus $10 off one non-restaurant order per calendar quarter while enrolled. |
| How It Works: | Activate with this card in the DoorDash app; keep this card set as payment. The $10 appears in your wallet and auto-applies to a qualifying non-restaurant cart. |
| Gotchas: | Discount does not roll over; taxes/fees/tips still apply. Must activate by Dec 31, 2027. Product changes can forfeit eligibility. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | People who already use DoorDash for convenience/grocery/retail orders a few times a year. |
| Practical Value: | Small but easy savings; set a quarterly reminder or it's $0. |
| What It Is: | $100 statement credit plus 10,000 points after $20,000 in purchases in a calendar year. |
| How It Works: | Track calendar-year spend (Jan 1–Dec 31). After you cross $20,000, expect the credit and points within 6–8 weeks. |
| Gotchas: | Purchases that are cash-like or fees do not count; see exclusions. You must keep the account open and in good standing. |
| Who Actually Benefits: | Cardholders putting significant organic spend here or concentrating IHG hotel spend. |
| Practical Value: | Nice kicker if you already spend heavily; do not chase it. |
This is effectively what you are paying for this card. It is now up to you if the perks, protections, and earning rates are worth this fee to you over other cards.