If you’re an IHG One Rewards member, you’re likely familiar with earning points through stays or promotions. But there’s another way to boost your points balance—and your elite status—called Bonus Points Packages.
This option lets you purchase additional points when booking a hotel stay, and unlike points bought directly through IHG’s sales channel, these count toward earning and maintaining elite status. Curious? Here’s everything you need to know about how they work, how to buy them, and whether they’re worth your money.
What Are Bonus Points Packages?
Bonus Points Packages are an add-on feature available during the booking process. When you choose a flexible rate (the one that doesn’t require a deposit), you can opt to buy extra points for your stay.
These points are awarded per night, and they’re special because they’re elite-qualifying. That means they help you climb the ranks to Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status—something regular purchased points can’t do. Plus, you can still redeem them for free nights or other rewards, just like base points earned from stays.
The packages typically come in four flavors: 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, or 5,000 points per night. The price depends on the hotel and the package you pick, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.
IHG seems to be downplaying the term “Bonus Points Packages” lately. You won’t find it prominently displayed on their website anymore, with only a few traces lingering in the Member Terms and Conditions.
Despite this, IHG maintains a dedicated page that outlines this points-buying option and confirms these points are elite-qualifying. For clarity, this article will continue to refer to them as Bonus Points Packages.
How to Purchase Bonus Points Packages?
Buying these points is straightforward, but there are a couple of catches to watch out for. Not every hotel offers them, and they’re usually tied to flexible rates. Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. Pick a Flexible Rate: When booking on IHG.com, select the rate that allows free cancellation and doesn’t require a deposit up front.
2. Navigate to “Add Extras”: After choosing your room, you’ll land on a page where you can customize your stay. Look for a section labeled “Get More Points.”
3. Choose Your Package: You’ll see options like 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, or 5,000 points per night, each with a listed price. Select the one that suits you.
4. Check the Per-Night Detail: The points apply to each night of your stay. For example, if you book three nights and pick the 5,000-point package, you’ll get 15,000 points total.
One thing to note: the pricing can be quirky. I’ve seen cases where 1,000 points and 2,000 points cost the same amount—obviously a glitch. Always review the numbers before confirming your booking to avoid overpaying.
Are Bonus Points Packages Worth It?
This is the big question, and the answer depends on two factors: the cost per point and the rate difference you’re paying to access them.
Cost Per Point
A good benchmark for IHG points is about 0.5 cents each. That’s the value you might expect when redeeming them for free nights. When evaluating a Bonus Points Package, divide the price by the number of points to see what you’re paying per point:
- Example 1: $16 for 5,000 points = $16 ÷ 5,000 = 0.32 cents per point. That’s a great deal.
- Example 2: $7 for 1,000 points = $7 ÷ 1,000 = 0.7 cents per point. Not so great.
If you’re paying less than 0.5 cents per point, it’s usually a solid value, especially since these points help with elite status. If it’s higher, you’ll need to weigh how much you care about reaching the next tier.
Flexible Rate Premium
Since Bonus Points Packages are only available with flexible rates, you might be paying more than you would for a non-refundable rate. For a $100-per-night hotel, this gap could be $20 or so. For pricier properties, it might be $50 or more. You’ll need to decide if the flexibility and extra points justify the difference.
A Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re chasing Diamond status, which requires 120,000 elite-qualifying points. You book a $100-per-night hotel for 20 nights and add the 5,000-point package for $16 per night. Here’s the breakdown:
- Base Points: $100 × 10 points per dollar × 20 nights = 20,000 points
- Bonus Points: 5,000 points × 20 nights = 100,000 points
- Total Points: 120,000 points (Diamond status achieved)
- Cost of Points: $16 × 20 = $320 (0.32 cents per point)
- Rate Difference: $20 extra per night × 20 nights = $400
Total additional cost: $320 (points) + $400 (rate difference) = $720. However, the $320 spent on points isn’t a sunk cost. These 100,000 points can be redeemed for free nights, often at a value of 0.5 cents per point or higher. The real expense to consider is the $400 rate difference, which is the premium you pay for the flexible rate to access the Bonus Points Package.
Is $400 worth it for Diamond status perks like suite upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and bonus points on future stays? That depends on how often you stay with IHG and how much you value those benefits.
When to Consider Buying Bonus Points Packages?
These packages shine in specific situations:
- You’re Near a Status Threshold: If you’re a few thousand points shy of the next tier, a small purchase could get you there without extra stays.
- You Prefer Flexible Rates: If you’re already booking the cancellable rate, adding points at a low cost per point is a bonus.
- Long Stays Are Planned: Multi-night bookings multiply the points earned, making it easier to hit status goals.
- The Price Is Right: A cost below 0.5 cents per point is a strong incentive, especially with the elite-qualifying perk.
On the other hand, if the points are expensive or the flexible rate is a big jump from the non-refundable one, you might want to skip it.
Final Takeaway
Bonus Points Packages are a handy way to boost your IHG One Rewards account while working toward elite status. They’re not always the cheapest option, but when the cost per point is low and you’re already opting for a flexible rate, they can be a smart move. Next time you’re booking an IHG stay, check the “Add Extras” page—you might find a deal that gets you closer to your next membership tier.