If you’re a member of IHG One Rewards, you’re probably familiar with their Points & Cash feature, which allows you to book award stays by combining points and money. But here’s something you might not know: this feature also provides a clever way to purchase IHG points quickly and effortlessly.
In this guide, I’ll explain how you can use Points & Cash bookings to buy points, when this trick might be advantageous, and a few tips to maximize its value.
You can access IHG’s page for Points & Cash here.
What Is the IHG Points & Cash Trick?
The Points & Cash feature gives you the flexibility to pay for award bookings using a mix of points and money. However, there’s a little-known advantage you can leverage.
Here’s the trick: When you cancel a Points & Cash reservation, IHG refunds the points you used, and the cash portion you paid is converted into points. Effectively, this means you’re purchasing IHG points by using this process strategically.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Book a Points & Cash Reservation
When making your booking, instead of using points for the entire cost, select the Points & Cash option. This reduces the number of points needed by adding a cash payment.
2. Cancel the Reservation
Once you cancel the reservation, IHG will refund the full points for the stay, while the cash portion gets converted into points. These additional points are credited back to your account.
3. How Points Are Credited
The points refunded to your account equal the original cost of the award stay in points. The formula works like this:
Full points required for the stay – points redeemed via Points & Cash = purchased points
Example: Breaking It Down
Let’s use a real-world example at the InterContinental Pattaya Resort:
- A full points booking costs 31,000 points per night.
- Alternatively, you can book using 6,000 points + $149 USD with Points & Cash.
Here’s what happens if you cancel the reservation:
- IHG refunds the full 31,000 points to your account.
- The $149 cash is converted into 25,000 points (the difference between 31,000 and the 6,000 points redeemed upfront).
This means you effectively “bought” 25,000 points for $149. The cost per point? 0.596 cents per point.
Is This Trick Cost-Effective?
In most situations, this method isn’t the cheapest way to buy points. Here’s why:
IHG frequently offers points purchase promotions featuring bonuses of up to 100% (e.g., buy one point, get one free). These promotions often reduce the effective cost to just 0.5 cents per point, which is cheaper than the rate with the Points & Cash trick.
However, the Points & Cash method still has its advantages in specific scenarios. Let’s explore when it might make sense to use it.
When Should You Use the Points & Cash Trick?
1. When You Need Points Immediately
Sometimes you need points for a redemption and can’t wait for one of IHG’s limited-time sales. In these cases, this method provides a reliable and quick solution to top up your account.
2. Convenience and Flexibility
This method is available year-round, so you don’t have to wait for a promotion. Additionally, you avoid restrictions on how many points you can buy within a year, as this trick isn’t subject to the same purchase limits.
3. Customizable Point Amounts
Unlike standard point purchase promotions (which often require you to buy points in fixed quantities), the Points & Cash method allows you to customize how many points you “buy” based on the gap between the points needed for a full booking and the partial points you redeem.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Points & Cash
Before using this method, consider the following strategies to maximize your value:
1. Compare Rates Across Properties
Each hotel sets its own Points & Cash pricing structure, so the cost per point can vary depending on the property and location. Compare multiple hotels to find options that let you buy points at a lower effective rate.
2. Choose Refundable Reservations
Always book refundable stays. If the booking isn’t refundable, you won’t be able to cancel it, and the cash portion won’t convert into points.
3. Check for Ongoing Promotions
Before using this trick, check if IHG is running a points purchase promotion. These sales often offer a better cost per point. Use the Points & Cash method only if you need points urgently or if a promotion isn’t available.
4. Know the Minimum Cost Per Point
The Points & Cash method is unlikely to be cheaper than 0.5 cents per point, which is typically the lowest rate during promotions. Use it only when speed and convenience outweigh cost considerations.
Final Thoughts: Is the Points & Cash Trick Worth It?
The Points & Cash method isn’t always the most cost-effective choice for buying IHG points. However, it’s a valuable tool to know about, especially for times when you need points quickly and don’t want to wait for a promotion.
For frequent IHG travelers, this trick is a convenient way to stretch your loyalty program benefits, providing a quick solution for last-minute redemptions or filling a gap in your points balance. However, if you’re not in a rush, it’s usually better to wait for IHG’s frequent bonus point sales, which almost always offer a better deal.
Whatever your travel plans, the Points & Cash method is a flexible option worth keeping in mind. With its convenience and versatility, it’s an excellent backup strategy to ensure you’re never stuck without enough points for your next getaway.
Terms and Conditions of Points & Cash
https://www.ihg.com/content/gb/en/customer-care/member-tc.html
- Points & Cash: IHG One Rewards Points & Cash enables you to redeem a combination of your existing Points, and Points purchased at the time of booking, to book a Reward Night. Points & Cash Reward Nights may be redeemed on the IHG Rewards website, the IHG App, or through IHG Customer Care.
- Points & Cash Points Purchase Amounts: Amounts required for purchasing the additional Points to book a Points & Cash Reward Night are subject to change at any time. You must use a valid, accepted credit card or approved payment method for Points purchases. Cash components of a Points & Cash Reward Night price that are viewed in currencies other than U.S. dollars will be adjusted, as needed, to reflect the U.S. dollar equivalent at the time of payment. All other Reward Night terms and conditions apply.
- Points & Cash Cancellations: Upon completion of the Points purchase to book a Points & Cash Reward Night, you agree that the total U.S. dollar amount will be immediately charged to the valid credit card or approved payment method you specified. The cost for the Points purchased is non-refundable. If the Reward Night is cancelled in accordance with Reward Nights terms and conditions and within the hotel’s cancellation policy, the purchased Points will be re-deposited into your IHG Rewards account.