United Club vs IHG One Rewards Traveler: Which Is Better In 2025?

IHG One Rewards Traveler Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at what makes the IHG One Rewards Traveler card a compelling choice.

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• You can enjoy travel perks without worrying about an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
• Cardholders automatically receive Silver Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program, unlocking basic perks.
• The fourth-night-free benefit on reward stays can easily save you over $100 on a single trip (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• This card is an accessible entry point into travel rewards, as it comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• A valuable and unique perk is the fourth-night-free benefit on award stays, which you get when redeeming points for four or more consecutive nights.
• You automatically receive Silver Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program, and your points won’t expire as long as your account is active.

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Cons

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• The card’s automatic Silver Elite status offers minimal perks, and it lacks the comprehensive travel protections found on more premium cards.
• The value of IHG points can be lower compared to other travel rewards programs, and you may still have to pay resort fees on award stays.

IHG One Rewards Traveler vs United Club

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Categories

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So, which is better United Club or IHG One Rewards Traveler? The answer depends entirely on your travel style, as one card is built for airline loyalists while the other caters to hotel guests.

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• The United Club℠ Card is a premium airline card designed for frequent United Airlines flyers and business travelers who value airport lounge access and other travel perks.
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is a hotel rewards card best suited for occasional IHG hotel guests and budget-conscious travelers looking to earn rewards on hotel stays without the commitment of an annual fee.

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Redemption

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The United Club℠ Card: Miles earned with this card are primarily redeemed for flights with United and its partner airlines, as well as for seat upgrades and other travel-related purchases through the United MileagePlus program.

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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Points are redeemed for hotel stays across IHG's portfolio of brands, allowing cardholders to book free nights or receive discounts on their accommodations.

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Travel Perks

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• Airport Experience:The United Club℠ Card is built for comfort at the airport. It includes a full United Club membership, giving you access to their lounges worldwide. You'll also get priority check-in, security, and boarding, plus your first and second checked bags free for you and a companion on United flights. The IHG One Rewards Traveler card does not include these types of airline benefits.
• Hotel Stays:With the IHG One Rewards Traveler card, you receive automatic Silver Elite status and a valuable fourth-night-free perk on award stays of four nights or longer. The United Club℠ Card provides access to the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, which offers its own set of elite-like benefits such as room upgrades and property credits at participating high-end hotels.
• International Travel:If you travel abroad, the United Club℠ Card is the clear winner here, as it has no foreign transaction fees. The IHG One Rewards Traveler card does come with a foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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If you're looking for a more data-driven way to choose your next card, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your actual spending.

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• Test drive a credit card: The platform’s Test Drive feature lets you simulate potential earnings with different cards using your real spending data—before you apply and without a hard credit pull.
• Personalized recommendations: Kudos analyzes your spending to suggest the best options from nearly 3,000 credit cards, providing a more tailored comparison than most sites.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you get a card through Kudos and find a better public welcome offer within three months, the platform will match it.
• Approval odds analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval chances for a card based on your credit report.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your standard card rewards when shopping with partner merchants.

Who Should Choose the United Club?

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The United Club℠ Infinite Card is tailor-made for the die-hard United Airlines loyalist, particularly business travelers or frequent flyers who value comfort and convenience. Its main draw is the complimentary United Club membership, which provides access to a global network of lounges, alongside perks like free checked bags and priority airport services. Additionally, the card is a strategic tool for those chasing MileagePlus elite status, as it allows cardmembers to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) through spending.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Traveler?

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional IHG hotel guests who want to earn rewards without committing to an annual fee. It particularly suits budget-conscious travelers who can leverage perks like the fourth reward night free on longer stays and no foreign transaction fees. As our full review explains, it's a strong starting point for anyone new to hotel loyalty programs or those seeking basic travel protections for their trips.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our United Club vs IHG One Rewards Traveler comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the perfect fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other travel rewards cards on the market that might better suit your spending habits and travel goals.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most premium cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Make sure you can naturally meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer.
• Know the issuer's rules - Some card issuers have restrictions on how many cards you can open.

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Application Strategy

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• Align the card with your habits - Consider if your loyalty aligns with a specific brand, like the United Club℠ Card for frequent flyers.
• Evaluate the card's value proposition - Weigh the card's benefits against its annual fee to ensure it fits your budget and goals.
• Time your application strategically - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the welcome offer's spending requirement naturally.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the annual fees for the United Club℠ Infinite Card and the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card?

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The United Club℠ Infinite Card carries a premium annual fee that covers its extensive travel perks, including lounge access. Conversely, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is designed to be more accessible, typically featuring a low or even no annual fee.

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Can I earn rewards on everyday purchases with both cards?

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Yes, both cards offer points on all purchases, but their reward structures are optimized for brand loyalty. You'll find bonus categories tailored to travel and dining, with a base earning rate for all other non-bonus spending.

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Do these cards offer any travel protections?

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Both cards typically include a suite of travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and baggage delay reimbursement. The level of coverage and specific benefits will vary between the premium United card and the entry-level IHG card.

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