United Quest 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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This section breaks down the key reasons why the IHG One Rewards Traveler card stands out.

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• It's a great entry-level hotel card because it comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
• Cardholders receive automatic Silver Elite status in the IHG One Rewards program, plus a 20% discount when purchasing points.
• The break-even value is immediate, as the card's fourth-night-free benefit on award stays can easily save you money on your first eligible booking (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• New cardmembers can earn a substantial welcome bonus, providing a quick boost to their points balance.
• Points do not expire for cardmembers with an active account, a valuable perk for those who travel occasionally.
• The card includes basic travel and purchase protections and offers access to exclusive reward night sales.

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Cons

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• The card’s points have a lower value compared to premium travel cards, and redemption rates can be high at popular hotels.
• It provides only basic Silver Elite status, which comes with minimal perks and limited travel protection benefits.
• Resort fees may still apply on reward stays, meaning a “free” night might not be entirely free.

IHG One Rewards Traveler vs United Quest

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, United Quest or IHG One Rewards Traveler, depends entirely on your travel style and brand loyalty.

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• United Quest℠ Card - This card is designed for frequent United Airlines flyers who want to earn miles quickly and take advantage of premier travel benefits and protections.
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card - This card is a great fit for budget-conscious travelers and occasional IHG hotel guests looking to earn rewards on their stays and receive basic travel protections.

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Redemption

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United Quest℠ Card: Miles earned can be redeemed for flights with United and its airline partners, as well as for seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals through the United MileagePlus program.

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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Points can be redeemed for reward nights at thousands of IHG properties globally, with the flexibility to use a combination of points and cash for stays.

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Travel Perks

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• United Quest℠ Card:
  • Features no foreign transaction fees, making it a strong choice for international travel.
  • The travel ecosystem is built around the United MileagePlus program, allowing for flight redemptions on United and its partners, plus hotel and car rental bookings.
  • Does not include complimentary airport lounge access.
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card:
  • Incurs a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States.
  • Its ecosystem is focused on the IHG One Rewards program, with points redeemable for hotel stays across IHG's portfolio.
  • Does not offer airport lounge access as a benefit.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make an informed decision, you can use a tool like Kudos, which evaluates nearly 3,000 credit cards to provide personalized recommendations based on your unique spending habits.

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• Test Drive Feature: Before you apply, you can test drive a credit card to see personalized calculations of your potential earnings based on your actual spending data.
• Welcome Offer Guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Approval Odds Analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval chances based on your credit report.
• Kudos Kickstart+ Rewards: Unlock $100 in rewards when you add select approved cards to your Kudos Wallet.
• Kudos Boost: Earn additional rewards on top of your regular card rewards when shopping at participating stores.

Who Should Choose the United Quest?

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The United Quest℠ Card is tailor-made for frequent United Airlines flyers looking to elevate their travel experience. It's particularly beneficial for those who can maximize perks like up to two free checked bags and an annual United purchase credit, while also enjoying premium benefits such as priority boarding and potential upgrades. Additionally, MileagePlus members aiming to earn Premier status faster through spending will find this premium travel card a valuable tool in their wallet.

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's particularly valuable for budget-conscious travelers who can take advantage of the fourth-night-free benefit on reward stays, effectively stretching their points further. Overall, this no-annual-fee card serves as a perfect entry point for those new to hotel loyalty programs or anyone looking for basic travel protections.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our United Quest vs. IHG One Rewards Traveler comparison didn't seal the deal for you, don't worry. Plenty of other travel rewards cards might be a better fit for your wallet and travel style.

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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 travel cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Make sure you can meet the welcome offer's spending requirement organically.
• Understand the rewards - Know how you will use the points or miles you earn.

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Application Strategy

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• Know issuer-specific rules - Be mindful of policies like the Chase 5/24 rule that could affect your approval.
• Use a trusted platform - Applying through a rewards app can help you find the best available public offer.
• Consider reconsideration - If your application is not immediately approved, you can call the issuer to have it reviewed again.

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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Which card is better for frequent United flyers?

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The United Quest Card is specifically designed for United Airlines loyalists, offering benefits like free checked bags, flight credits, and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) to help you earn elite status.

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Which card offers better hotel benefits?

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card is the clear winner for hotel perks, providing automatic IHG elite status and a fourth-night-free reward on award stays at IHG properties worldwide.

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What are the annual fees for each card?

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The United Quest Card has a $250 annual fee, while the IHG One Rewards Traveler Card has no annual fee, making it a more accessible option for casual travelers.

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