*Update: As 2 commenters have pointed out, you may be able to combine the 5,000 point Accelerate offer discussed below on top of the 10,000 point offer and get 10% of your redemption back if you have the IHG credit card. Net cost would be (32,000)(.9) – 10,000 – 5,000 = 13,800 points
I received a targeted email a little while ago from IHG offering me 10,000 points if I signed up for their Ambassador Status, normally costing $200 for 1 year. A similar offer appeared on my Accelerate promotions a while back, offering 5,000 points for signing up. But for such a small bonus, it didn’t make sense.
Buy Ambassador for 22,000 Points
What actually interested me in this new offer is that they will allow you to pay for you new status with 32,000 points instead of $200 cash. After receiving the 10,000 point bonus, the net cost is 22,000. Not bad if you have some Intercontinental stays coming up.
Ambassador Benefits Include:
- Guaranteed room upgrade
- 4pm late check-out
- Welcome amenity
- Complimentary weekend night certificate (free second night)
- Water replenished daily
- One free in-room movie per stay
One Mile at a Time also did a great piece on the difference between IHG Platinum and Ambassador.
There are also other property specific benefits that I won’t get into here. But for 22,000 points, this isn’t a terrible deal if you’re sitting on a ton of IHG currency. With a baby on the way, I don’t believe I’d get much use out of it this year, but if you hate putting cash down for status, it may not be a bad option.
Were you targeted with a similar offer?
They offered the 32,000 ambassador deal on the IHG Auction website for anyone who wanted it, but that auction closed on June 4. I’m guessing it will come back periodically there.
When I renewed my Ambassador status a few months ago, I got a similar offer. Renewing was 24,000 points, with 10,000 credit back. Since I have the IHG credit card, I actually got a 2,400 points rebate, since they give 10% back on IHG stays, and there do credit you the 10% back on Ambassador membership. Plus I got a 5,000 point rebate for the promotion going on at the time for one of my challenges. So effectively I renewed my Ambassador status for 6,600 points! A steal!
Wow, great deal! I too have the IHG card but wasn’t aware the 10% back counted toward Ambassador fees. Thanks for the info, Dale.
So I wonder if the 10,000 is in addition to the standard 5,000 points back benefit they give all Ambassadors??? Interesting.
If that were the case, it would make my decision a bit easier. You could always try it and call IHG if you don’t get the extra 5K. Good point, thanks for bringing it up.