This promotion looks better on paper than it actually is. Here’s why.
What the deal actually gives you
If you’re an IHG One Rewards member, you can sign up for the bonus and tell IHG to credit United MileagePlus miles instead of IHG points. Once that’s done, every dollar you spend on an IHG stay earns three times the normal United mileage – that works out to up to six United miles per $1, because United’s standard rate is two miles per $1.
How to lock it in
- Log in to your IHG One Rewards account (or create one for free).
- Visit the promotion registration page and opt‑in.
- In your IHG account settings, change the “Earn Preference” to United MileagePlus.
- Book any IHG stay – no minimum nights, no special rate needed – and complete it before 23:59 UTC on September 30 2026.
Why it might be worth your time
If United miles are your primary currency, this is a cheap way to bulk them up. Six United miles per dollar is roughly the same value you’d get from a 3‑point hotel stay, but without any extra cash outlay. For a $500 hotel bill, you’d pocket 3,000 United miles – enough for a domestic round‑trip in economy or a short‑haul business‑class ticket, depending on award pricing.
Where the promotion falls short
The trade‑off is obvious: you forgo IHG points, which can be redeemed for free nights at a wide range of hotels. If you’re chasing a free night at a high‑end property, those points might be more valuable than the United miles you earn. Also, the bonus only applies if you remember to switch the earning preference; miss that step and you’ll earn the default IHG points and lose the bonus.
Bottom line
For anyone who already plans to stay at IHG and prefers United miles, the promotion is a no‑brainer – register, set United as your preference, and watch the mileage stack up. If your goal is to collect IHG points for hotel rewards, stick with the standard earn rate and skip the hassle.