Chase's 80% IHG Transfer Bonus: Check Chase Travel Before You Move Points

If you hold Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the 80% bonus on transfers to IHG One Rewards looks large. The useful decision is narrower than the headline. Transfer only after you have priced a specific IHG stay and checked what the same stay costs in Chase Travel. In at least one published comparison, the portal came out cheaper.

What the offer is

According to AwardWallet, Chase is adding an 80% bonus to Ultimate Rewards transfers to IHG One Rewards through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 3, 2026.

A transfer bonus means the hotel program deposits extra points beyond the normal conversion rate. AwardWallet notes that outside of promotions, Chase points move at a 1:1 ratio to some of its travel partners. AwardWallet lists the minimum transfer as 1,000 Chase points, which becomes 1,800 IHG points with the bonus.

Why a big bonus can still be a weak deal

The issue is what each point is worth. Redemption value is usually expressed in cents per point: the cash price of what you book divided by the points you use.

AwardWallet reports that its users have averaged 2.11¢ per point when redeeming Ultimate Rewards. By contrast, they averaged 0.69¢ per point on recent IHG redemptions. AwardWallet's own calculation puts the bonus at roughly 1.2¢ of value per Chase point transferred. That is better than the standard ratio but still below its Ultimate Rewards average. AwardWallet calls IHG one of Chase's least valuable transfer partners.

These figures are one site's user averages, not a guarantee. AwardWallet itself acknowledges that you may value the currencies differently.

The comparison that matters: Chase Travel

Chase Travel is Chase's booking portal. Points Boost is a portal feature that can price eligible bookings at up to 2¢ per point.

AwardWallet calculates that to match that 2¢ level, you would need to redeem IHG points for at least 1.11¢ each. It says that still requires above-average IHG redemptions.

AwardWallet also ran a worked example for a January 2027 stay, shown in the table below. In that search, Chase Travel needed fewer Chase points than the bonus transfer for a similar room.

For Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business holders, AwardWallet says the portal may need even fewer points, depending on room type and rate. It also says the reverse can happen: in some cases the transfer bonus comes out ahead. Which option wins depends on your Chase card and the value of the specific IHG redemption you plan.

When the transfer can make sense

AwardWallet's view is narrow. Unless you have a specific high-value IHG redemption in mind, other uses of Chase points generally do better.

Our inference, not a sourced finding: the bonus is easiest to justify in one situation. You already need a known number of IHG points for a stay you have priced, and Chase Travel cannot match that price for your card.

If you are simply trying to build an IHG balance, AwardWallet suggests an IHG credit card welcome bonus can be a better route. Check current card terms directly before deciding.

Limits of this guide

• The cents-per-point figures are AwardWallet's user averages. MileIntel did not measure them.
• The example prices come from one AwardWallet search for one stay. Award and portal prices change.
• AwardWallet compared a "similar" room, not an identical booking. Before choosing, check that the rate, room and inclusions are comparable.
• Confirm the bonus appears on Chase's transfer screen before you submit a transfer.