IHG® Rewards Classic
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How we calculate effective rate →
The IHG® Rewards Classic from Chase earns up to 0.5% effective value on dining in Madeen's catalog snapshot. It has no annual fee.
- Top category
- Dining
- Effective value
- 0.5%
- Annual fee
- $0
Best for dining-heavy spend when you want to avoid an annual fee; confirm issuer terms before applying. Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 1x points.
What does the IHG Rewards Classic earn in each category?
Dining is the strongest category at 0.5% effective value (1x points at about 0.5 cents each). That dining rate ranks higher than about 0% of the 2,850 cards we track in that category. The five-category effective-rate table on this page shows how IHG Rewards Classic compares across dining, grocery, gas, travel, and other spend.
Dining is the strongest category at 0.5% effective value (1x points at about 0.5 cents each). That dining rate ranks higher than about 0% of the 2,850 cards we track in that category. The five-category effective-rate table on this page shows how IHG Rewards Classic compares across dining, grocery, gas, travel, and other spend.
| Category | Earn rate | Effective value |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Restaurants, cafes, takeout | 1x points | 0.5% Top category |
| Grocery Supermarkets and grocery stores | 1x points | 0.5% |
| Gas Gas stations and fuel | 1x points | 0.5% |
| Travel Flights, hotels, transit | 1x points | 0.5% |
| Other General everyday spend | 1x points | 0.5% |
Madeen values IHG One Rewards at about 0.5 cents each. Madeen compares every card using this cash-equivalent estimate while still showing the raw earn rate for context.
Who should get the IHG Rewards Classic?
The IHG Rewards Classic fits spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 1x points. Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 1x points.
IHG Rewards Classic fits spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 1x points. Madeen ranks its dining effective rate higher than about 0% of the catalog in that category. Compare it against cards you already carry with Madeen — no bank login required.
Best for spenders who put meaningful volume in dining and can earn 1x points.
Mostly a flat base earn card without strong category bonuses.
Best for dining-heavy spend when you want to avoid an annual fee; confirm issuer terms before applying.
Pros
- Strongest Madeen category is dining at about 0.5% effective (1x points).
- No annual fee in our catalog snapshot.
- No foreign transaction fee listed.
Cons
- IHG One Rewards value depends on how you redeem, not straight cash back.
Does the IHG Rewards Classic have an annual fee?
The IHG Rewards Classic has an annual fee of $0 and a foreign transaction fee of None. Confirm current fees on the issuer page before applying.
- Annual fee
- $0
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
Related encyclopedia topics
Common questions about the IHG Rewards Classic
Does the IHG Rewards Classic have an annual fee?
The IHG Rewards Classic carries an annual fee of $0 in Madeen's catalog snapshot. Issuer terms can change, so confirm the current fee on the issuer's site before you apply. Madeen does not predict approval or prequalification.
What category earns the most with the IHG Rewards Classic?
Dining is the strongest Madeen category for the IHG Rewards Classic at about 0.5% effective value, based on our catalog snapshot and standard point valuations. Other categories are listed in the effective-rate table on this page.
Does the IHG Rewards Classic charge foreign transaction fees?
The IHG Rewards Classic does not charge a foreign transaction fee in Madeen's catalog snapshot, which can make it stronger for purchases outside the U.S. Issuer terms still control international acceptance and other fees.
What credit score do you need for the IHG Rewards Classic?
Madeen's catalog lists a typical credit range of Excellent for the IHG Rewards Classic. Issuers decide approval using their own criteria; Madeen does not predict approval odds or prequalification.
How do you redeem rewards on the IHG Rewards Classic?
Rewards on the IHG Rewards Classic post as IHG One Rewards. Redemption value depends on how you use IHG One Rewards (statement credit, travel, transfers, or issuer portals). Madeen shows effective cash-equivalent rates using standard valuations.
How do I maximize rewards on the IHG Rewards Classic?
To maximize the IHG Rewards Classic, route dining and other bonus categories through this card when they match your spend, then compare it against cards you already carry with Madeen at checkout.
How does the IHG Rewards Classic compare to similar cards?
Compare the IHG Rewards Classic against Aeroplan Card (4.5% on Dining, $95 fee); AARP (3% on Dining, $0 fee); Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card (3% on Dining, $0 fee). Madeen ranks effective value by category and annual fee using the same catalog snapshot dated 2026-05-01.
| Card | Top category | Effective value | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
IHG Rewards Classic This card | Dining | 0.5% | $0 |
Chase | Dining | 4.5% | $95 |
Chase | Dining | 3% | $0 |
| Dining | 3% | $0 | |
| Dining | 3% | $0 |
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Chase and related product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Madeen is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Chase. Madeen is an independent credit-card comparison and education service. Issuer websites control current terms, fees, and eligibility.
Madeen compares cards you add to your wallet using published catalog rules — no bank login required. Issuer pages control current fees, caps, exclusions, and eligibility; Madeen does not issue cards, make approval decisions, or provide financial advice. Apply links are temporarily hidden on madeen.app. Affiliate disclosure