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Apologies for elementary question but I could not see this covered in the forum threads. I want to make an IHG booking in FLL in July but am trying to build up my points for a pricey redemption next year. My problem is that I am also waiting for an operation date that will mean 4-5 weeks out of action.
Am I right in thinking that if I use points + cash and need to cancel I will be refunded but entirely in points? Many thanks.
Yes, effectively points&cash involves buying the points at the offered price and then making a normal redemption, so you get points back. Check the redemption is actually cancellable before confirming, as on rare occasions they are not or the last date/time to cancel is not what you expect.
That is perfect John – huge thanks.
Do a dummy booking and take it to the payment screen. IHG make it really obvious when you do that the refund is in points.
Be careful though as P+C rates are not all equal. Do the maths for all the options you are offered.
Don’t do this too often or use it to buy too large a number of points.
IHG do monitor this book+buy+cancel method for building up balances and have taken exception to it in the past.
And as @davefl says above it’s not always the best rate for buying large number of points.
As above, it’s not a fixed rate so compare properties before booking. Price per point tends to vary from 0.4 to over 1p so it pays to carry out some research!
These are all extremely helpful, much appreciated responses. Thank you.
Just re-opening this with a quick question. How long do points credit your account post cancellation? Is it immediate in the same way as a pure points cancellation?
Also, any horror stories about IHG taking offence? Having typically had high IHG points balance I’ve largely emptied mine and need a quick way to earn some points. No 100% bonus offer I can see at the moment.
Like everything it can go wrong on occasions, but normally it’s immediate. Once you’ve paid and bought the points it’s a normal reward reservation.
They might start taking offence if you do it ‘too often’, but a one or two-off isn’t a problem.
Like everything it can go wrong on occasions, but normally it’s immediate. Once you’ve paid and bought the points it’s a normal reward reservation.
They might start taking offence if you do it ‘too often’, but a one or two-off isn’t a problem.
Thanks @AndrewT
Sometimes you get a bank error in your favour. The points don’t re-credit within 2 weeks, you complain to the Ambassador line, and then end up with a double credit. 🙂
As for points purchasing, it’s nearly July so there will be an offer coming along before you can blink.
Thanks @davefl. With the 15% discount at the moment they’re going quite cheap…
I found a HI near Atlanta once where the price to buy points was insanely low, something like £16 for 5k. Might have another look as I’m just into the new spend period for the Barclays upgrade voucher.
As @davefl says, there will no doubt be a new offer to buy along soon, though knowing my luck I won’t be targeted or I’ll only get the 80% bonus offer instead of 100%.
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