How to get IHG Diamond status in 2026 (after the credit card changes)
Updated
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite requires 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, and status earned in 2026 lasts until December 31, 2027. Reward nights count toward status. Faster routes are IHG's credit cards (night credits and spend thresholds, changed in IHG's 2026 card refresh), elite night credits to close a gap, and instant Diamond.
IHG's tiers
Club is the base level, then Silver (10 nights), Gold (20 nights or 40,000 points), Platinum (40 nights or 60,000 points) and Diamond (70 nights or 120,000 points). Status lasts through the end of the following year. Unusually, reward nights (paid with points) count toward status, and Gold members and above roll extra nights over toward next year's status count.
What Diamond gets you
A 100% points bonus, free breakfast for up to two at most brands, upgrades that can include standard suites at the hotel's discretion, early check-in and 2pm late checkout when available, a room guarantee when you book 72+ hours ahead, and a dedicated Diamond support line.
Milestone Rewards add choices every 10 nights from 20 to 100 nights, such as confirmable suite upgrades, food and drink rewards, or a lounge membership. Choose within 90 days. Rolled-over nights don't count toward Milestones.
IHG's 2026 credit card refresh
IHG refreshed its US cards in late 2026. The Premier card now gives Gold status (previously Platinum), 15 night credits a year, and spend thresholds to reach Platinum or Diamond. The business card keeps Platinum, with Diamond at $50,000 of spend from January 1, 2027. The no-fee card gives Silver and 5 night credits. Existing cardholders move to the new night credits from January 1, 2027, so 2026 earning still follows the old rules.
Status that comes from a card's spend threshold doesn't add nights, so it won't help Milestone Rewards.
Other routes
InterContinental Ambassador is a paid membership ($225 or 45,000 points a year) that includes IHG Platinum, not Diamond. IHG has no standing status match, only occasional targeted fast-track offers. From November 2026, stays paid through a group's master bill earn qualifying nights if your member number is on the reservation.
For a faster result, elite night credits add qualifying nights toward 70, and instant Diamond puts the tier on your account through December 31, 2027 with no stays.
FAQ
- How many nights for IHG Diamond?
- 70 qualifying nights or 120,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
- Do reward nights count toward IHG status?
- Yes, reward nights count toward qualifying nights.
- Which IHG card gets Diamond?
- Under the 2026 refresh, Diamond comes through spend thresholds on the Premier and business cards rather than automatically. Check the current card terms before applying.
- Does IHG offer a status match?
- Not a standing one; only occasional targeted fast-track offers.
- How long does IHG Diamond last?
- Through December 31 of the year after you earn it: 2026 Diamond lasts until December 31, 2027.
- Do rollover nights count toward Milestone Rewards?
- No. Rollover nights only count toward next year's status.