If you’re an IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card holder, you may not know about a little-known perk, but one worth understanding – United Travel Bank Cash. If you have the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you’re eligible for $50 in United TravelBank cash every year.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what these IHG credits for United TravelBank are, how to use them, and smart ways to get the most out of this limited-time benefit.
How IHG Credit Cards Tie In
If you carry the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you’re eligible for $50 in United TravelBank cash every year. They expire after 6 months of issuance.
- $25 credited in early January (expires July 15)
- $25 credited in early July (expires January 15 of the next year)
These credits are automatic—but only after you register your United MileagePlus account at ihg.com/united. Once linked, you’ll begin receiving the deposits directly in your United TravelBank account.
Here are the steps:
- Visit ihg.com/united
2. Then submit your United MileagePlus number. That’s it! Once you register, it might take a couple of weeks to get your first credit. Make a note to use it up before it expires.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Credits
If $25 (or even $50) doesn’t seem like much, here are a few smart strategies to make the most of it:
1. Book During the Overlap Window
Between Jan 1–15 and Jul 1–15, both credits may be active. That gives you a rare chance to apply up to $50 in TravelBank cash at once.
2. Book a Cheap United Flight
Use the credit toward a low-cost domestic route. Even if the total is more than your credit, you’ll reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
3. Create a Future Flight Credit
Some travelers use a “book-and-cancel” method:
- Book a cheap flight using your TravelBank credit.
- Wait 24 hours.
- Cancel the flight to receive a Future Flight Credit, typically valid for a full year.
This trick turns a short-lived $25 benefit into longer-term value—especially useful if you’re not sure when you’ll fly next. However, you will need to use it within a year.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
While $25 every six months won’t get you far, it’s free money for those who fly United at least occasionally. For frequent travelers in United hub cities, it’s an easy way to chip away at flight costs.
If you’re not a regular United flyer, don’t let it go to waste—either combine it with another credit or convert it into a future flight credit while you can.
Need help finding the best way to use your IHG or United benefits? Drop your questions in the comments or subscribe for more travel tips.
