Missing IHG One Rewards 5X Points from 2025 Cyber Sale?
Last month, IHG One Rewards launched one of its most aggressive flash deals yet—a 5X points offer for stays booked during the 1-2 December 2025 window and completed by 31 December 2025. This was a fantastic way to end the year, as the 5X multiplier applied to the base points earned, offering a massive 50 points per USD spent (before elite bonuses). However, as we move into January 2026, it appears that the points party has hit a snag for some. Several members, including myself, have noticed that these 5X bonus points have failed to post automatically. Even more concerning is the response from IHG One Rewards customer service when queried about the missing points.
Photo Credit: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
I recently stayed at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport on 30 December 2025 for one night, specifically to trigger the 5X points before the promotion ended. After waiting the standard period for points to reflect, I noticed that while the base points and elite bonuses had posted, the 5X promotional points were missing. Upon contacting IHG One Rewards, the initial response was that my stay was ineligible because the room was booked under a Cyber Sale rate which was heavily discounted.
This is, quite frankly, inaccurate.
According to the terms and conditions of the 5X points promotion, a Qualifying Stay is defined as a minimum 1-night stay booked under a Qualifying Rate with a total spend exceeding USD 30 (or local currency equivalent) per night.
The room rate that I paid for my stay was S$261.75++ (approximately USD 203) is well above the US$30 threshold. Furthermore, the Cyber Sale rate is an official IHG rate, and the promotion itself was designed to encourage bookings during that specific sale period.
If you are facing a similar situation where IHG claims your rate is too low or ineligible despite meeting the requirements, here is how to handle it:
Verify Your Booking Date: Ensure you booked on 1 December or 2 December 2025. Stays booked outside this 48-hour window only qualified for the standard Up to 3X points offer.
Check Your Receipt: Confirm that your room rate (excluding taxes and service charges) was above USD 30.
Reference the Specific Promotion: When speaking to agents, clarify that you are referring to the 5X Points Flash Sale and not just the general global promotion.
Escalate the Claim: If the initial agent gives you a scripted heavily discounted response, request a formal investigation. The Cyber Sale rates were explicitly eligible according to the marketing materials.The 5X points promotion was exceptionally generous, and for this stay, the difference in points is significant. It is worth the extra effort to ensure your account balance reflects what you earned.
If you stayed at an IHG property in December 2025 to take advantage of the massive 5X points flash deal, you might want to check your account balance. Some members are reporting that their bonus points have failed to post, with customer service citing ineligible rates despite the US$30 minimum spend being met.