Should you buy IHG points with a 80% bonus?

With over 5,000 IHG properties worldwide, you’re likely to find one that fits your needs when planning your next vacation. And your next vacation might be closer than you think, now that IHG is offering an 80% bonus, now through December 28th. This is a high bonus, but it’s not the best bonus IHG has ever offered. The deal and information can be accessed here. Let’s examine the math and see if this makes sense.

Normally, IHG points cost $13.50 to purchase 1,000 points (tax included), for a purchase price of 1.35 cent per point. That might seem cheap, but remember, IHG points are only worth about half a penny each, so at the normal rate, you’re paying almost triple the value. At the normal rate, it doesn’t…