Easiest/cheapest way for gain ~4k points

[Daver6]

After some advice from those who are more knowledgeable about this program. I have just over 26k points and need to book one night at the IC at JNB airport. This seems like a good redemption given the cost for a room starting at $400+ per night.

30k points will get me a free night. I think I can points plus pay 25k points and $76. I suppose I could outright but the point shortfall of about 4k points but imagine that will cost more than $76.

Any other ways to earn a small amount of points or transfer from some other program? I have some points obviously with QF, VA, EY and Amex MR. Any ideas how getting some of those into IHG points?

Thanks

 

[serfty]

Points + Cash is generally the cheapest way to generate IHG points.

for 4K, book a cheaper hotel using this and then cancel for a refund of points plus the points you 'bought' - you don't get the $$ back.

Member Terms & Conditions

For example, booking a room with points+cash at a 20K point property will cost 15K points and USD40.

So you now have 11K (26K-15k) points and a booking.

Cancel that booking and you now have 31K points (11K + 20k). It has cost you USD$40 (~AUD56) to "buy" 5K points.

It's for this reason, I try to keep a minimum IHG club points balance of 15K.

 

[Daver6]

Brilliant. Actually looks like I should be able to "buy" the 5k points for only $30 USD using a cheap hotel in Bali.

 

[Daver6]

Follow up question. How long does it take for the "purchased" points to appear after cancelling the reservation? I noticed the base points were returned immediately so now just waiting on the 5k new points.

Edit: Well perhaps I haven't got the original 5k back yet. One part of the website shows my balance without it and another with. I'll just give it a few days.

Edit 2: And all points in my account now. So less than an hour. Happy days. Thanks to all.